Bryant Books

"The goal of this wonderful book is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ,by drawing us closer to Him. Bryant and Cindy take us on a spiritual journey through the lives of family and friends,to experience God's grace, healing, love and His ever constant presence with us. With our eyes fixed on God we can experience joy in spite of sorrow and trials we may face. The stories gently remind us to turn to God to fill our every need. A truly inspirational writing for any age group or stage of life!

I plan to use this book as an encouragement to our students at the College Student Health Service where I work as a nurse. It will be great for our waiting room when students come in and are waiting to be seen"

Faith, hope, encouragement are essential to every human being; without these we at times could never face tomorrow or live today. Jesus did not promise us a perfect world, but He did promise us His strength to endure whatever life may bring our way.You know, in life there is an old saying about things it goes something like this, " You don't need it until you need it." I have often thought that about those who ignore God, just don't have time to know Him or just don't care to know Him. Troubles touch every humans life and for us who know Him we have an edge on those who don't. Remember, "You don't need HIM, until you need HIM," and in this life you will need HIM. Think about it. This book will help you do just that.
In this work, Experiencing the Great I Am, we are given 40- Faith-building stories from Christians who have tasted the pain of life in various forms and have encountered the Great I Am. Each story takes you along their personal experience that at times will not only show you that indeed God is ever present; but will put you on your knees in thankfulness that you have not lived their journey.
This book is a strong reminder of how fragile life can be; but it is also a stronger reminder of how faithful our God IS! The authors share their hearts with you, sometimes with raw emotion, but always at the end of the journey is the Great I Am!
If you need encouragement to know that God never leaves you, if you want a reminder of His love for you or if you just want to share stories of His ever present help in times of trouble, please read this book. A heart-warming work that will leave you smiling, looking up and whispering, "thank you," to a God who never leaves us and always loves us.

An important truth of following Christ is we do not look for adversity. Adversity will find us! In the pages of this book, Cindy and Bryant have compiled story after story of adversity's role in deepening His saints and God getting the ultimate glory. The ancients said `God is an ever-present help in time of trouble'. Thank you Bryant and Cindy for reminding me of the constant relevance of that promise.

I eagerly read each and every story with a sense of awe at what God can do. This book helps me to realise that God is there in the mist of our need and we can truly count on Him.

I don't usually read in the summer, but this book was an exception. I thought it was truly heart warming.

James C.
college student

When I first saw the sourcebooks for this game, I thought the playing-card based system would be too complicated. Once the Marshal and the Players have all the rules for combat down, the system goes down like a bottle of The Good Stuff, smooth and quick. The storyline is very imaginative and interesting, it makes it easy to keep your players captivated for many, many sessions and keep them coming back for more.

First, the setting:

The year is 1876, and the American Civil War is still going on. Why? Because on July 4th 1863, a group of Indians crossed over into the spirit world and opened the door for hostile being to move from thier world to ours. Our fear is their currency and they are on a spending spree. California fell into the ocean, revealing deposits of something called Ghost-rock. It burns practically forever (imagine that as a power source), but wails like a banshee as it does. With the renwed power of the Indian tribes and the loss of California, the USA and CSA are at a standoff against each other. meanwhile, the released spirits are wreaking havoc and the deaD RISE AGAIN. Some of these things you can't shoot; that's where it helps to know how to handle the cards. That is, you can cast magic with a deck of cards if you know the right moves. Sometimes having religion will give you some supernatural tricks to pull too. As a setting, DEADLANDS is just incredible and has a lot of fascinating stuff going on.

The mechanics: As an old AD&D player and then a Cthulhu player, I had trouble understanding the mechanics. After having looked at a White Wolf product for the first time, I now understand that the mechanics of DEADLANDS are the World of Darkness dice pool with some proto-D20 aspects and a card-playing gimmick attached.

I think the basic concept is that you have a dice pool based on either your skill OR your attribute. However, the die-type ranges from d4 to d12. Your attribute is determined by a card draw; the value of the card determines the die type and the suit determines your pool size. If you get an "ace" (best number on a die), you roll again and ADD the rolled to the base. Your best value counts in a dicecheck against a target number chosen by the GM (this sufficiently reminds me of a DC that I'm interested in the d20 version as well).You have wound levels that track your health and you use experience to buy up your dice pool. You have merits and flaws and taking more flaws gives points to start your character with. Sound familiar?

The card playing motif returns for initiative (you draw cards for actions in a turn and follow order) and magic (the strength of your effect dpends on the poker hand that you draw). You also get fate chips, which allow you to add dice to your dice pool. There are also some color plates that show an archetypical character; this was a big help in figuring out character creation goes.

Content: A lot of the book is spent on mechanics (about third). ANother third is 1-2 page descriptions of character "classes", including being undead. Unfortunately, these are very short with minimal information on anything (obviously, you should buy all the splatbooks). My big beef is the huckster (spellcaster). For the hex to work, there is a minimum poker hand that must be drawn. Usually this is 1 pair or higher. Frankly, it's not that easy to get a pair without extra cards. I believe that the power level was raised in future splats, but the huckster seemed somewhat ineffective of a character.

The last third is for the GM only and tells of the ssecrets of Deadlands. Overall, a good section.

So to summarize, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Good: very innovative concept, looks fun to play, great atmosphere. I like the fate chips (although I would make them more powerful; white rerolls one die, red choose a value for 1 die, blue allows a change of reality that is small, like the villain's holster is still buttoned or the character remembered to bring his pocketknofe after all).

The Bad: many aspects not well explained; more samples of rolling dice for different situations needed. Hucksters' magic seems ineffective

The ugly: EVERYTHING requires buying another splat, and the book is so vague, and the metaplot requires keeping up with the releases. Wait, who published this again?

Anyway, DEADLANDS was a fun read and looks exciting to play. If you are just starting, the d20 version might be more natural to the game but this version has many fun aspect, like drawing cards for attributes.

After reading Deadlands, I just thought I had to share this with my players. Now, when I happen to say 'I may marshall a Deadlands next week', I just happen to have too many players.

It is the first time a Western Game has been good. And it will be hard to ever do better.

The French tinhorn with a Great name

A great game with a great history and a great and annovative character creation system. The combat system is quick to learn and drastically more deadly than your beginner RPGs like AD&D. I've never had one problem with this game or any of the sourcebooks.

This system is a must for roleplayers who have either become jaded with their existing system or just want to try something new. It provides a comprehensive story-line and time-line and gives the characters a whole new lease on development. The lay-out the book is easily read-able and engaging and provides the reader with an understanding of just how much is left to the players and Marshal. When I bought this book, I just had to show it to my roleplayign buddies, and they now are totally hook as I am sure you will be. If you wish to know more contact me or the Deadlands list serve. Marshal Psycho.

Remember learning about the Scopes Monkey trial in history class? The trial pitted the state of Tennessee against a high school science teacher, J.T. Scopes, who challenged the legality of the state's rule against teaching Darwin's theory of evolution. Ringside 1925: Views from the Scopes Trial by Jen Bryant brings the event to life in a way that your history book never could.

The story is told through the voices of several characters, mainly three students from the high school where Mr. Scopes taught. You also hear from a reporter who's in town covering the trial, the town's constable, a member of the ladies' Bible study group, and a preacher from out of town who comes in to see the event. Little Dayton, Tennessee, is transformed into a veritable circus of activity.

There are lots of characters in the book, but Bryant helps the reader keep them straight with a list of narrators at the front. I referred back to the list in the beginning, until I had gotten to know the characters well.
Because Ringside 1925 presents different sides of the story, it gives you lots to think about and discuss. Friendships are tested as the characters talk about their beliefs, and everyone steps out of their usual roles even if only for a few weeks.

It's interesting to hear the perspective of a young black boy who works with his father as a handyman and dreams of rising beyond the limitations put on him. It's also interesting to read actual quotes from the trial by lawyers and historical greats William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow.
I loved being transported back to small town life in 1925, and hearing stories of how the townspeople of Dayton benefited financially from all the extra visitors.

We never really hear the voice of J.T. Scopes, and it seems appropriate that we see the trial from the perspectives of all those around him. The event was less about him than it was about teaching evolution in school--a conflict that continues on in some cases today.

The story is aimed at ages 12 and up, but I think some younger children will certainly be able to appreciate the very approachable story and learn about the historical case at the same time. I've also recommended it to my daughter who's a senior in high school, because I think the writing is interesting to all ages. I've heard about the Scopes Trial for years, and occasionally hear it mentioned, but this book brought it to life for me. I highly recommend it.

I opened Ringside 1925 and my heart sank. I was hoping to interest my 12 year old listener with a book on the Scopes Evolution Trial, and the book is in verse?!? Talk about a tough sell.

Don't let the verse throw you. Ringside is a wonderful book, and a marvelous way to expose a young reader to the Scopes Trial. Told from the viewpoint of the citizens of Dayton.....Jimmy Lee Davis, Marybeth Dodd, Peter Sykes, all students at Rhea County High School where J.T. Scopes fills in for a science class and begins the whole controversy. Tillie Stackhouse who opens her home to Paul LeBraun and other reporters in town for the trial. Willy Amos, a youngster who helps his dad and is invisible to most of the town though he has big dreams that are not bound by his color. Constable Fraybel keeps order in the court and Betty Barker and the ladies Bible study group are on hand to make sure the rest of the town stays on the straight and narrow. All these and others lend voice to the famous "Trial of the Century" and the battle between Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan and the teaching of evolution in the schools. As Peter Sykes questions, "Well, I don't feel poisoned. I still believe in the divine. Why should a bigger mind need a smaller God?"

The time is 1925, and the Butler Act of Tennessee was recently passed. This act bans the teaching of evolution in the classroom. The state of Tennessee felt that teaching that mankind evolved from lower animals would imply that the bible was wrong about creationism.
One day in Dayton, TN, twenty-four year old J.T. Scopes substituting as a science teacher teaches the section about evolution that is in the class's biology text. He is asked to comply with being arrested for breaking the law. He agrees. This incident puts Dayton on the map. The notoriety of the case causes people to pour in from all over. Encouraged by this influx, simian-like statues and masks are selling like hotcakes. Rooms are rented out to reporters and restaurants are doing really well. It appears like the circus has come to town, the media circus that is.
The author of "Ringside," Jen Bryant tells a fictional story of the Scopes Trial using some real historical elements and characters. She wrote "Ringside" for children ages 12 and up. Much of it is written in poetic form which makes the words flow and very easy to read. The tale is also written in the form of narratives which were taken from characters involved with the trial. The narrators are of different ages, races and genders. The reader gets to view the case as it might have appeared from someone like them. I loved this touch because it really brought the issues with the case to life. You get to see the Scopes Trial from all angles.
I found "Ringside" to be a fascinating way to learn about a real event that took place in our history. It taught me a lot about a case that I hear mentioned frequently, but actually had little background. It was also incredible to see what people were allowed to get away with. Even the judge who was a part time minister was allowed to ban scientific witnesses from the trial. It never had any hope of being won. Scope's attorney, Clarence Darrow, demonstrated his brilliance during a case that had no hope.
I highly recommend this book. It would be a great addition to a summer reading list for children, or an awesome book to be read by history or science students who will be introduced to evolution or the Scopes trial.

Ringside 1925 by Jen Bryant is a unique look at the Monkey-Scopes trial in Dayton, Tennessee. Bryant views the events surrounding the trial through the eyes of several different residents of the town in free verse poetry. Two teenage boys who have long been best friends are split by their views. A teenage girl finds freedom in the new view of the world, as does her matronly cousin. A black boy and his father prosper financially, but the boy gains far more than money could buy. This trial is famous in US history, but I was unaware of the facts surrounding it, and Bryant does a terrific job of educating about what really happened, even the events behind the scenes. This book is very timely with the current debate about teaching intelligent design in classrooms. My one disappointment in the book was that Bryant portrayed the churchgoers as hyprocritical and close-minded.

A most interesting read!! As the name implies this is a book about the Scopes trial but unlike other books that may cover this topic, here its told from the perspective of some of the towns people and reporters. I believe that this is actually a book for young adults but it is extremely good and very very well done and I think that it will appeal to all ages. I was a bit hesistant to request it because I am tired of all the religious bashing that seems to have become very popular in the last few years but that is not what happens here at all. Every side is presented respectfully and shown to be intelligent. In my opinion, the author does not take sides with either group but presents the best of both sides(with a few nutters of course). I was also happy that we get to see both groups,Christians and Agnostics/Atheists as intelligent and not foaming at the mouth radicals. It was refreshing to see many Christian presented as being open minded enough to embrace the bible and the concept of evolution at the same time. Though this book is only about 227 pages, it manages to create characters who have depth and are not two dimensional. The cast of characters were intriguing and very interesting. Some of the characters fall out over their different stances on the issue and many have their horizons broadened by the experience. To me the one relationship that dissolves that was sad to see was that between Clarence Darrow and Willam Jenning Bryan. The two men had apparently been very good friends but being forced to support their beliefs in such a public forum as the court destroyed their relationship irreparably. My favorite characters here were Willy Amos and Marybeth Dodd. Willy Amos is a young black boy who dreams big but never actually thinks that anything will come of it. When he meets Clarence Darrow he is inspired to believe, despite the odds, that maybe one day regardless of the color of his skin, he may have a share of the American dream. Marybeth Dodd on the other hand is a 17year old girl who wants more of her life than her small town or father may consider appropriate for a woman. I would recommend this book heartily.

I teach an ESL class to immigrants and use this book constantly. My students like this book becuz of the pictures, conversation ideas at the bottom and translations in several languages. I've had to order books (in Spanish, Chinese, Korean) for my students who want their own copies. We love this book!

I'm very lucky to find this book, because it will helps me to learn English. But I think it's good also for everybody because the book teach us the correct name of the things that we need day by day.
It's my second by at Amazon and I'm very happy
Cordially,
Luzia

This is the kind of dictionary I needed. When you want to know how to say a concrete concept you will understand better if you use this picture dictionary.

Please review the book I ordered its call word by word picture dictionary, second edition

I was lucky enough to be in a situation where my adult ESL classroom had enough in-classroom copies for all students to use during classtime. I used this almost everyday. It's a fantastic way to teach new vocabulary, especially when you combine its use with other teaching tools, such as acting out motions. I often had my students use the books to quiz each other. This is a good resource, and if you can get enough copies for everyone in your class to share, DO IT!

Stevie, Lisa and Carole are going to the Carolina Invitational, a big and exciting horse show. Each one of them is secretly having trouble raising enough money for the entry fee. However, they all have a plan to send the other to the show. Until something big happens and though they don't go to the show they thought they were going to, that doesn't mean their not going to compete! A great book to end the series with!

Although this is the last book in the Saddle Club series, it is not the last book about the Saddle Club themselves. If you want to read more about the Saddle Club, read the Pine Hollow series.
The Pine Hollow series is about the Saddle Club when they are around 15 years old. And Lisa is dating Stevie's brother Alex. Ewe!!! Talk about disturbing.

This ends the Saddle Club series. Carole, Stevie and Lisa have been invited to attend a horse show, along with their rival, the snooty Veronica diAngelo. However, none of them can afford Christmas gifts AND the show fees. Their dilemma is resolved in "Gift of the Magi" fashion. Drama comes when they are trapped inside Pine Hollow due to a freak snowstorm and must care for themselves and the horses. But of course, all turns out well in the end.

As far as I can tell this is the last book in the series. Overall it was very predicatable but a warm and fun read. The Saddle Club is extremely short on money so they all think that they will be unable to attend an important horse show in the Carolinas. However in the end they all help each other out during Christmas.

I think that anyone wanting a successful completion to the series will like this book as it really shows the friendship that all of the books had been centered on.

Best Friends, the Saddle Club Book, is a great book because, Lisa, Stevie,and Lisa get to compete in a show! It is called the Carolina Invatational. Its a show where special people get to participate. Theyre very excited until they figure out that they wont be able to pay for the show. They try everything possible but all fails. Will they succeed?
Anyways, this is a great book for horse lovers. I also reccomend it for kids who liketo read about diffuculties. -FeatherBall

Recently, I read Fault Line, by Janet Tashjian. I first picked it up because the author also wrote The Gospel According to Larry and its sequel, Vote for Larry, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed and read multiple times. Later, I was intrigued by the subject of the story. Rarely do you read novels, especially young adults', that deal with abusive relationships. I have noticed the signs in several, but none actually call it abuse. It's kind of a touchy subject. But this book deals with it straight out. I really appreciated that.
Becky and Kip are very original main characters that drew me into the story. I liked that they were both aspiring comedians. I was able to laugh at this book even though it has a serious topic.
Another thing that I enjoyed about this book was that the story was told from both points of view. It really helped me understand how abusive relationships work and why the girl doesn't just leave. I blamed the girl in the relationship for not leaving before I read this book, but now I see why it's so hard. I also don't perceive the abuser as a heartless jerk any longer. It's more complicated than that. However, that doesn't make what they do right.
I would definitely recommend this book to every girl in eighth grade or above. These are important issues that need to be recognized. Not only should everyone girl read this so that she can recognize these warning signs in her own relationships, but also because this is such a good and interesting book. Read it!

I really like this book in different ways from the way I liked Sarah Dessen's Dreamland. I like the detail better in Dreamland but Faultline was still a very good book.

Becky Martin is a 17-year-old comedienne who believes she has found true love with fellow comedian Kip Costello. As Kip becomes increasingly more possessive and controlling, however, Becky finds herself enmeshed in an abusive relationship she has difficulty giving up. This novel is written with great sensitivity as both sides of the abusive relationship are explored, and all the characters are very believable. Recommended for young men as well as for young women.

Book Response:

The book Fault Line by Janet Tashjain deals with a girl named Becky Martin who is struggling in an abusive relationship while at the same time trying to balance her career as a standup comic. It analyzes the steps of how men can take control so easily. Through this process of controlling and abusive behavior, she comes out as a new person who is stronger, wiser, and majestic.
Starting off, Becky is a very self-conscious girl who relies on the opinions of others to form who she is. For example at the start of her career as a standup comic a simple insult of her performance caused a major breakdown. She thought she was a lost cause and could never have been worthy of any real career in this profession. Also as she gets deeper into her relationship with Kip she feels that she isn't worth anything unless she has a boyfriend. Becky stays in the relationship after repeated physical and emotional abuse because of the peer pressure to have a boyfriend, which comes from her friends. Finally, because of the constant insults from Kip she started to become isolated from her family and friends. After this she only plummeted into a world of insanity and suicidal. She even went as far as keeping dead animals in her bedroom. Of course by the end of the book her skin became thicker. When an insult was made about her performance she took it as constructive criticism instead of a remark dealing with the quality of her character. Also Becky discovers that a woman doesn't need a boyfriend to be accepted by her friends. She even starts giving lectures to other women who were previously in abusive relationship just as she was. Finally because Becky starts to come out of her isolated world of insanity she finally starts interacting with her friends and family once again. This leads to a healthier environment in which she takes more risks in her career as a standup comedian.
Becky Martin not only becomes a stronger individual but also uses her new wisdom to impact the lives of others going through these same circumstances. In a lecture given to women in the same position she says that, "A relationship is a lot like a hot bath. The more you get used to it, the more you realize it's not so hot..." She means that in this instance it can be hard to determine how dangerous the situation is because of how manipulative the man can be and how easily he can get away with treating women violently. Also Becky starts to go after her dreams of college and a career as a comedian. She realizes that in order for things to happen she must do it herself by focusing on her grades and working on her act as a comedian. Finally, Becky becomes more confident with herself and creates a clinic for abused women. Through this she obtains the tools necessary to help others in need.
Because Becky becomes wiser and stronger through the hard times of her relationship with Kip she becomes an icon in the world of jokes and laughter as well as an icon to the people she works with at her battered women's shelter. Her transformation of a simple struggling comedian to a majestic and influential individual shows how extreme her character has changed form the beginning. For example in the beginning of the book she had stage fright and constantly feared rejection from the people she was entertaining. By the end her act onstage was solid and took the rejection as a way to figure out how to improve her performance. She even lands a spot on MTV where she is able to perform some of her material live. Also with the women that she helps through her shelter she is able to give them a voice by making this issue more aware to the public through her fame as a comedian. Finally through her struggles she manages to achieve everything she wanted; acceptance to a good college and a career in the comedian business.
Becky Martin never expected to be so violently transformed from the self-conscious teenager to a famous comedian who advocates the abolition of abusive relationships. She not only changes her resume, but changes a person as well. She does this by becoming stronger, wiser, and more majestic as a person who was once weak, ignorant, and still trying to find her spark in life.

Abuse. You've heard about it a lot, it happens everyday; it may even happen in your own lives. Whether you're the victim or the perpetrator, whether you're a young teen, whose relationship just began, or an older lady who's been in the relationship for years, it happens all the time.

Becky and her family are working on Becky's career in comedy. While performing Becky and Abby, Becky's best friend, meet a new guy who they think is real cool, sweet, and the best comedian ever. Becky and Kip begin a relationship that doesn't go as they dream. Becky finds herself trying to be the perfect girlfriend, trying to do what she thinks is best, but Becky's relationship, may not go like the fairytale she's always dreamed of.

It's all through all the tragic events that Becky figures the dating life out. She realizes that she doesn't have to have a boy to make her comedy career, really something.

Sometimes the most important lessons are learned through a tragedy. Its also been said, that everything happens for a reason. Janet Tashjian gives us a realistic view of relationships; she lets us know that a relationship doesn't always stay the same. The harsh realities of our decisions don't only affect one person, but everyone involved in our lives.

This is a great book. A lot of people will enjoy this reading material. I would recommend this to any teen, but I'd recommend it more to teen girls or even grown women. This book lets us know some of the dangers of abuse and how it can worsen, but it also lets you know that you can get out of the relationship. This is a really great book and anyone could read it and enjoy it.

In reading this book (and being a native Texan) I found that every word in the book is true. There is not one lie I can find. It is a great read if you are thinking of moving to Texas. It will let you know what you are about to get yourself into. It is also a great read for native Texans who want a great laugh! If you are from Texas, you can find at least one line in the book that describes your life in the wonderful state of Texas. :)

It wasn't my choice to go into exile, my family moved to New England when I was a kid. I've lived here since, but Texas has always still held my heart. This book is a great tribute to the great Texan way of life. It's a fairly good illustration of Texas and Texans, and it does contain a few good chuckles, I wish there were more though.

I bought this book for my mom, a proud Texan who hasn't lived there since shortly after she got married, some 50 years ago. But she related to everything in this book and laughed so hard she couldn't talk. Over the years, I've bought my fussy mom countless presents, but this is the first one I felt she really liked.

Even as a non-Texan, I found the book to be hilarious (my mom called me up and read the whole thing to me over a few nights). I don't even like Texas (too hot and buggy for my taste), but after hearing this book, it kind of made me want to move there! This would be a GREAT present (or gift to yourself) for anyone who loves Texas, anyone from Texas, and anyone about to move there (fixin' to be Texan).

We are thinking about making a move to Texas from California, and I wanted to learn a little about the culture. This book teaches you everything you will need to know. I couldn't put it down. It was hilarious!

Helen Bryant has summed up everything you need to make the transition from being "from someplace else" to being a Texan, all in a compact and witty book. I lived in Houston and San Antonio for 17 years and I'm fixin to go back (from California) so I thought I'd better brush up. I feel ready, now.

After I finished the book I wrapped it up and gave it to friends, native Southern Californians who are soon to make Fort Worth their home. If you are bound for Texas, read this book first!

I could not put it down, and had it read in two days! I've always enjoyed the Saddle club books, but the lasted ones have been really good.

I coulden't figure it out! I diden't think one of the nisest people there could have stolen the money. If you like a horsey mystery this book is it! I agree, there should be a TV show or something like that. ~Rachel~

My name is Shannon and I got this book today and have already finished. I think its a realy good book although it didn't realy make it sound good on the back. But once again its all stuck up Veronicas fault, although she may not be the culprit. The clue Stevie foundgives it away if you think about it but it is pretty tricky. From Shannon Horse Crazy and Saddle Club Crazy. PS I think there should be a Saddle Club movie or Tv series it would be a big hit, because the saddle club is ten times better than "Pony Pals" yuk.

If you are into mystery's this book is definitely for you! The first day I got it I couldn't put it down. I think this one is one of Bonnie Byrant best book ever. I loved the Saddle Club series the first day I got them. This book kept you thinking the whole time. I definitely think this book is a have to read.

I have almost all of the saddle club books and this is one of the best! It all started when there was a pony club rally including all local pony clubs, that means Stevie's boyfriend Phil will be there too. Then $500 goes missing Veronica says she saw Phil hanging around the office where the money was. Can the saddle club prove Phil's innocent? ~Sarah~

After the death of his wife, Kade Strong has spent the last few years mourning his loss and just focusing on his work and daughter. Deciding it's time to move back into the family home he shared with his deceased wife, Kade finds himself in need of a sitter and his brother's luscious housekeeper fit the bill. Already a part of his family and loved by his daughter, Garcelle Santos is a fiery spirit who reminds him how to smile. Garcelle understands Kade isn't ready to move past his loss so she will have to not only watch out for his little girl but also keep the man-hunting vultures away from her new boss and friend.

The heat in Holtsville turns up as the single women in town come out the woodworks at the chance to catch the eldest Strong sibling. Garcelle will soon find herself under his magic spell as too much friendship and time spent as a family lead to emotions neither are sure they're ready for.

In a series based around a well-respected and loving family, the story of Kade begins with a somber note with Kade still suffering from his loss and unable to see the possibilities of a future. Hot Like Fire brings a little Latin flavor and fire to a relationship built on friendship, trust and eventually love. Garcelle is the essence of fun, a woman with a great personality, a nurturing spirit and a volcanic passion for the man she wants. Niobia Bryant created a beautiful story that was sensual but still sweet. The slow building of this relationship allowed me as a reader to see that past the lust a true connection was brewing. The backdrop of family added additional depth to this romance and the multiple side plots made an already interesting story even better. I have to give Ms. Bryant additional kudos for the personality of Kadina, Kade's daughter, who was the reason for more than a few laughs and someone I'm sure readers will fall in love with.

Indy
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

It was a great read. I have always enjoyed Ms. Bryant's books and this was no exception.

Hot Like Fire is a fabulous love story which is the second installment of the Strong/Hot Holtsville Series.

Kade Strong is a grieving widower that has retreated into a shell upon the death of his wife. All work, raising their daughter, and just making it through another day has been his daily routine while being assisted by his loving parents. Kade finally makes the decision to reclaim his privacy and he and Kadina move back to their home and the games begin. Garcelle is a young, vivacious family friend that likes to shake her moneymaker whenever she gets a chance. She's attending college, taking care of the men in her family, and working to pay for her education. In the midst of babysitting, she's become Kade's personal bodyguard as she matches wits with the local hoochies in their quest to scheme their way into his bed with all sorts of enticing promises of lustful tricks and treats. Due to their daily camaraderie, this pair's initial attraction blossoms and ignites into a blazing affair.

Niobia Bryant has yet again penned another best seller that not only endears the characters to your heart with a realistic view of one of life's many heartbreaks but also sprinkles the triumphant light of second chances in love and life in this brilliant series. I love the creativity portrayed in the characters, the silver-haired theme (very original), the familial first names, and how she introduces each character and their personalities. All of these things pique your interest that much more and has the readers anxiously anticipating the next installation to this series. Excellent read! Another winner to me, Ms. Bryant! Continue to shine!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

LOVED IT. great read for me i think i like this one better than the first brothers story. really a good quick read.

Very sensual. Passion between Kade and Garcelle jumped off the pages! Liked that they became good friends before lovers. Like Garcelle, her father was a straight shooter with his words. The little girl was a sweet touch too.

This is my favorite novel, it is so realistic, so magical. I absolutely LOVE it! I feel so aligned with the main character and I very rarely feel that, especially as a womyn.

This is one of the most beautifully written novels I have read in a long time. Selections from Confessions was assigned in a college philosophy class, and I had to go back and read the whole thing from beginning to end. Characterization was so complete and encapsulating that I was sad to leave Mei-Li at the end. Her journey becomes your own journey of selfdiscovery; what it means to be moral, human, a woman.

This precisely rendered historical novel relates four disparate periods in the life of its fictional heroine, Mei-Li Murrow, or Madame Psyche. Mei-Li's childhood and early adulthood is spent as a renowned (if fraudulent) spiritualist wunderkind, a period which begins with the San Francisco earthquake and continues through the First World War and influenza epidemic to the advent of radio. During the 1920s, Mei-Li leaves her first profession and establishes a utopian (and ultimately dystopian!) community south of the Bay area. These first two sections are truly novel.

In the last two parts, Bryant retreads familiar literary ground. Mei-Li's Depression-era experiences are very much like Steinbeck's novels (both "In Dubious Battle" and "The Grapes of Wrath"), yet, like many other works of Depression-era proletarian fiction (such as Alexander Saxton's "The Great Midland"), it is more representative of the non-white ethnic mix of American labor. Eventually, Mei-Li ends her life in an asylum for the mentally ill, in a section that exposes the injustices of these institutions while simultaneously displaying the humanity that can flourish within their walls. Mei-Li's various episodes and adventures, while seemingly unconnected, conspire to trigger the novel's one big plot twist--and I can't say anything else without ruining the surprise

As J. J. Wilson notes in her afterword, the novel is "admirably well-researched," and the result is a fascinating historical panorama. The narrative is always absorbing and occasionally suspenseful, yet the story is rarely emotional or sentimental; Mei-Li relates the death of a lover with the same matter-of-fact tone she uses to describe one of her fraudulent seances. Often this works in the book's favor, but at times the meticulous research and academic tone nearly overwhelm the drama. Even Wilson admits that Bryant "chose a difficult path in putting her Psyche in charge of her own narrative. . . . Mei-Li reports events with little comment."

In spite of this weakness, Mei-Li's story is faithfully and believably depicted, and there is much wisdom and beauty in Bryant's epic novel.

absorbing. the characters wouldn't let go of my mind. storytelling in its most refined form, spoken by voices rarely heard.

This is absolutely one of my all-time favorite novels. It has everything I want in a good work of visionary fiction. Written by perhaps the most overlooked genius in literature today, this book has the power to touch you deeply and change the way you see the world forever after. When I think of titles that SHOULD HAVE won the great prestigious critical awards in the past quarter century, Confessions of Madame Psyche heads the list.