Blake Books

The girl in this book Pilar is really an interesting character, to strongwhiled but with the kind of mind that makes her interesting and not spoiled. El Leon is really a great man, but also with his pride problems that get him and Pilar into a lot of drama twists. I found this novel to be not only a great reading, but also fun.

I am so enjoying reading through Jennifer Blake's backlist - especially those from the eighties and those that may have been originally written under the name of Patricia Maxwell. As well as I can surmise, Spanish Serenade was originally published in 1990 under Blake's name. These older romance novels of hers are definitely worth the search to find them.

Refugio, also known as El Leon (The Lion), is a nobleman turned into a Spanish Robin Hood of sorts. He is an outlaw who champions the underprivileged and leads a band of men to accomplish his kind acts that may be outside of the law. He is especially opposed to Don Estaban, his sworn enemy, who is responsible not only for stealing his family's wealth, but also the death of a family member. He is a dashing figure, multi-talented in weaponry, and the ladies love him. In the opening scene of Spanish Serenade, Refugio is coming to investigate a possible rescue of a damsel in distress, Pilar, Don Estaban's stepdaughter.

Pilar is a young lady in dire straits. Her mother had married Don Estaban years ago and he had treated her mother horribly and immediately sent Pilar to live at a convent. Pilar's mother has just died and Pilar suspects that her stepfather, Don Estaban, has murdered her. Pilar is a beauty who greatly fears her stepfather but is brave enough to attempt to escape her enforced confinement at his order. She sends a message to Refugio, El Leon, asking him to rescue her and in exchange for her rescue; she will give him her dowry.

Don Estaban is a really mean villain - just too mean for believability. He has told Pilar that he is returning her to the convent and will provide the church with a large sum of money to keep her there indefinitely. This money is the dowry that Pilar offers to Refugio. Refugio decides to help this damsel in distress and attacks the caravan escorting Pilar back to the convent. Inside the carriage which carries her and her lady's companion, sits the cache of gold which will be paid to the convent upon their arrival. Refugio and his band successfully take Pilar and the trunk of gold, leaving Don Estaban wounded on the road and swearing to get even with Refugio. When the outlaw band had attacked the caravan, Estaban had ordered his men to kill Pilar. For some incomprehensible reason, Refugio does not kill Estaban - only wounds him. Why he didn't is a mystery to me. As I indicated earlier, this is one very mean villain and does not deserve to live. Also, the trunk of gold has no gold - only a few pieces of silver.

The first portion of Spanish Serenade takes place in Spain. After several more despicable acts by Don Estaban, Refugio and his band, with Pilar, sail to America following Estaban to New Orleans. The latter half of the book takes place in Louisiana and Texas territory. It is an action filled book with many fun and dangerous pages. Refugio and his band remind you of Zorro and all have their moments. When Blake writes a book, you don't feel like you are reading a book about the leads with secondary characters used to fill out the story. You feel like you are reading a book about a family where many are involved equally. However, Refugio and Pilar's romance definitely does steer the bulk of the interaction.

Refugio and Pilar are romantic leads that are both very likable. He is really a man of honor and she is truly a kind-hearted lady. Although they both are definitely romantically interested in each other, they do not voice it often. Their romance is a slow build. Refugio is more vocal in his care of Pilar but she does not believe that he can ever be interested in her for the long haul. Besides there is always the possibility that Refugio will be captured and tried as a criminal. The sexual chemistry between Refugio and Pilar shoots off the page but the sensual scenes are rare and rate a 2.5 to a 3.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).

Spanish Serenade was a feel-good read with an enticing story line. Each time I picked it up to continue reading, I felt like I was picking up a comfortable companion that would provide me with gentle enjoyment. I have purchased many of Blake's older novels and anticipate relishing each one.

I began reading this informative biography, thinking it was probably just the typical filmography most books done on Tom Hanks are. The author has done a tremendous amount of research and, although I thought I was a well-informed fan, learned quite a few revelations. Anyone who loves Tom Hanks will be thrilled with this book and those who are only curious will also enjoy it.

David Gardner can write, and he does express the anguish in Hanks' life and the good times well - he misses out some of the extra-film things Hanks does - not only his choices of charity work, but his comic work on Saturday Night Live which should fill out the career of this rounded entertainer - he leaves out earlier films that i discovered elsewhere. so, if he is marking out the territory to be the only biographer who knows it all, he should include more of the career. (Why did he and first wife adopt when they had a son already? what is it about Hanks and his wife that lead them to do this? but none of that is mentioned.) Maybe he was blocked, but he has not been a good journalist in doing what is essentially a cut-and-paste job that is very selective. Hanks' brilliance as an entertainer is of a particular American brand, and, here i am, an American based in Europe, and I'd like to have read about that a little. so, this is disappointing finally.

The whispers you have heard for years are finally coming out, according to 'Kevin Fulton'. This guy went deep undercover & for what, Saving lives? No, massaging ego's if what you read is true. The book takes you along at a very good speed & is in essence, a very good book, a bit short, if I was to be cynical. There are not a lot of real surprises in this book, just confirmation that trust was weak on the ground & in some cases, confirmation that there were more than one enemy in this god forsaken war.

good read, it informs the reader just how corrupt the british system really is. a must read for any one that thinks the ira are terrorist.it will show you that the brits may be the real terrorist.you will leave feeling bad for the agent even if you are pro ira.

Well, it's funny, despite it's being a short book, it was too long.
It was very much like Mark Twain's joke about the sermon: he was listening to a sermon and thinking this is great, I'm going to give five dollars when the collection plate comes around. After a while, he thinks, well, maybe I'll just give a dollar. The sermon goes on longer. Finally, when the collection plate goes by, Twain steals a dollar out of it.
Chesterton starts off brilliantly, illuminating Blake - his poetic/artistic genius as well as his madness, seeming to capture the essence of the man in a few well constructed paragraphs. He had that extraordinary talent of being able to put into words sentiments you have never been quite able to articulate. But then he goes on. Inevitably, we must hear about the Catholic Church. And Western civilization generally. And oddly enough that discussion of where Blake is in relation to all that marginalized him. From that point of view, from a contribution to civilization point of view, Blake is no where. Fortunately, civilization is not a road we are paving with paving blocks consisting of people's life work. So, you may continue to admire him and love him, if you do.
It's certainly worth reading. As always, there is as much Chesterton as there is biographical subject. But this can be a relief after all the virtual non-entities who write so much biography and art history, prolific non-entities on all subjects! Still, he always gets tiresome, sooner or later.
Years ago I read his book on Dickens, which is superb. I wish that were re-published.

Chesterton was a Catholic. Blake was anything but a Catholic. Chesterton makes his case clear. Blake's obscurity rivals the alchemists. Both were British. Both, I think, were geniuses. And Chesterton would be the first to admit that Blake's genius was at a level worth writing books about.

Chesterton's views about Blake have been neglected for their audacity and controversy, ironic since Blake was neglected for the same reasons. But after having trudged through Blake scholarship for several years, I just ordered this book and read it twice through and marked it up constantly. Chesterton is a show-off with his cleverness, but he's a very good show-off, and he overflows with insight even if he can outrage with his assertions. So you may find this book maddening, or refreshing. But if you can follow his train of thought and precise-but-highly-developed vocabulary, you'll never find it boring. And I found it the most eye-opening of everything I've read on Blake so far, and by far.

Chesterton had what one of my students called a "healthy dose of common sense" and that when you read him "you're constantly replying, 'Oh, of course!'" Considering that Blake is on the opposite extreme and can confuse his most devoted readers, Chesterton bridges a gap. He also entertains and challenges. So if you care to hear an alternative view, this book is the alternative view worth hearing.

I was attracted to this book by its cover which is very prette. However, the real reason why I don't give this book 5 stars is..not all stories are excellent. The firt story, Piece of Dreams, by Jennifer blake is just OK.. It's my least favorite of all three. The plot is kind of a bit boring although I love the idea of one main character has an identical twin!. It's fun to have two of a kind. However, I found that conversation between characters was not really appealing to keep you going until the end. I ended up skipping to read the second story before coming back later. The second story, Liar's moon, is my most favorite. I considered this story is one of the best romantic novellas I've ever read. Kristin Hannah is capable of making an ordinary plot into an enchanting, fun-to-read story. It made me laugh and smile the whole time. Two main characters are so adorable.. And not only romantic true-love feeling you will feel while reading this story but unconditional family love as well. Excellent job on this one!!. The last story, A midsummer's day dream, is fine. Not so good but not so bad either. To me, time-travelling concept is fun. However, in my opinion, this story could be better if it's not a novellas but a real, nice, long novel. Feeling between two main characters is too superficial (although, in the book, it said that's 'true love'). I kind of feel that they're attracted to each other by only physical appearances. There're a lot of questions about some other characters need to be answered and the story ended by leaving many questions about Who, Why, How did those things happen??.. So although, by overall, it's not a superb book, I like it. At least, it's good for a 'stress-free' day!!

This book contains three tales of love and desire.

1st "Pieces of Dreams" by Jennifer Blake

In 1843, four bridesmaids gather together to stitch their best friend's wedding quilt. But instead of thinking of her shy groom, the bride turns her attention to his unruly twin brother...

It's a cute story!

2nd..."Liars Moon" by Kristin Hannah

A farm girl masquerades as a rich woman to win the heart of the man she corresponded with for years. But she can't help wondering what will happen when the truth turns her riches back into rags...

It's a sweet tale!

3rd..."A Midsummer Day's Dream" by Linda Lael Miller

A vintage dress-shop owner embarks on a passionate journey through time-and lands in a castle in medieval England, where a handsome duke awaits...

It's a charming saga!

If you're looking for an easy, fun and quick read, this is one you'll enjoy!

I thought this book was especially good for letting us know the real Michael Caine - his East London background, his dogged determination to succeed and his progression towards becoming an icon in the movie industry. The revelation about his unknown long lost brother was a surprise. Overall well worth reading.

Although this book is the "companion" to the Nova TV series it stands well on its own, in a conversational style. The book does a good job of introducing human ancestors, starting with Lucy - the female Australophitcus afarensis, that launched Dr. Johanson's career and fame. Perhaps what the book does best, is introduce the study of paleoanthropology and archeology by presenting both sides of topics. For example: did modern humans all came out of Africa or evolve in separate places throughout Europe and China?; when and why did hominids first walk on two legs (scavenger or hunter)?; are Neanderthal's our ancestors? He presents how studying anatomy helps understand the physical changes needed to walk on two feet and to give birth to a large brained baby. He also introduces the recent idea of "experimental archeology" that conducts trials on current landscapes or prey to see how early hominids may have lived. At the time of the book were the beginnings of studies with mitochondrial DNA. His conclusion about the birth of art, may be tentative, but should provoke interesting thoughts. If you can see the TV special, it also includes conveys a better feel of the conditions the archeologists are working under, and also vintage film of some of the finds.

A special man with a long career in the movies.This book is informative,but the reality he was type-casted as James Bond and never could destroy the monster he created.
The author should have spent more time with a history of growing up in Scotland with a hard knox life of growing up without the opportunities that were not available when growing up.
This man of great character makes us want to be better people in the world at large to be productive individuals with grit...

As a relatively "new" fan of the club, I figured I needed some more historical information on Arsenal FC. After reading "The Football Facts", I feel more well-informed on the all-time great players and managers of one of the most-celebrated sides in the world.

Gooners old and new should pick up this book and take in all of the records, stories, and season reviews.

This is a very informative book on the British prison system, written by Terry Smith, a rather infamous armed robber, active in the 1980's, imprisoned most of the 1990's. The title is a little misleading since most of the book concerns the author's prison time, but the stories are interesting nonetheless. I don't feel like I got an "inside look," at the psyche of an armed robber, but rather an autobiography of a life gone wrong and the redemptive power of education. It's also an excellent display of the importance of childhood upbringing.

Sometimes books of this nature are somewhat rough around the edges, but this one was very well-written and edited. It is a very enjoyable piece although, as an American, I struggled a little with some of the Cockney references.