Burroughs Books

'Recipe for Love' is a great anthology filled with many wonderful stories and recipes. I rarely ever have time to sit down and read a novel, so it was great to read a story completely in one setting. I loved the theme and all of the stories are enjoyable, but my personal favorites were 'Birthday Blues', 'Suspicious Minds' and 'The Man Has a Sweet Tooth'.

Suspicious Minds by Leanne Burroughs touch the heart in away all New Mothers can understand.and people who have Losted love ones.the the recipe as well.The story A Spaghetti kind of love well how can you go wrong with a story that has spagheetti in it's Title her Great Grandma red sauce looks super.A Heart's hunger is out standing Wonderful Pot Roast recipe. Kissing Kate is Super.A super Peach Cobbler recipe.Birthday Blues we all had that at one time the story just great.the recipe is so to the point Sweet'n Simple.Clam Chowder For the Soul a the story is fun the recipe look great.The Trouble with Belgian Waffles What a very unstanding lady in this story Cops and Firefigters lifes are most of the time in the air she show in this story how much and makes it fun the recipe for the Waffles super.Keeping Hannah Safe.Agood story the recipe looks out standing with is story. Recipe For Disaster very good story and recipe.Soup d' Amour,super stoy and the Cream of Mushroom Soup wonderful.OK this one I loved the title of Sweet Sauerkraut a sweet story great recipe.The Man Has A Swwet Tooth good story easy fun recipe.Yhe Pumpkin Pie Murder a very good story. Great Pumpkin Pie recipe.Cicken What Du Hell Bubba the Cat a hoot the story was so much fun just the best. THAT CAT IS TOTALLY COOL.

I enjoyed the entire book, Recipe For Love. The concept is so sweet and the recipes are just delightful. But one of the stories that really stood out for me was Anne Elizabeth's, A Heart's Hunger. It was like the wonderful pot roast recipe at the end of it - tasty and satisfying. You'll want to spend time with Carolyn and Bennett and all the characters of this heart warming story of coming full circle to find what's important.

Anne Elizabeth is a feast that can be savored over and over again. Enjoy her story and then try her recipe. I did and loved them both.

SUSPICIOUS MINDS - Leanne Burroughs - With her whole world coming down around her Darcy Sanders knew she had to keep it together, for the tiny babe her sister Janna's death had left in her care. With baby Emma's dad a casualty of the Iraq war and now her mom's death, Auntie Darcy was all the babe had left. On top of that Darcy had promised Janna to keep her dream restaurant Beale Street alive -- only Darcy had no idea how to cook. More than anything, Darcy needed someone to lean on and when Ross Grayson, owner of the building, stopped by to fix a minor problem, he became more than just Mr. Fix-it, but a stalwart friend with an impressive shoulder to lean on.

Burroughs starts this impressive anthology off to a great start with her SUSPECIOUS MINDS story. In combining all the elements needed for an emotional, passionate story, with a wee dram of humor in special moments when lines from Elvis Presley songs would mysteriously pop out of a spooky juke box at the precise moment needed to keep everyone on track. Darcy had an immense amount of stress to deal with including a broken heart for trusting the wrong man. Only Ross knew she was perfection personified, from the first moment he met her and wanted nothing more than to lift the world off her shoulders and her pert little body into his bed for the rest of his life. A truly delicious start to this anthology with a bonus recipe at the end of this story for Butterscotch Squares looking awfully yummy too!

A SPAGHETTI KIND OF LOVE - Michelle McGinnis - Dave Cipelli and Meggin had a brief romance, but when it got too comfortable, Dave called it off. Meggin after crying her eyes out for over a month was finally free of the big dumb lug and ready to start living life on her own, and part of that way to new life was to take up cooking classes.

Mama Mia, or better yet Great Grandma Carmella's red sauce; you have to admit if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, shouldn't women have equal rights too? Well it wasn't just for Dave's grandmother's sauce recipe, but I loved the pure honesty of how Dave went about showing and telling Meggin how much she meant to him and how he wanted their future to progress. This one was short, sweet story complete with a beautifully romantic declaration of love.

A HEART'S HUNGER - Anne Elizabeth - Carolyn left to pursue her dreams leaving behind the only family she had and a plethora of angry friends. In San Francisco she achieved career advancement and financial success, but for all her success, true happiness eludes her. With a missive from Aunt Polly to visit she returns home and along with best gal pal Tina, she recalled old memories and news of those left behind while putting together a family dinner. Special were the memories and updates on Bennett, the boy she'd left behind, made her realize what was truly missing in her life.

Memories are like stealthy fun loving puppies, biting you on your heels to remind you to remember what is best not forgotten. The author uses this vehicle with Carolyn and her friend Tina as she and her best friend chat over shared memories as well as sharing the chores of putting together a family meal. The reader sees how no matter how much Carolyn wanted to forget her roots, they were always there, especially when every prospective male she met was measured up against Bennett and they all fell short of expectation. This was a sweet story, with a lovely romance stirred into the pot.

KISSING KATE - Jaquelin Lorin - When Nick Ballard surprisingly showed up at the Minerva / Ballard family gathering, Kate suspected that his grandmother had a hand in it. After leaving ten years ago, abruptly letting Kate know he wasn't interested, her sixteen year old heart had broken. Now he was back, successful and gorgeous as ever and Kate wasn't about to let him trample her heart again.

While this is a very common plot line where the boy runs away from home to seek fame and fortune leaving behind a trail of broken hearts, the authors puts a very sentimental and heart tugging emotional spin on it to reveal facts of the true reasons why Nick left and what events led him to stay away. She revealed Kate's inner turmoil over still loving him so much, in such a way that this reader shed tears as if I were the one left behind who didn't want to get hurt again. This was a perfectly lovely story, and I can't wait to try out Kate's `peach cobbler' recipe!

BIRTHDAY BLUES - Amy Blizzard - Claudia Mackay fought her way to her front door while almost being run over by children hanging dearly onto birthday balloons when she remembered it was her birthday too. It was also a day she'd like to forget, but her best friend Dawn wasn't about to let her. Dawn had sent her a private chef to cook her up a special birthday dinner. Unfortunately, she neglected to tell him that Claudia was a vegetarian; or was her friend trying to cook something else up besides Claudia's dinner?

This was a very sweet, witty and clever story. Claudia was an extremely up-tight and suspicious woman who was surprised at her door by a very handsome dude who could have been a molester or burglar and her reactions to him were completely plausible. Nick, the chef, wasn't quite sure what he'd gotten himself into by doing a favor for her friend Dawn but when Claudia let her air down, he was ready to prepare any dish she wanted. The dialogs were yummy as is the recipe for Sweet N Simple Fruit Salad.

CLAM CHOWDER FOR SAMANTHA'S SOUL - by Jill and Julia - It was not the most auspicious event when Mitch Whitaker met Samantha and he accused her of stealing clams, from HIS private beach. It also didn't help that he assumed she was just another one of his playboy neighbor's gold-digging lovers. It would take several more insults added to injury before `Lola' a `gnome chick' set him straight and on the right path to redeeming himself.

Well, I'm not sure about the recipe for `Whitaker's Clam Chowder' recipe at the end of this delightful short story, but the story itself was mighty tasty. Admittedly, Mitch acted like a real ass when he assumed all the wrong things about Samantha, but thankfully the introduction of a delightful wise-cracking gnome-chick by the name of Lola, gave him the inspiration to save his butt and not let Samantha, the next best thing to ice cream get away!

THE TROUBLE WITH BELGIAN WAFFLES - Kristi Ahlers - Since the divinely handsome detective Drake Hunter moved into the apartment across the hall, Claire had made several attempts to cook up something wonderful as a housewarming gift. This was not a great idea - Claire was a disaster in the kitchen! Knowing it was now or never, Claire bought a food basket and screwed up her courage to knock on the door to see if the way to a man's heart was really through his stomach.

I so enjoyed this story! Not only was the author able to make you laugh out loud with Claire's disastrous attempts in the culinary arts, but you had to love her klutziness as well. Detective Drake definitely noticed his neighbor, obviously not for her culinary talents, but as one very sexy looking young woman he would really like to taste. The pacing was just right in this, the dialogs were lovely and the obvious attraction both felt for one another was `smoking' - just like Claire's attempts at cooking! Loved the proposal and had a tear in my eye. Superb!

KEEPING HANNAH SAFE - Billie Warren Chai -
If you never learned how to cook like our heroine, then it's a good thing you live next door to a fireman who turns out to more of a hero than one could imagine. Brian got turned on and off very quickly by Hannah, but after an initially bumpy start, he came through to save not only the day, but captured Hannah's heart.

In one short story this author managed to grab hold of your attention with a very funny kitchen disaster, spark it up with a wild attraction, toss in a twist or two with a little bit of suspense and have it all come together in one totally enjoyable and heady romance. Excellent characterizations and with so much going on in this tale, I'd love to have seen this as a full length story!

RECIPE FOR DISASTER - Bobbi Dumas - Chef Jason is on the cover of a popular magazine, declared the most eligible hot bachelor who mentions a special someone he's in love with. Sara has guilt enough over having inheriting half of the house Jason and she now share, but is she now screwing up his lovelife?

The author paints Jason as all that is kind, considerate and loving - anyone's ideal of a special person in their life. She also paints a complex guilt ridden heroine who has loved Jason from childhood and relished her summer vacations to visit. This was very good, sweet and emotionally touching story where the author explained and showed the guilt parents could load up on a young child. Thank goodness for happy and wonderfully romantic endings.

SOUP d'AMOUR - M.J. Sager - When an inheritance comes through giving Maximilian Conner Tristam a building; Conner - as he's known to friends - goes to check it out. What he did not expect to see was a thriving community center and at its head a woman whose very presence seemed a balm to his soul!

Both the Connor and Layla were very well defined and giving Layla a gift of sight where she immediately saw herself married and making love to this stranger made this short story all the more enjoyable. What Connor's matchmaking Uncle Leo couldn't do in his life was to arrange to have the two people he knew were soul-mates to get together once and for all after his death. Well-written, humorous and sensual with a wonderful recipe for my favorite soup!

SWEET SAUERKRAUT - Gerri Bowen - At a gathering at White's Nicholas, Viscount Wharnecliffe and his war-time comrades were discussing how Nick should find a wife with a large dowry, but that might be impossible when she found out he was raising five nephews, who were out of control. Discovering that Major Reese's sister Elizabeth (Beth) had a large dowry and loved to cook, Nick was tempted to make a proposal - sight unseen - before she laid eyes on his nephews, that is!

There's nothing more I like than a sweet Regency tale and though this was short and sweet it combined all the elements I look for in a historical read with humor and a little bit of silliness to toss in the pot. The idea of a Regency lady wanting to cook was clever and original. During that period, it was one thing to cook privately in the home, but to enter a contest where the judges would be from the upper echelons of society, now that is original! Very well done, but just can't say I have a fondness for sauerkraut, sweetened or otherwise!

THE MAN HAS A SWEET TOOTH - Diane Davis White - Sadie the Shady Angel and her mentor Pricilla are back into the swing of things to help two strangers make a match. How they take the two diverse personalities of sweets loving Joe Spellings and Leonora Cullpepper, a complete health food addict makes for a sweet tasting morsel of a story!

Bottom line on this story is that the author has a marvelous sense of humor and though not the leads in this story, the reader is definitely going to remember Sadie the Shady Angel and Pricilla as these two angels argue over how to get Joe and Leonora together! The dialogs are witty, and the sexual attraction is strong making the reader smile from start to finish and the recipe for Easy Raspberry Brownies sounds positively decadent!

THE PUMPKIN PIE MURDER - Victoria Houseman - As a detective in the Charleston, S.C. homicide department, Sara Stone was sent to question the owner of the bakery, where a supposedly mob hit had occurred. Sara had heard Silas Edwards was the baker of the stars for his incredible wedding cakes and petit fours, but what Sara wasn't expecting was to have him look as gorgeous as the creamy concoctions set out in his display cases!

Shall I say this was sweet, with all the beautifully described pastries that came in only second to this "love at first sight" story? Well, it was sweet, and the old cliché of `love at first sight' was beautifully played out under this author's well-written hand. Both characters were very well fleshed out and with a tad bit of humor added into the pot, you couldn't ask for more - except maybe one of Silas's pastries!

CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL - DeborahAnne MacGillivray - Remy (aka Royce Torqhill Remington Kinross, the 13th Marquis of Dunmoor and Seafeld) and his cat Bubba were not scoring points with the gifts Bubba was dropping off at their beautiful neighbor Catonia's house. Although Bubba, who kept bumping his head in adoration of Catonia's beautiful boob seemed to be getting a lot further along in the romance department than his master; Remy was bound and determined to change that right quick!

What a wonderful story Ms. MacGillivray submitted to end this beautiful collection of short stories all featuring some fabulous recipes. I absolutely adored Bubba the cat, whom Remy thought could have been a rogue in another life and been turned into a cat by a jealous witch - he seemed so human and was getting all those booby caresses! Remy when he turned on his Cajun accent was a sensual delight, with his wonderfully delicious `pick-up' lines. All the characters were well-developed and this short story was simmering with sensuality.

All in all, I don't think the reader will find a better compilation of mouth watering short romantic love stories than in RECIPE FOR LOVE! This is a highly recommended volume - perfect for beaches, doctor's offices, or anywhere you've a few minutes to read.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

READ THIS FOR YER OWN GOOD...

READ THIS FOR YER OWN GOOD...

William Burroughs Jnr. was born to the predicament that all those in the wake of a formidable family history are. That is, one in which one must, to forge one's own identity, risk especially large strides to step from long familial shadows. Burroughs Jnr.'s ancestors cast not only long shadows, but contorted ones too. His great grandfather founded the Burroughs Adding Machine Company, the double-edged sword of inheritance then laid at the feet of subsequent generations; at age four his father, iconic hophead and avant-garde litterateur William S. Burroughs, accidentally shot his mother in the head during a drunken presentation of William Tell. (She died. Burroughs Snr. was charged with criminal imprudence and subsequently decamped for South America and Tangiers, the latter being where he wrote NAKED LUNCH, a love-it-or-hate-it binge of surreal imagery that has since assumed mythic proportion in counterculture lore.) By age eighteen he was under the care of his paternal grandparents in West Palm Beach, Florida - and injecting methamphetamine daily. It is here that we rendezvous with the narrative of SPEED.

Superficially the book recounts the 1966 trip to New York made by Burroughs Jnr. and his needle buddy, Chad ("His whole attitude was full of fear and I could see that right off, and I always respect scared people who know what they're up against.") Chad comes off as one or two shy of the full compliment ("We turned a corner and he kept on going straight and didn't answer when I called to him.") though as a sidekick I think he would have been without peer. Appropriately he provides the book's comic highlight, a bout of grand paranoia during which he makes the protestation familiar to anyone acquainted with that state of being: "Every direction I started to go, he'd say, `Oh, no! You're not getting me to go THAT way!'"

Accompanied only by their wits and an accommodating moral code ("I never rob anyone unless they die or go to jail which leaves me plenty of room, after all. I remember one time I boosted a guy that was only in a coma, and when he came to, the atmosphere was pretty strained for a while.") they accept hospitality where they can, occasionally with squares ("They wondered in stage whispers what was on my mind. I said, `Carnivorous albino badgers, the size of a boxcar,' and they shut up.") but mostly with fellow chemical crusaders, amiable folk who wished the trivial and mundane would let them be so that they could get down to the real business of transcending reality ("I got on the phone to another session across town and tried to get them to come over. But they were all in the midst of God and didn't feel like driving.")

Considering what must have been a fairly skewed appreciation of reality, his sensibilities nevertheless appear attuned to some degree. At a gas station he lingers to savour the phonetics of "Gargoyle Arctic Oil", and later falls to the spell of a prodigal jazz musician ("But one morning I woke up just as it was getting possible to see and he was talking through his horn real quiet and conversational, and I think I never heard a more healing sound. I wish I knew his name so you could watch out for him."). Still, he's not above it all so much as to be immune from a spot of arbitrary rumination ("I sat still for a long time thinking about cathedrals.") or the inevitable rush of hyper-self-awareness ("`On the way over, I got to thinking about my ape man heritage for some unknown reason and I felt pretty hairy by the time we arrived.")

Substance abuse and the law being mostly antagonistic fields of interest, it's not long before the fuzz show up ("I was standing there on the curb dreaming revolution when a cop came over and said to break it up, fella. There was only one of me, but I broke it up anyway and went down the street in a well-rounded way.") Inevitably Burroughs Jnr. is soon in the wrong apartment at the wrong time. A stint or two at the county hotel follow. Against the narrative of the street these passages betray a mind grateful for respite and reflection ("Up and down the tier, the Puerto Ricans were banging out Latin rhythms on bedposts and bars and singing popular love songs...I felt sleep catching up to me as Gestalt shifted and spaces between the bars floated free...It was complex now, maybe thirty captives in separate cells listened hard and patterned together as my cellmate's tears and prayers fell unconsciously into time. Every bit of light went out, shapes ran melting through the dark as the rhythm slowed and stopped, and the last I heard was the click of the hack's heels as he passed on the catwalk and the kid finished, `forgive me...'")

Mainlining a drug that narcoleptics use to stay awake doesn't bode well for the pursuit of slumber, and soon enough Burroughs Jnr. decides that for the sake of health, sanity, etc., a return to Florida is in order. At book's end, standing out front of the grandparent's house, he signs off in typically humble fashion ("Then I took a deep breath, smelling the jasmine, and I went inside.")

The prose is breezy, uncomplicated, a loose freeform arrangement that occupies the space a foot or two off the ground. Commas are applied sparingly, the effect being a pitter-patter rhythm that never slows for heavy discourse or pedantic application of fact. There's no danger of cutting yourself on any severe literary edgings here.

Highly recommended, but as the reader is often asked to meet the author half way, as it were, I'd hesitate to push this title upon anyone but those on amiable terms with the subject matter (though a passing interest may suffice).

William Burroughs Jnr. died in 1981, aged 35, of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with micronodular cirrhosis.

****stars

_Speed_ was William S. Burrough's Jr.'s (not to be confused with his father, the "real" WSB) first novel. It's hard not to compare it to _The Basketball Diaries_ on the basis of some trivial and obvious similarities (_Speed_ is about the author's adolescent experiences as a methedrine addict in NYC) but he's going somewhere very different from where Carroll was going. His vision is colder and more distant than Carroll's, less sentimental. Yes, it IS possible to be less sentimental than Jim Carroll. WSB doesn't (didn't, i should say) write at all like his father; his prose is clean and spare, his characters are human, etc. Forget WSB sr. and Jim Carroll; WSB Jr. was enough of a writer to be considered on his own merits, which are significant. A very worthwhile book, as is its sucessor, _Kentucky Ham_. A third novel, _Pakriti Junction_, apparently was too fragmentary to print at the time of the author's death.

What Can Be Found in Lost by John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs is an intriguingly insightful look at the popular TV series Lost. I watched the first season of the series, and while I always meant to watch more, I've never taken the time, but after the authors revelations about what Lost can teach us about faith, Jesus, and Christianity, I will have to give the show a second chance. Each chapter addresses a specific part of faith, discussing exactly what the series shows about it, as well as what the Bible has to say. While the series doesn't always get things right, it does reflect pop culture's take on things. The authors also delve into the various conspiracies surrounding the series with a few ideas as to what they believe is really going on. There are also many resources listed for getting more from the TV show, especially multiple websites devoted to it. It's a surprisingly fun read that educates about true faith, as well as making the reader want to rush out and watch the entire series!

I highly recommend this book for both hard-core LOST fans and for those who just want to know what this LOST craze is all about. Ankerberg and Burroughs provide in-depth and amazing insights into the spiritual aspects of the show. You'll discover exciting and enlightening elements of the show's plot and characters that you may never have noticed while watching the show on TV. You'll also be intrigued by the vast number of spiritual clues and references you'll find sprinkled throughout every episode. Reading this book will challenge your mind, expand your faith, and greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the show LOST. Have fun reading it, and share it with your friends who are also LOST fans!

I have been enamored with the TV show "Lost" since the plane crashed. As a Christian, I have searched for theological meaning and relevance. John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroghs give us great insight into just that. This book is a great read for Christians and everyone else. It gives us understanding and greater meaning to the program.

Author of: "Mr. NewHeart - Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond"

What Can Be Found In Lost:
Insights on God and the Meaning of Life from the Popular TV Series
by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs

I admit it! I spend way too much time on trivial stuff. Like TV shows. Like Lost.
Premiering with an eye-opening (literally) plane crash on a lush, South Pacific island, it has many intriguing characters. Jack, the brilliant surgeon, is a man of science. Kate is a beautiful criminal on the run, but can be counted on in a time of crisis. John Locke, a man of faith, apparently is healed of his paralysis. He believes the island on which they've landed influences their destiny. Sawyer, a con man, searches for the man who destroyed his family. Other characters include Charlie, a former rock-star addicted to heroin; Claire, a young very-soon-to-be single mother; Sayid, a former Iraqi soldier; and Hurley, who won the lottery and was in an mental hospital.

They soon discover they are not alone on the island. The Others, a group who have been on the island for many years, are led by Ben Linus. Ben calls himself a "good guy," but uses the "Losties" for his own (good-evil?) agenda.

Into it's fourth season, Lost presents many more questions than answers. I keep watching, hoping to find more pieces of the puzzle to solve all the inter-connecting mysteries of the characters and circumstances. Many internet sites have sprung up to help keep all the facts straight. Web logs (blogs) and online magazines such as tvguide.com and ew.com (Entertainment Weekly) have columnists that recap the show each week and give spoilers for what's coming next.

Aside from the action and good characterization, are the issues of faith that are such a huge part of the mystery. "What Can Be Found In Lost" looks at the issues as they are dealt with in the show. Then the book looks at them from a Biblical perspective.
These issues include:

the existence of God
miracles
the nature of good and evil
redemption
forgiveness
destiny

For example, the first chapter, Lost On God, relates a conversation between hero Jack and Other's leader Ben about the existence of God.
Ben: Do you belive in God, Jack?
Jack: Do you?
Ben: Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky. If that's not proof of God, I don't know what is.
Ben's need was met, thus "coincidence (a spinal surgeon falling out of the sky) equaled purpose (to remove his life-threatening tumor)."

Referencing Francis Schaeffer, the book gives three possibilities for "Where did everything come from?" 1. nothing; 2. an impersonal random source; 3. a personal beginning by a creator, thus we have a purpose. The authors state, "Lost presents a worldview in which the everyday occurences of life have a purpose. Purpose, because it is intentional, suggests that someone is orchestrating these intentions." At the end of the chapter, the question is asked, "How can what seems like coincidence offer evidence for God's existence?" Also, "In what ways do the Bible's assumptions regarding God seem narrow or intolerant? In what ways do they make sense?" This would make a great small group study!

One character, Rose, a born-again Christian, asks the question, "What does God have to do to get your attention?" The show focuses on deep spiritual issues that our world (and the Lost castaways) must address in our everyday lives. It is not a "Christian" show, but deals with things we should know how to discuss.
"What Can Be Found In Lost" discusses the issues from the world's perspective, a Christian's perspective and includes questions for further speculation. It also includes a character guide and other show info to help explain what has happened so far in the story.

If you are a fan or just want to know more about it, I highly recommend "What Can Be Found In Lost" by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs.

The Civil Rights Chronicle belongs in every library, every school, and every home. This honest look at the enslavement of people is not to be missed. The struggle for independence and freedom is chronicled here for all, black, white, or 'other', to read and understand. There are so many things in this world that should never be allowed to happen again!

Yet they continue to happen.

Wow! I've always been interested in the Civil Rights movement, so naturally I was drawn to this book when I spied it in the bookstore. I especially liked that I got a discount on it, which is always a nice thing. I paged through it in the bookstore, was impressed, bought it, took it home, and was just blown away. It's a very informative and outstanding book on the subject and if you are interested in this topic, then you should definitely check this book out. It also contains scores of photographs, so it is somewhat like an encyclopedia. It definitely helped me gain a better understanding of this dark part of our history.

Once again - WOW!

I highly recommend this book to teenagers because it tells you about a lot of things that you don't learn in the classroom.

I saw Mrs. Burroughs give a quick interview on CSPAN during a book fair back in November. From that I decided to purchase this book of her husband's photographs. I must say I wasn't disappointed. There are some real gems within, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a passing interest in presidential history and/or photography.

Fabulous narration and photographs. Very intelligent and informative and also humorous at times. This book makes you long for news the way it used to be.

This book gives us a marvelous peek at history via these wonderful photos, complete with the photographer's own impressions of each incident. It couldn't be more like being there.

Denny Miller has had the distinction of playing both Tarzan and Superman, a feat no other actor has matched, though he treats his appearances as the legendary heroes with self-deprecating humor. Indeed, humor is the mainstay of his biography, a good-natured reflection on a long career in movies, TV and commercials with anecdotes about the performers he's worked with along the way, including Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Peter Sellers, Jack Lord and many, many others. There are also reflections on his UCLA basketball career (under legendary coach John Wooden), his time as an infantryman in Germany, and - most surprising of all - his bouts with clinical depression. And, as one might expect from a man who is still in great shape at age 70, there's some solid physical fitness advice. Miller attributes his career more to luck than talent, and seems very grateful to have the life that it's afforded him - a welcome change from the usual gossipy egocentric star bio. With his positive outlook on life and easy good humor, he remains a role model.

Didn't You Used To Be What's His Name? is the superbly illustrated, organized, and presented autobiography of Denny Miller -- a man who was a professional actor playing such roles as Tarzan and King Arthur, has portrayed cowboys, surfers, and for fourteen years was the product spokesman for Gorton's Fisherman. Black-and-white photographs, fascinating tales of showbiz, and the sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, always dedicated exploits of a true professional actor makes for an engaging and intrinsically interesting Hollywood life story.

I had the good fortune of running into Denny "Scott" Miller, and his lovely, supportive wife Nancy, on Sunday, September 18th, at the Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was a day full of activities in Flagstaff, and Denny was doing a book signing in the lobby. What a nice, interesting guy he is, and what an interesting book he's written!

Who, you may ask, is Denny Miller? He will cheerfully acknowledge that you may not remember him. In fact, the title of his new book is, "Didn't You Used To Be What's His Name?" But I had no trouble remembering who he is. First of all, as an MGM contract player, back when MGM was hitting the skids as a movie studio, he starred in the 2nd worst Tarzan movie ever filmed, 1959's "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (it was the first worst, until Bo Derek came along with her version of the story, and nudged it out of worst place!). This epic used stock footage from 1950's "King Solomon's Mines", as well as black and white footage from the Johnny Weissmuller original, tinted, to make it fit in.
But Denny Miller himself is an appealing personality. I'm glad to have this book, both as a Tarzan fan, and as a fan of his. Miller is a great-looking guy with a winning smile, and an engaging personality. Over the years, he's redeemed himself in a series of movie and TV roles, not the least of which was as one of the leads in the series, "Wagon Train". In that series, he called himself "Scott" Miller, in case "Denny" doesn't resonate with "Wagon Train" fans.

This book is a rollicking romp through his life, his Hollywood years, and his more recent work as the grizzled Groton seafood skipper (and he's perfect as that character!). It is abundantly illustrated. He has worked with an astonishing number of the biggest names that show business has to offer, and there are revealing shots of many of them. "Wagon Train" had a policy of featuring a different guest star each week. That, and his subsequent movie and TV commercial jobs paired him with many stars, from Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Katharine Hepburn, to Peter Sellers, Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Sinatra. His dish is delicious. For the most part, he's admiring and generous. But a few big names, like Bette Davis and Charles Bronson, don't come off too well.

When I think of the roles he might have played! He'd have made a great Superman, or Flash Gordon. And he'd have had the acting chops to bring them off! Miller is a loyal, sharing friend. He acknowledges and pays tribute to many who have influenced him, and helped him along the way. In spite of all the gunfights, barroom brawls, misfired special effects and dead lions and rhinos in his movie wake, he comes across as an easygoing guy with a great sense of humor, who loves having a good time with friends and family.On top of all this, Miller has packed into his pages a lot of wisdom. He has many
important things to say about life, health and physical fitness. It's the teacher in him I guess (another of his jobs). You'll find a lot of hints about the benefits of happiness:
humor, and good health - both physical and mental. I hope he writes more.

Denny Miller the man emerges from the pages of this book. A man of thought on many subjects. A likeable, generous guy who we'd like to relax with, and listen to his stories. Since that's not possible, we can hang out with his book - read his stories. So get the book. Kick back with it. Have a good time. And, as Denny Miller himself would say, Stay Healthy!

The book can be obtained from most book stores, or from Miller's own company;

To Health With You Publishers LLC
8550 Charleston Blvd.,
#102-374
Las Vegas, NV, 89117

Did I mention that I liked the book?

Art Scott,
Historian,
Mystery writer,
Flagstaff, AZ

Good historical fiction from an unexpected source. Burroughs' treatment of Caligula and the emperor's barbarian slave is excellent. I rather expected a Lord Greystoke in Africa adventure and found instead a refreshing take on imperial Rome, told from the point of view of a slave captured early in life and owned thereafter by Caligula.

Tiberius is painted rather favorably when compared to most historical fiction devoted to the period, especially that written after the second deification of Claudius by Robert Graves.

Many aspects of Roman life are given breath in this book, which is well written and enjoyable.

Burroughs' research and plot are both excellent in this adventure set in the Roman Empire during the reign of the mad emperor Caligula. Robert E. Howard fans will enjoy this as much as ERB diehards.

This is the fictional autobiography of Britannicus Caligulae Servus, a rare treasure pulled out of the Burroughs vault. Britannicus, the slave of the mad Roman emperor Caligula, goes through many exiting adventures as he grows more and more weary of his overlords. It is an example one of Burroughs' only bittersweet endings, but it is a remarkable tradegy by the Master of Adventure which no ERB reader should miss. It's too bad it's currently out of print.

I always find it interesting to study the life of someone before they were famous. Whether it is a writer, artist, singer, or serial killer. Later, you can see how fame changed their life. I found it fascinating to learn of Burroughs living in South Texas, in many ways the most "un-beat" area of the country, a place that to paraphrase Burroughs, people come to die. However, even without a connection to South Texas, the book is an excellent read. I missed an appointment, sleep, and my favorite tv show to finish the book.

Great book. Very interesting read on a part of South Texas History.

i found it an interesting aspect of burroughs life. a cotten farmer in south texas is 180 degrees out from new york city or london or paris. i have read burroughs extensively. this a lost chapter in his life. kudos to the writer for doing the research.

Forever Love by Leanne Burroughs
Set in Kansas. The year is 1880. Hank Beaumont sold half his hotel to a couple by the last name of Ashbury. When the couple arrived, they would finish purchasing the other half. When Hank learns the stage coach has been set upon by bandits, he springs into action. The men on the stage coach have been murdered and one lady has been kidnapped. Hank catches up with the bandits just before they were about to harm the lady. Sure enough, the lady is named Jessica Ashbury, who has just witnessed the murder of her loved one and a couple of the bandits got away, taking the other half of his hotel payment. Hank and Jessica are now partners. Hank soon finds himself attracted to the grieving lady. If that is not enough, the hotel has two residential ghosts.

It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Judith Leigh
Set in the present. Kasey Michaels is fed up with her ex-husband humiliating her. Kasey finally decides to start anew. An ad for Mistletoe, a small town near Nashville, Tennessee, catches her eye. The quaint sounding town claims that magic and dreams still come true there. Sure enough, Kasey finds herself falling in love with the town on her very first day there. Nick Klaus owns the toy store and he hires Kasey on-the-spot. It is obvious to Nick that Kasey has been hurt. So he holds hope that she may soon begin looking at him as something other than her boss.

Gingerbread & Mistletoe by Amy Blizzard
Set in the present. The state is Indiana. Matt Watson is a pastry chef. For the last three months he and Bethany, a coworker, have been planning an entry for the Hoosier Bakery's Gingerbread House contest. Should they win, they would get a cash prize and a guaranteed salary increase. However, Bethany drops out at the last minute. At home, Matt helps his upstairs neighbor take up a pink tree. Riley Callahan is an artist. Matt has always thought her pretty, but odd. When Riley offers to step in Bethany's place and help with the contest, Matt is shocked to hear himself agreeing.

Calling Hailey's Bluff by Billie Warren Chai
Set in the present at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. When the lunar rover stops working General West calls in Hailey James, the one that had fixed it last time. Hailey hoped to fix it and return to Vegas before HE could return to the space center. Hailey is eight months pregnant. The father is Lt. Col. Todd Coppersmith, for whom the USAF is his life. To keep the man she loves from resigning his commission and being miserable (and possibly end up hating her for being the cause), Hailey tells everyone she is only six months along and that Todd is NOT the father. Todd shows up before Hailey can finish fixing the rover though. She must now put on her best poker face and bluff.

A Chorus Singing Love by Gerri Bowen
Set in the Regency Era. When the Countess of Spode invites Melody to celebrate the Christmas holiday at Spode Hall, she accepts. The Countess's brother, Trevor Wilde, Earl of Ardmoor, is sure to be there. As much as Melody loves Trevor, he seems to loathe her. It all went back to the "Unfortunate Incident" ten years prior. Obviously Trevor still blames her. Because of her, he now has a peg leg. And thanks to the dratted wood nymphs Melody spoke to back then, anytime she is near Trevor wants to ravish her. Melody hopes to find a moment to explain and sincerely apologize, even if she must hold Trevor at gun point to do it.

A Very Special Man by Deborah MacGillivray
Set in the present. Desdemona "Dezzy" Vashon writes romance. This is hard to do when there is no romance in your life. Her only close friend is Simon, a very large cat often mistaken for a small panther. But unknown to Dezzy, Simon is not really a cat. Yet in order for Simon to change back into what he really is, he needs Dezzy to make a wish and kiss his nose.

***** Past or present, mortal or not, the end of the year holidays always seems to be filled with magic. Even though I received this book in January, I could not help but smile. It does not have to be November or December for me to enjoy an anthology set during the Christmas season. Since I am sure others feel as I do, I urge them to pick up this gem. Hopefully that means you too! Each story is well written, with a strong story line and romance aplenty. Only one or two of the stories have a love scene and they are tastefully done. I honestly could not find fault with any of these tales. Each one is worth five stars. I find that rare in an anthology and is the main reason I urge Romance fans to pick up a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed one bit. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

FOREVER LOVE by Leanne Burroughs -
Set in 1880 Kansas, Jessica Ashbury traveled by stagecoach from the East to start a new life by buying a hotel with her beloved brother. Along the way the stage was robbed, her brother killed and she would have been raped if not for the timely arrival of Hank Beaumont. Assuming the man killed was Jessica's husband, Hank had to control his passion for the beauty, but a pair of resident ghosts knew better and made sure Hank would not make the mistakes they'd made in a previous life.

Burroughs opens up this lively romantic anthology with an American western story that starts with an emotional dramatic flourish. Her dialogs are precise and laden with humor and heartfelt sentiment. Hank's ghostly grandparents appearing half-way through the tale were an unexpected pleasure and added another level of enjoyment to an already pleasurable story. Excellent imagery and a nice sensual level made this a quick and enjoyable read.

IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE by Judith Leigh -
It was a spur of the moment decision for Kacey Michaels to pull up roots leave behind friends after learning that her ex-husband and his new wife were expecting. A travel article describing a magical place in Misteltoe, Tennessee was just the nudge she needed to make her move. Magical or not, Kacey arrived and found a job and a place to stay within an hour of her arrival. All this plus a handsome hunk of a new boss named Nick Klaus, who caused all sorts of fluttering in a heart she thought long dead.

Judith Leigh created a lovely story here that was a perfect blend of magic, forgiveness, and renewal. Kacey had been belittled and crushed by an ex-husband who had left her for another woman. Nick was an incredibly loving man, a widower who had a heart as big as himself, and shared all that love with his own and several adopted children. Leigh turned this into a very emotional and sentimental journey that fits right in to the holiday spirit of love and joy.

GINGERBREAD & MISTLETOE by Amy Blizzard -
Matt Watson's baking assistant took off on an unexpected honeymoon, leaving him in the lurch for someone to help create his entry for the Hoosier Bakery annual gingerbread house competition. Clearly he had to come up with a plan. After helping his wacky free-spirited artist neighbor Riley Callahan put up her pink Christmas tree, he took up her offer of a `favor' by asking if she'd help him with his creation. What they created was more definitely more palatable than either could imagine.

This was definitely a charmer. Somewhere along the way, Matt had lost his zest for life as he worked hard for recognition from a parent who would probably never approve of his life's choices. Matt looked askance at Riley's free-spirited antics and in this way the author was able to let some of Riley's joy of life rub off and do wonders for both Matt's personality and his libido! This was so cute, romantic and heartwarming. Riley's approach to life was as refreshing and joyful as the look of wonder on a child's face at Christmas time.

CALLING HAILEY'S BLUFF by Billie Warren Chai -
Hailey James was a tremendous poker player, but the biggest bluff of all would be when she would inevitably come face to face with, Colonel Todd Coopersmith; the love of her life and deny he was the father of what would be a very pre-mature baby!

I have read several of this author's short stories now and Ms. Chai has managed to charm me again and again. Not only does she tell a very well-rounded and balanced story but her characters are all too real in the scenarios her creative mind envisions. I love the very intelligent, original and fascinating lifestyles her plots convey and look forward to reading more and more from her. The love declarations were beautifully done - genuine and sincere.

A CHORUS SINGING LOVE by Gerri Bowen -
Lady Melody always knew that Trevor Wilde, Earl of Ardmoor was the only man she would ever love. Innocent and naïve, Melody had long ago invoked a spell that backfired when she misunderstood the ramifications. Now, the only glances she got from Trevor were of abhorrence, or were they?

From the very first moment I started reading Ms. Bowen's story, I knew it was going to be something special; one because it was historically set, and two because of the fantasy aspect which I really love. Melody had a special gift that was referred to as "wild blood" by her brother. Whatever it was, Melody had found the other half of her soul, and she had to somehow convince Trevor that what he felt was not a spell she had woven, but his true heart reaching out to touch the other half of himself that was Melody. This was totally sweet as well as a lovely sensual delight.

A VERY SPECIAL MAN by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Lately, Desdemona "Dezzy" Vashon has been having some very erotic and perfectly sultry dreams. The fact that she wakes up each morning with the blankets on the floor and rather exposed has her confiding in her cat Simon. What Dezzy had no way of knowing was that Simon is really a man, trapped inside a cat's body. Simon knows Dezzy is the only one who can break the curse - with just the right amount of persuasion!

Wrapping up this cleverly conceived and positively entertaining anthology of romances Deborah MacGillivray always brings a cat into the forefront of her stories. She always gives the reader sparkling prose, as well as humorous and titillating dialogs, and always puts in some steamy sensual encounters. Using Simon as a man caught in the body of a cat was very original and oh so amusingly sexy. This story was the perfect ending to a very fine collection of holiday tales that would make a perfect gift to readers who love romance, or better yet, gift it to yourself.

Marilyn Rondeau

FOREVER LOVE by Leanne Burrough
Hank Beaumont can't help his attraction to the lovely young woman he rescues after her stagecoach is robbed and the men aboard murdered. He assumes that Jessica had been traveling with her husband, a man to whom Hank had agreed to sell his hotel.

Hank is no stranger to the harsh realities of the West. He doesn't believe that Jessia will really stay but that doesn't stop him from constantly hoping she will. Will he be able to resist her allure and how will he feel when he learns that she isn't a widow after all?

Leanne Burrough brings this story to life on so many levels and gives readers a true sense of pleasure in the fortitude of the characters. I loved being privy to Hank and Jessica's frustration with each other and the underlying sexual tension, but also adored the impact that the secondary characters have throughout this story.


IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE by Judith Leigh
Kacey Michaels's ex-husband's callous attitude has her making a radical decision. After viewing a travel magazine she packs up and moves to Mistletoe, Tennessee, hoping for a new lease on life.

Once in Mistletoe, Kacey takes a delightful job at a toy store working for Nick Klaus. It's just too perfect and after meeting Nick and his children she's convinced that this is exactly where she wants to be, but can she learn to trust her heart and believe that magic and dreams truly can come true - even for her?

What a delightfully fun tale. Judith Leigh brings a great deal of sensitivity into this storyline and really captures Kacey's emotional upheaval over her inability to have children - fortunately Nick has lots of kids and he'd be more than happy to share.


GINGERBREAD AND MISTLETOE by Amy Blizzard
Matt Watson's dreams of winning the annual gingerbread house contest have just met with disaster. His only hope of being able to enter and win lie in the hands of his eternally optimistic artist neighbor.

Matt has a purely practical outlook on the whole project, while Riley sees the beauty behind of it and relishes the challenge. Through her Matt will begin to see the world through less cynical eyes and even view Christmas as a magical time - especially when he's got such a warmhearted giving woman at his side.

Amy Blizzard won me over with this charming tale. There's no doubt Matt is a scrooge but Riley is free spirited and lighthearted enough for both of them. I loved the mixture of seriousness and joy throughout this tale and found myself crossing my fingers as I waited for the outcome of the competition.


CALLING HAILEY'S BLUFF by Billie Warren Chai
Hailey is determined to fix the problem with the lunar rover and leave Houston before Lt. Col. Todd Coppersmith returns from Cape Canaveral. She's a professional poker player and while she's still in love with Todd, she doesn't want him knowing that she's carrying his child because trapping him is the last thing she wants to do.

Todd returns to Houston earlier than expected. Previously unaware of Hailey's pregnancy he's convinced that she's lying about the due date and believes that baby is his... it's just a matter of CALLING HAILEY'S BLUFF.

I absolutely love this story. Billie Warren Chai makes the battle between Hailey and Todd humorous while at the same time poignantly sweet. Hailey's poker face comes into play more than once but Todd doesn't give up easily. I eagerly anticipated the moment that she'd admit the baby is his, but also when they'd admit to their feelings for each other.


A CHORUS SINGING LOVE by Gerri Bowen
Melody's been invited to spend the Christmas holiday with Spode Hall - which means that she'd be spending a great deal of time in Trevor's presence. She knows that he still hasn't forgiven her for the Unfortunate Incident, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his concentration and his leg during battle.

Melody's been in love with Trevor for many years and she's determined to pursue him. If she fails to snag him then her brother intends to marry her off to a match he has in mind. Melody's whole future is riding on her ability to make Trevor see reason before the holiday is over.

Gerri Bowen infuses a great deal of humor into this charming tale filled with determined characters, witty dialogue and a very curious reference to a Unfortunate Incident, which has the reader wondering what could have possibly been so bad to have Trevor furious with Melody for years?


A VERY SPECIAL MAN by Deborah MacGillivray
Simon is much more than Dezzy's very large cat, he's a man who's been in the feline form so long that he's forgotten what it's like to be human or what he has to do to reverse the cause of his infliction. To complicate matters, he's in love with his `owner.'

Dezzy's lonely and while she loves Simon, he's a cat and doesn't stop her from longing for a man in her life. Simon's determined to be the one to fulfill Dezzy's wishes - all she has to do is make her wish and then kiss his nose but how can he convey this to her... and more importantly how is she going to react when her beloved cat disappears and the man of her dreams takes his place?

Deborah MacGillivray brings this humorous story to life by telling it through Simon's eyes. You get a cat's eye view of people, TV, cat toys and human food all while he wins you over with his feelings for Dezzy. This is a story that is sure to win readers hearts and have you viewing cat products in a whole new light.


LOVE UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a fun anthology that infuses the beauty of the season with fun characters and unforgettable situations. This is one of those books that you can read year round and still derive great pleasure from each of the charming stories.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

i could not put this down for the life of me. this was the first book i read by augusten burroughs, the cover caught my eye. i have become a big fan of his work! i would(and do)recommend it to everyone.

THEY'D BE JUST AS HILLARIOUS. SOME MAY VIEW HIS WRITINGS, HIMSELF AS SAD - BUT I TRULY UNDERSTAND & CONNECT WITH AUGUSTEN - IN MANY WAYS. I LAUGHED UNTIL I CRIED IN NEARLY EVERY STORY. HE HAS A GIFT AND IS WORTHY OF A COMPARISON TO DAVID SEDARIS. I WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND ONE OF HIS READINGS OR BETTER YET - A LUNCH DATE. AFTER READING HIS BOOK(S) I AM CONVINCED YOU WOULD FALL IN LOVE WITH AS I HAVE. DEAR, MR. BURROUGHS - YOU VERY WELL MAY HAVE A STALKER ON YOUR HANDS - LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR NEW MATERIAL. FTR: I BOUGHT COPIES FOR ALL MY FRIENDS; ITS BECOME REQUIRED READING FOR ANYONE I KNOW.

I will buy anything and everything written by this author. He is absolutely brilliant, and when I read his work I am obsessed with every last word on the page. It's especially enjoyable when he writes autobiographical accounts. He can take an experience like finding a mouse in the bath tub, for example, and make it captivating and charming. I like his style of writing, the way his voice comes through so clearly, the way he writes in incomplete sentences in all the right places and makes it work. There are also a few wonderful love stories about he and Dennis, like the story that begins with Augusten going to Kmart for the iron. The story isn't really about a specific event; it's about his love for Dennis. Augusten has the ability to SHOW his feelings rather than to just SAY how he feels. It is certainly the most touching tribute to a partner that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Although I don't as much enjoy the feel of holding a hardcover book, I couldn't wait until Magical Thinking came out in paperback--I had to get it immediately. And I suggest you do the same.
(Note: 'Augusten, please hurry up and publish your next book; I need my fix.)