Berry Books

I am sorry to say this, usually I rate dvs and books 4-5 stars cause I have bought very nice, fun and instructive items until I bought this book. I am not a professional drummer, but I am advanced, and there were many subjects I already knew about this. Anyway, it has many WRONG things!!! What made me buy this was the pretty neat title: The Drummer's Bible. Play from afr-cuban to Zydeco... screw this... thats the name of the book just to sell... but is not worth since this guys are wrong in many stuff.. DO NOT SPEND YOUR MONEY IN THIS BOOK... Many concepts are wrong!

NOTE: This is not a book for beginner drummers rather it is a book better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers who wish to expand their abilities outside of conventional genres and also maybe to brush up on those conventional genres.

That being said, this is a really fun book and the title is justified as it gives an overview of just about every thing you would ever need to possibly play on the drum set. Even the more obscure rhythms such as Middle-eastern, though you may never realistically be asked to play them for a gig, are still a blast to try to play and the odd rhythms help develop your mind to accept more syncopated rhythms.

A couple of useful appendixes in the back that aren't as advertised are the list of the 40 rudiments which is very handy for practice sessions, and a nice list of a few recordings from each of the styles of music listed in the book. The latter is not by any means definitive, but it gives a starting point for some more obscure styles of music that are very difficult to find any sort of reccomendations for.

The Drummer's Bible is the most informative, directive and comprehensive book on drumming styles I have ever found. Mick Berry and Jason Gianni have painstakingly researched every style; they explain each beat clearly and provide excellent examples. The price of this book is negligible when you consider the alternative cost of hours of private instruction. If you are happy being the average head-banger, no need to buy this book, but if you really want to be a drummer who can handle anything, this book is for you.

I've been drumming for about a year, taking lessons from Mick ,the author of this excellent book. I use this book every time I practice either as a reference, to learn new stuff, or to get new ideas. I love the background information on each section and feel the book helps to understand rhythm and drumming from a worldwide historical perspective. Each section teaches solid basics and some intermediate and advanced intermediate techniques. The real pearls are the included transcriptions of some famous drum grooves (e.g. James Brown, etc.) and the references to bands and players and styles. The notation, fonts, spacing, and general organization are outstanding, making the book very easy to read and use while playing. The accompanying CD's are excellent and crucial to be able to learn new techniques. I'll be using this book for years.

When I bought this book was because it has information about the "bomba¨ a rhythm from Puerto Rico. The whole information about the "bomba" is incorrect. Since the book has no footnotes I have no idea where the authors took the data. I read in French, André Pierre Ledru's second volume, the one about Puerto Rico, of his "Voyage aux îles de Ténériffe, la Trinité, St-Thomas, Ste-Croix et Porto-Rico, exécuté par ordre du gouvernement français, de septembre 1796 à juin 1798, Paris, 1810" and there is no a single mention of the word "bomba". The confusion was when in 1863, Julio de Vizcarrondo, a Puerto Rican living in Spain, translated the word "bamboula" the name of the drum for playing an African dance, as "bomba". But "bamboula" is a common word registered in the African languages in the American Continent, even in USA and France. I have not check in Portuguese, but most probably they have it, also. In Puerto Rican Spanish we have "bámbula".
Second, the dance Ledru saw was not in Aibonito. Aibonito is a town located in the mountains of Puerto Rico looking to the South, and mostly white "criollo" population. What Ledru says is that trying to go to Aibonito he got lost and ended up in a hacienda, close to the river and town of Loíza. Loíza is a black town founded by "libertos", that means former slaves. By the way, they also owned slaves. There he saw an African dance. He gives the name, also a common name, "calenda".
A friend of mine heard the example given in the CD for this music. He is an expertise of the "bomba" dance, he also makes "bomba" drums, and he told me that music is not "bomba".
The authors try to put almost every Caribbean music under Cuban music. What a bias! Cuba is neither the father nor the mother of Caribbean music.
If the book has so many inaccurate data as these, I wonder about the rest of the book.


Manuel Domenech

One of the most humane, intelligent, and far-reaching analyses of the impact of parenting on children I have ever read. On a par with Alice Miller's best work.

I think this is such an important book. I bought this book several years ago & loaned it to someone to never see it again. However, I decided I needed to buy it again because I feel as an early childhood professional it is a wonderful resource...and really makes one realize how crucial the early years are.

This book very clearly describes the effects of maternal drug use and early neglect/abuse on the child's brain, and later behavior. Very easy to read, includes case studies. Recommend for anyone who works with high risk families.

The objective of this book is to make readers aware of the importance of the first period of a child's life. The back cover refers to `startling new evidence' that violent behaviour is fundamentally linked to abuse and neglect in the first two years of life. But who is the intended audience?

My assumption is that the audience is policy makers and relevant professionals. While the book is relatively easy to read, it is not one that I would choose to give an intending parent. Which is not to say that intending parents shouldn't read it, just simply that by the time that parenthood is on the horizon there are many other more immediate issues to address.

This book was published in 1997. By reference to the life of`Jeffrey' a young murderer, the authors have set out to identify the key factors typifying the profile of a violent and impulsive but not premeditated murder. They do this by examining aspects of Jeffrey's life, drawing on current knowledge in child development, identifying possible contributory factors and, most importantly, identifying areas where intervention may assist.

This book covers more than the `nature versus nurture' debate that so many of us have participated in. It does not purport to have all of the answers, but it does do a good job of raising many of the issues. Parenting is hard work, and it is especially hard for those who have not had the benefit of good role models or practical support. If societies value their children, then we need to work together - across levels of government and professional divides - to support both the children and their parents or caregivers during this critical period. After all, not only is their future in our hands, our future is also in theirs.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

GFTN draws some frightening pictures and equally frightening conclusions. My attachment to this book is that it is essentially fact-based and scientific. I might not like the tale, but I believe the authors have done a good job at setting forth their case.
And, whether or not one agrees with the authors' methodology. conclusions or recommendations, one must read this book and understand its message.

I had never read any of Bertice Berry's works and I will definately be picking up others. When Love Calls You Better Answer, is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read. I also put it up there with Tina McElroy Ansa as well. Having your ancestors speak to you and guide is something that I believe all of us would like to have. This book takes you to another place and I hated it, when it ended. I kept wondering how or if Vernon and Douglas would hook up in another way other than being friends and I was not dissatisfied. I can't wait until I get Redemption Song.

Although this is an enjoyable book, I would not count it as Bertice Berry's best, because in my opinion, that honor goes to (1) Redemption Song and (2) The Haunting of Hip Hop. It is an easy read and has its good moments, as in when the title line comes up (which reminded me of the song by the same title).

Bertice Berry is one of my favorite authors and her fiction debut, "Redemption Song" is one of my favorite books. Therefore, I expect nothing but the best from her and she delivered with this wonderfully witty, inventive, and sage-filled book -- "When Love Calls You Better Answer." This tiny little book packs so much into its less than 200 pages that you're hard-pressed to fit into a comment box all of the wonderful things this book offers.

I very seldom read books twice, but had to because this book is the March reading selection of one of my book clubs. I appreciated the book even more the second go round and picked up some of the subtle nuances I missed during the first reading. Who doesn't want to know and have a friend or relative like Aunt Babe? She is everyone's mother, cousin, sister, wife, lover, friend, pastor, advisor, confidante, spirit-leader and guide all rolled into one. All of the characters are fully realized and developed. Even the minor characters have distinct personalities and contribute to the story. None of these characters are left-over, throw away characters.

Bertice's writing style is very similar to J. California Cooper's. Their writing has a very lyrical and rhythymic flow to it -- especially, the down-home vernacular often employed by their protagonists. Both writers also call on the appearance of the ancestors and use them in such unique and creative ways. Bertice is truly a gifted storyteller.

I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy it and may actually learn a little something about yourself and what it means to LOVE.

If you like this book, you'll probably also like "Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-Fix Remedy." Another great book in Bertice's growing catalog.

I started reading this novel and couldn't put it down. I finished it in a day. This is a must read for anyone who has given up on love.

My best friend, who lives in Virginia, called me as soon as she read this novel. She insisting that I find a copy of it and read it, as it reminded her of me. I found it on Amazon and in no time, it was delivered. Granted...it was from a library and not brand new, but I was pleased nonetheless.

Cajun Heat was one of the best books that I have read. It's easy reading. I enjoyed the storyline. I'm waiting for a sequel. Ms. Berry please just keep them coming.

This was my first book by Berry and enjoyed her writting style. I liked this story. Don't you just love reading about strong black women that can take care of themselves. The only thing that kept me from giving this one top ratings was that Josiah, in my opinion, was lacking something that I can not put my finger on! I guess the guy did not make me go gah-gah over him. But that's just me!(joke) Good Read!

I found the book Cajan Heat written by Charlene Berry very interesting. Most of all I enjoyed the part where Symone and Josiha met, it was like love at first sight. I thought they were a hot couple. I thought that DeClaude was an old miserable man he got what he deserved from Kelly Stokes he was really mean to Symone at first, who he thought he was degrading women.

the book was great. i felt as if i was in the characters shoes. the realationship was believable. i felt as if i could relate to both characters. cajun heat is the kind of book you find yourself finishing in a day or two because you can't put it down. i read it on the train on my lunch hour and at home, i also recommended it to several friends, they called and thanked me and gave this book high praise.

If you are looking for an easy, light read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Cajun Heat is the one. Detective Symone Rawlins travels to New Orleans to team up with FBI agent Josian La'Mon to capture a serial killer. Love at first sight occur when the two meet. This story is very captivating. The many twist and turns make for an excellent read. Congratulations to the author. Be Blessed.

As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.

I bought this book because many readers said that this is one of the "originals." Geoff is a former bouncer who has many insightful thoughts on fighting. The most important concepts in the book are on how to avoid fights. Secondly, the physiology of the "adrenal dump" is discussed at length. This was my favorite part, as I have a backround in medicine. The text is easy to read and understand. The fighting section is less useful, as martial arts are very difficult to learn from a book. Overall, I would highly recommend this book.

A great companion to the book by Peter Consterdine's "STREETWISE - A Manual for Self Defence". Like Streetwise it's a hefty tomb and packed with useful, effective and easy to learn self techniques THAT WORK!! Plenty of clear pictures too.

Geoff is one of the greats when it comes to Self Defence & personal protection, but what is SO GOOD in this book is that Geoff teaches you how to avoid situations that are likely to lead to a scrap, e.g. sections dealing with Awareness, profiles of Attackers & what they're looking for in a target therefore how to avoid being a target. How to deal with Fear & how to use it to your advantage.

A lot of the book is devoted to actual self defence techniques, striking, parts of the body & ground fighting too. Also, first aid & points on The Law & how it can protect you are also covered.

Geoff has had many years of experience learning & honing his skills on the streets and as a Doorman so is justly qualified to give out this kind of expert information. He is truly devoted to his methods and teaching and his passion for his skills comes out very well in this book.

IT's a REAL LIFE-SAVER!!

Geoff Thompson makes his mark not mainly in the presentation of practical techniques for self defense. Though he does that well (from his own educated point of view), I think that is not the most important point of this book. This book is intended to prepare the average person to deal with what by definition is a dangerous, uncomfortable meeting with people that one generally doesn't want to get to know. Though his book may scare off some readers in its graphic discussion of those who prey on normal people, getting right in one's mind about how things really are is an important step in doing something about one's personal safety in the street. Mental preparation is a major issue in personal defense, and is often overlooked by otherwise excellent authors. Thompson doesn't miss this key area. If you're serious about self defense, Thompsons work must be on your list!

The interviews with real life thugs are an invaluable resource for those interested in understanding the mentality of violent offenders. Many of us train martial arts or self defense but are often substantially removed from the lower life forms who lurk in our streets. This book provides useful insight into their world. Geoff Thompson does a commendable job in explaining the offender's side of violent crime and how to best defend ourselves from it, both physically and mentally.

This little book is something else to say the least. My sorority sister (AKA) gave it to me to read at least 6 years ago. I thought of the book last week and how funny it was but... couldn't remember the title. Tonight during dinner I asked her the name of the book and we just laughed and were tickled all over again. This book is a keeper. So delightfully written and entertaining with a very good message. I remember finishing it before my plane landed. Thanks Beatrice Berry.

I recently picked this up at the library. The 1st chapter really caught my attention and I thought "this is going to be a very entertaining & delightful read. However, as it went on I truly grew tired of it. At times my interest would peak and then Louella would start to ramble on and on to the point where my interest just faded. By the time I got to the last 2 chapters, I just skimmed them.

From the first line, I was hooked. To see the passion between Jim and Louella after so many years of marriage is inspiring. The story was phenomenal and unpredictable. I loved reading every word! I don't think I'vc ever laughed so hard while reading a book!

The first chapter of this book really got my attention. It seemed really graphic/descriptive. I chuckled out loud quite a bit. Then as I got into the meat of the book, it seemed to drag a bit. It wasn't as much of a page turner as it started out to be. It's not something I would buy, glad I didn't. Get it from the library.

Actually 4.5 stars. I am a white male, and I am part of a black book discussion group, here, near DC. I must really admit that I liked this book. I laughed, I cried, I was struck with awe. I salute Bertice Berry. She is very creative, and seems to really have found her niche in life. I salute her ability to indeed make profound thoughts belong to the experience of common people. For me the book dragged a little in the middle, but without a spy-like plot, you have to make allowances. I am not one for magic or fantasy in a book (or movie). However, the powers of Jim and Louella Johnson were not self-serving, but ministerial in nature. The book is incarnational, the divine touching the human, all for the purpose of healing and salvation. Though no one would call it a religious story, it is. You don't buy this work for bawdy, knock-down, steamy, Zane-like sex. You buy it if you want to change your life. This is my first whack at the fruit of Bertice Berry. I wish that she would point out to me a follow-up of hers just as good. davelupo@hotmail.com

I just returned from 3 weeks in the UK and think the reviews over sold this book. It was not at all the travel bible I expected. You know the comments about how weak the maps are? Well....... if it isn't on the map, it isn't in the book. This book is an excellent resource if you are looking for ideas on what to do with your time in Britain but if you know what you want to do and expect it to be in this book you will most likely be disappointed.

If you just want to see the standard tour stuff, you are better off looking up the visitor information center location for each major city you're visiting and heading straight for it when you arrive. You can book your city tours and attractions and get the best deals on city sanctioned accomodations from the visitor centers.

I had a car for half the time and used the rails the other half. This book did not have the detail for either modes of travel. I needed a little more detailed maps, local rail stations and how the underground connected with major hubs in the major cities. I did not even see anything on the Heathrow Express into the London Paddington Station. That is elemental info for getting into London from the airport.

This book is not bad, it just was not right for me and was not what I expected. I knew where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do and there was very little about those things in this book. They really tried to cover too much in a single volumne. They need to break England, Wales and Scotland into individual volumes.

I still recommend this book but don't rely on it to get you where you want to go and copy just the pages you need (including the area maps at the beginning of each section)instead of lugging the whole book all over Britain. I ended up leaving mine in a the hotel because it was just one heavy item too many.

You want a guidebook with a touch of attitude, Lonely Planet books are for you. They may lack some of the warmth and reach of other books, but they also cover things no one else touches. All the big name sites and attractions are here but so are some spots that most tourists never think of. Lonely Planet Great Britain is unique and I'd recommend it to anyone.

This is the third Lonely Planet travel book I've purchased, and as usual, it surpasses every other book. All the information is easy to understand, well organized, and relevant. Don't think it's going to include Ireland though, because it's actually part of the United Kingdom, not Great Britain.

This is an excellent guidebook. The only problem with it is the quality of the city maps, which are almost impossible to read. I saw an earlier edition in which they were in color and much better. They must have tried to save money in this edition by doing them in grayscale.

In planning a trip to Great Britain, I have purchased three travel books: Lonely Planet, Eyewitness and Frommer's. I would rank them in that order as far as helpfulness in planning our trip. Here are my reasons: I have found Lonely Planet's sections on "where to sleep" and "where to eat" are much more extensive, informative and include a wider variety in price ranges than the other two books. Also, they have more information on some of the smaller towns, that are off the beaten track. I enjoyed the wonderful photographs, maps and illustrations in the Eyewitness Guide to Great Britain and if you can afford two books, it is a great way to prepare for what you will see. However, since I only have room for one travel book in my small suitcase, I plan to take the Lonely Planet book with me on our upcoming trip.

Phoebe Fraunces is a young girl that is on a mission to help Genearal George Washinngton and findd is trying to kill him.Phoebe had to be a spy. So she had to work undercover.She was a maid for Mr. Washington.I love this book because it was very mysterous.

I liked this book alot! I had to read it for 5th grade so I thought it would stink, but it was really interesting.

A great book to include in a unit study or just read out loud to your children. It is filled with excitement and intrigue for children. There is a book two to Phoebe the Spy!

Phoebe the Spy is a great book. This is what happens: Phoebe's father asked Phoebe to be a spy and Phoebe said yes, she would do it. She was a brave girl. Phoebe is a wonderful spy. She helped save General Washington's life from Thomas Hickey. I likeed this book because it is a mystery book and I love mystery books.

This is an exciting and wonderful book, but the title character is not real. You can visit the Fraunces Tavern in NYC at Broad and Pearl Streets, and they will tell you that Sam never had a daughter named Phoebe. It is a great book to read, but they need to change the postscript in the back and let people know that the Fraunces family was not African-American, and Thomas Hickey was a traitor, not an assassin.

This book has a rhythm and flow to it, just as the whole culture of Hip Hop. Although the story is in many ways far-fetched, the textures and images Bertice weaves into the story are rich and imaginative. The flow begins with a compelling drama around the main character, Hip Hop Producer Freedom, whose lifework has been dyed with the colors of his neighborhood and family experiences. The shocking twist in the middle of the tale rendered me speechless for a second. I distinctly remembered closing the book and my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts before diving back in. The quest for answers and justice will keep readers riveted. Enjoy!

The Haunting of Hip-Hop is a well-written tale of how the past affects the future.

Berry does it again weaving the past and the present. The underlying presence of the African drum is interspersed throughout the novel. We are introduced to Freedom, a successful hip-hop producer who is intrigued by a brownstone in Harlem that people feared was haunted. Freedom directs his lawyer, Ava to purchase the house for him. Ava becomes reacquainted with an old friend, Charles, a real estate attorney. Ava and Charles encounter a gathering of ghosts all of whom are a mission to settle scores in order to rest in peace. How will the ghost find peace?

The novel is full of surprises and twists to keep the reader enthralled to the end.

Berry has done an excellent job with The Haunting of Hip-Hop. She has a unique way of tying the historical influences with a present day storyline. The theme of honoring our past is alive in the novel. I look forward to the next literary offering by Berry.

Reviewed by Robilyn
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

GOOD POINTS: The book did what the author intended for it to do: creep the readers out a lil'bit. I was going to sleep but peeking at the edge of my bed a couple times. I had to laugh it off though. This book gave us great vivid images, believable characters (to a certain extent), excellent storylines on the dead (especially the guy taken in slavery and the heartbroken woman), and overall a wonderful idea for a book.

WEAK POINTS: I have always been a fan of a first-person novel because in third-person omniscient stories, we sometimes get too wrapped up in the characters' views to pay attention to dialogue and reactions. Some authors have mastered the art of telling a third-person story without getting too involved in each character's emotions. Bertice Berry has not. This book did 75% telling and 25% showing. A minor example would be the part in the book when she explains that the producer would do anything to get the contract and didn't appreciate Freedom being late. She could've easily SHOWED him acting out this emotion by checking his watch with a disgruntled face or in dialogue. After awhile, it seemed like the author was explaining the story to us like we were children to dumb to figure it out. That was a major turn-off. The preaching at the end didn't help matters.
I also didn't understand how Charles could go from being so bourgeoise to tearing up greens all in the same day...that just didn't seem realistic to me.

Overall, I'm glad I bought it because the overall plot was outstanding, but the technique was annoying.

The Haunting of Hip Hop is a quick and captivating read. I finished it within a few hours and really enjoyed it. Again, in the same style of Redemption Song, Berry, intertwines the past and present masterfully. The essence of the story is that of the spirits of the past manifesting themselves out of the need tell their stories to the living in an effort ease the pain, bring peace, and resolve issues that plagued their lives. There are many lessons taught in this story, however, the focus is on the spirit, Ngozi, an African slave, and his desire to bring back the love, passion, and true unifying purpose that the drums of African once did in his beloved homeland. He feels that the drums/beats have been misused and corrupted and he must connect with super producer, Harry "Freedom" Hudson before its too late. There were some surprising twists in the plot as each of the supporting cast experiences their own awakenings. I was disappointed in some of the conclusions, but it was a great work nonetheless...highly recommended!

The Haunting of Hip Hop is a small but powerful little fictional book that reads like non-fiction.

Harry "Freedom" Hudson has the Midas touch and creates hip-hop success with every collaboration and production. One day he decides that he must have a certain house in an old Harlem neighborhood...although the house is old and run-down it seems to be calling his name. There are rumors that the house is haunted, however, Freedom isn't fazed and he requests that his lawyer, Ava Vercher, do research to purchase the house. Ava has heard about the house being haunted as well, so she decides to enlist the help of her childhood friend, Charles to go and check out the house. When Ava and Charles enter the house, they are unprepared for the group that meets them. Lo and behold, the house is truly haunted and ...these "spirit memories" include Ngozi, an African drummer whose life was brutally interrupted by slavery; Bella, a singer murdered by her white gangster lover; and Johnny, a boy who was killed by his father. Ngozi wants to pass down his beat--which contains the love that has gone out of rap music--to Freedom, while Bella just wants revenge. However, all of the spirits are waiting for Freedom to arrive so that they can take him under their wings.

The Haunting of Hip Hop was a fascinated and intriguing read. I sat down with this book on a rainy afternoon and became so engrossed by it that I was finished in a few hours. I enjoyed the symbolism of the drum and the tie to rap music. I liked how there was an ancestral tie to the present, and how the materialism and exploitive spirit of Rap was being haunted by the past. However, I was a little disappointed that after Freedom entered the house the pace of the story slowed down and sort of fizzled out. Additionally, I didn't like how Freedom's character transpired.

Overall, Haunting of Hip Hop is a fascinating and powerful little book from Bertice Berry. I recommend this book as well as Redemption Song for your reading pleasure.

I stand by my previous review of a Nora Roberts novel always hard to put down can't wait for her next book.

I enjoyed the book - I am a great fan of JD Robb and the other stories were a great compliment.

I must admit that I initially bought this book for the JD Robb short story about Eve and Roarke, two characters that I have come to love reading about,and if you are a lover of the "In Death series", you won't be disappointed. However, I am happy to say that I really enjoyed the other three short stories, all of which were by authors that I had never heard of, but am seriously considering seeking some of their other works, especially Susan Plunkett.

The first short story, "A Berry Merry Christmas", was probably not my favorite of the four, but I enjoyed it immensely. It was about a clumsy, yet good natured elf, named Holly, who is having trouble doing anything right. So imagine her delight when "Mr. C" (AKA Santa) gives her an opportunity to redeem herself by helping complete a seemingly easy task before Christmas, and she doesn't intend to fail and believes that even she is up for the challenge. Afterall, how hard could it be to bring happiness to a young orphan, who has lost everything in a fire, the result of faulty christmas lights (Natalie) and her lonely uncle, Drew? Will this holiday bring magic,joy and love to all?

In the "The Unexpected Gift" by Dee Holmes, a recently divorced woman, Sabrina, finds her ex-lover, bad boy Zach, in her yard, apparently suffering from a night of "fun". Will this holiday season find these lovers rediscovering each other, or will their fears prevent it?

What happens when an ex-lover returns to find out why you stopped loving him? In Susan Plunkett's "Christmas Promises", you find out what regret, pain and secrets can do to a relationship. After four years with no explanation, Jake feels that the least that Marne can do is talk with him and tell him why she broke her Christmas promise. While battling their own individual demons, they try to locate a traumatized young girl. Marne has to decide if her past will haunt her forever, or allow Jake back into her heart.

And finally, in JD Robb's Midnight in Death, Eve Dallas is being pulled away from the holiday festivites to locate a crazed killer who she once caught. What more can she handle after trying to find the perfect gift for a man who has everything and owns most of the planet, her sexy husband, Roarke. As usual, a serial killer in 2059 New York is not easy to find, especially if he is systematically destroying everyone who he feels is responsible for his incarceration. And wouldn't you know, he intends to save the best, Eve, for last.

I definately enjoyed these short stories and recommend them to anyone who wants something quick and entertaining to read.

I am an avid reader! I love mystery/thriller/romance/suspense, pretty much anything! I particularly like JD Robb, which is why I bought the book in the first place. While the story from her was short, I expected it so was not disappointed. The other stories were good too!

Like most reviewers I purchased this book for the JD Robb story, but found myself enjoying all the stories.
In the first story A Berry Merry Christmas you have a delightful tale about a Christmas Elf who is sent to help a single man raising his orphaned niece.
In the second story, The unexpected gift, you have a divorced mother and her 5 year old son. The son discovers what he thinks is the body of a dead man in their yard. Only the man is not dead and he is Sabrina's old boyfriend.
In the third story Christmas Promises we have two lovers reunited after several years as they work together to find a missing child.
In the fourth story, Midnight in Death we have the 8th book in the In Death series. Eve and Roarke's Christmas is interrupted when she has to find an escaped murderer. Things heat up as Dr. Mira is taken hostage.

All of these tales were great and my only complaint was that they weren't longer. A good book!