Curtis Books

What a great, great book! I just finished it and told my daughter when she finishes reading it, I am going to read it again. So many life lessons. You could feel God's presence throughout the whole read.

I could not put this book down. It was really a compeling story, but did get tired of the main character continueing leaving to find herself, and the last time it really was unbelievable she got herself mixed up with "Duke" again, but guess the author had to do that to bring the book to a close. I read alot of Christian historical fiction and found this one a little more "suggestive" than most. But all in all a entertaining book.

This is such a beautiful book based on biblical principles. I really do recommend it to all who are having trouble in their marriage. It really shows us so clearly how GOD wants us to love and how an unconditional love transforms each of us into the image of HIS dearly begotten Son Jesus. A must read for Christians and Non-Christians alike. GOD created us and HE has certain spiritual laws we must follow. Some follow them unconciously some read the manual which is naturally the Bible.
The book is fast paced and next to impossible to put down. Be very very blessed.

WOW! I could not put the book down. I read it in three days and it only took me that long because I have a 1 year old that consumes so much attention. This book was amazing. I have my mother in law reading it now. It reminded me of the way we treat God. This book can be enjoyed by anyone.

MY SISTER PLEADED WITH ME TO READ THIS BOOK, SHE HAD AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! I DIDN'T THINK THAT I WAS GOING TO BECAUSE, I'M NOT AS SPIRITUALLY MATURE AS SHE!!!!! I GOT THE BOOK ( JUST TO SHUT HER UP!!), AND LITERALLY WAS SHUT UP AND DOWN UNTIL I FINISHED IT!!! IT WAS SO INTERESTING AND CONSUMING THAT I LITERALLY LAUGHED ,CRIED, GOT ANGRY, MY HEART SWELLED AS MICHAEL CONTINUALLY SHOWED HER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TIME AFTER TIME!!!!! THE SIZE OF THE BOOK DID INTIMIDATE ME IN THE BEGINNING, NOW I WAS THAT THERE WAS A SEQUEL!!!! THIS ONE IS FOR MY LIBRARY DEFINITELY!!!! THE PERFECT STORY OF GOD'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!!!!!! THIS BOOK IS ANOITED BY GOD HIMSELF!!!!!! ENJOY!!!!!!I TRULY DID!!!!!!

A voracious reader since childhood. I became fan of romance novels in my teens and AT LEAST 2500 books later, The Windflower by Laura London sets the standard for which I judge all romances.

I found a sadly tattered copy this book in my local library 1985. I couldn't find anything from my favorite authors that I hadn't already read. I chose this book very reluctantly because I was concerned that it might be another boring and irritating bodice-ripper type of romance. I was completely blown away to discover an extremely well-written, wonderfully detailed, charming, poignant, humorous, witty, and sensual book. I found all of the characters interesting and memorable. Yes, the hero could be aggravating sometimes but I imagine that the relationship would lose its interesting complexity were he the easy-going type.

No, it's not the classic type romance novel but rather a story about a sheltered young lady whose world is turned upside down when she ends up a captive on a pirate ship due to tricks of fate. It is about how she and the hero deal with their attraction and discover love (albeit with difficulty). It is equally about how she adapts and matures in her new world and how her new world is affected by her.

I've had the good fortune and privilege to read all of Laura London's (Sharon & Tom Curtis) books. I am awed by their talent. They are truly artists and I also feel that they must be very special people.

I can't figure out how to write to these authors, so I'd like to use this review to thank them for writing such a beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable novel. I never read a book quite like this and since the Curtis' don't seem to be writing anymore, I doubt I ever will. The characters in this book are absolutely unforgettable. I can't get them out of my mind. Raven was funny and brave and Rand - I'd love to see his harsh exterior melted by a woman of his own - and Cat is just hauntingly beautiful. Bravo, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis!

This is one of those rare books that manages to be sweet and touching and exciting all at the same time. It is such a page turner, and when you finish it there is a feeling of let-down, like you know you are never going to pick a book quite as lovely as this one again. At least not one with pirates in it! Real, blood-thirsty, knife-in-the-teeth, take-no-prisoners, offer-no-quarter pirates. This has got to be the best pirate romance book ever written.

The closest I ever found is "Passion's Ransom" by Betina Krahn. If you are a Windflower addict searching for another hit, that's where you should look.

Wow, every now and then I come across a romance novel that has everything I want in it. A great hero and heroine, adventure, love, some misunderstanding, a little humor, bad boys, etc. The Windflower was one of the few. It made me feel for ALL of the characters. I don't think I have ever cared so deeply for multiple secondary characters, and it makes for a deeper reading experience. Overall, this book was wonderful; I mean really perfect, the ideal romance novel whose formula has never been dupliacated.

The romance is actually not as prominent in this particular romance novel as in others, but it doesn't detract from the read at all. One thing I really liked was the subplots don't feel forced unlike many other romance novels; they are enjoyable.

My advice for you is to find it; it was a rather hard book to track down, but it was so worth it. It is one of those novels you think about even after several weeks, and one where you can still remember every character's name because they mean something to you. An exceptional book.

OK, so maybe I'm just cranky because I plunked down $25 for an out of print paperback-- expecting one of the best romances ever written. I'm so annoyed that I don't know who I want to slap first--- the people who recommended this book, the authors, or Devon.

In my dreams, I'll line up all of them a La "Airplane" and have a go at them.

First off, this is NOT a romance! The 'whateveritis' between Devon and Merry could probably fill up oh, all of 4 chapters, maybe 100 pages of the book. It's lame, limp, passionless, full of distrust and so much of the heroine being hogtied with either ropes or verbal manipulation, you think you're reading some kind of the twisted tripe from the 70/80's(OK so this book WAS written sometime around then). That may explain it.

Like others have said, there are entire chapters where they don't even speak to one another. The relationship between the 2 actually becomes something that sorta looks like a relationship in the last 2 chapters. The rest?

Is about Merry and EVERYONE else on the ship. EVERYONE--- Cat, Raven, Morgan, The Crew etc. Heck, half the Caribbean for that matter. But Devon and Merry? Erm, not much. Very little...dang near nothing. Not enough for me to see why she 'loved' him and why he 'loved' her. Like others have said, this is the first 'romance' that I've read where I wasn't sure who the heroine was supposed to be with, even 2/3's of the way through the book. I assumed it was Cat for about 3 chapters, then Raven....but then the author would have Devon reappear to scowl, kiss Merry, fondle her a bit as if to say "NOPE! He's the one!"

Thank you, I was very confused until those moments. But by then, I disliked Devon so much, I was really hoping that he'd croak and maybe Cat would get the job.

Secondly, when you finally get to the "romance" part of this "NOT A ROMANCE", you are so annoyed with Devon's on going coldness, manhandling and mistreatment of Merry, plus the manner in which they are not only married, but the marriage is finally consumated that you feel....well...ah...

I personally was FURIOUS! The book is pretty much about someone who has every choice stripped away from page one by either relative, circumstance and at the very end husband.

OK, for that total slap in the face of freedom, I hated the book.

Lastly, what makes this book beautiful is NOT THE ROMANCE! But the prose, the imagery, the characters, the research etc. Mostly---The story inside the story. These factors are what make this book beautiful and great. And why I gave it two stars instead of one.

However, I disagree with others, I would never, ever ever ever ever ever pass this book on to others as an example of a 'Great Romance' novel. Because, it's not a romance.

This is a really sweet book! My 9 year old daughter really enjoys it. My 6 year old son could care less right now. But if I talk to him about the meaning, he then understands it more and asks some really smart questions!

The story is about how we (the children) are a big part of earth. How everything is a part of us. Everywhere we look on earth and above is what we are made up of... kinda cool. I really liked it!

If you have a universal outlook on spirituality- you will love this book! My children beam after we read it. They feel special, loved, secure... all the things we want for our kids. There is not ONE THING scary or negative in this book. It voids the polarity idea. It is fantastic.

This is a wonderful book. I have a four year old son who has owned this book since before he was three. He loves and understands it, probably more so than many adults. It is the favorite book for my husband and son to read together.

If you like this book you will love "Child of Fairy, Child of Earth". Both books have beautiful verse, illustrations and messages.

This book is beautifully inspiring and a needed aid in nuturing spirituality in children, I love it as much as my 3-year-old.

This is by far one of my most favorite children's books. "I am part of all I see, and all I see is part of me." Those first two pages sum it up.

The illustrations are warm, gentle, and beautiful. If you look closely you can see little elves and fairies hiding in the forest. My girls love to try and find them while we are reading.

I have given this book as a gift many times and it is always well received.

Thank you Chara for creating such a wonderful book for our evolving little ones (and their parents)!

As an elementary school counselor I used this book to help students cope with grief and loss.

I wish there was a way to promote her books more. I bought one of Jamie's earlier books for a little boy a couple years ago. Recently, I was very surprised when his Mother said that it was the only book he enjoyed reading and wanted "Where Do Balloons Go?" for a birthday presnt. This little boy doesn't read very much but spends a lot of time in front of the television or computer, so it was very uplifting to know he realized there is more to life than visuals.

Our grandson has this book & loves it so much that we purchased another as a gift for our nephew.

my daughter absolutely loves this book. the age range says 4 and up but my daughter is two and loves it and is addicted to it. she wants me to read it to her before her nap and bedtime. i would say not to leave it down where a child under 4 could rip the pages. this books verbage and artwork is so clever. my daughter and i both get a kick out of it. there are reusable stickers included in the back of the book and you can use them on the pretty inside covers in the front or back (slick surface- either cloud or space background). she always sees them when we are done reading and can't wait until she can one day play with them. she loves stickers but tends to rip them and ruin them at this age- so i'm waiting to let her play with these! i would recommend this book to anyone, and i know i will buying this as gifts!

I think every young child whose ever accidentally released a balloon into the wild blue yonder has wondered what happens to them...and this book gives kids some whimsical ideas about the secret life of balloons that should ease their minds about what happens...I suppose this is a better way for kids to think about it than just popping somewhere up there and plummeting to the ground. The words are written in silly rhymes and the illustrations are lush and whimsical...just plain silly and loads of fun for young readers. Younger kids (2-4) will like having the opportunity to explore each page and older kids (5-8) will enjoy reading all the additional text loaded onto each page (balloons writing post cards, signs for various things, ect...) that should help keep their interest when the simple rhyme is, well, too simple for them to enjoy. Each page feels rather like an explosion of art and whimsy...it is that chaotic splendor that kids can't help but love!! Where to Balloons Go? doesn't provide any scientific explanation...but it's not meant to, it's just plain fun!! Kids and adults alike will have fun reading this and diving right into the incredible illustrations...if you've got a kid 4-8, this is a must read!!

Jamie Lee is very clever with her wordings and rhymes. The illustrations are very eye-catching. Always looking for a new way to challenge and stimulate children's minds....this is it!

Jamie Lee Curtis, Is There Really a Human Race? (Joanna Cotler Books, 2006)

Man, this book started off so well. Of its thirty-two pages, fully twenty-six of them are great stuff. Playing on the multiple meanings of the word "race", Curtis asks all sorts of amusing questions about humanity. While it does get a tad overbearing at times with the moralizing ("If the race is unfair, will I succeed?" comes flying out of nowhere, for example), it's quick, funny, and wonderfully illustrated by Laura Cornell. Unfortunately, then come the last six pages, where Curtis tosses away the metaphor and dives straight into the moralizing. Show Don't Tell is gasping by the wayside, obviously not having the lung capacity to finish. Sense of Subtlety got knocked over the head by an unscrupulous racer and is lying in the gutter, quietly sobbing. Not Talking Down to Kids lost his jockey and bolted for the track bar. Moralizing and Sanctimoniousness hit the wire in a dead heat.

Still, the first bit's worth it. **

I love reading this book to my son. It not only gets him thinking about the human race, but me as well. Jamie Lee Curtis did a fantastic job with this one.

This is a lovely little book for both children and adults alike. Three weeks before christmas I picked it up in the bookstore and couldn't put it down. I bought that copy right there then went home and bought ten more off Amazon and sent them to all my close friends for Christmas. For me it ranks right up there with the Lorax by Dr. Suess as a children's story with heart and wisdom. Read it to your children, read it for yourself.

While I don't usually review picture books, I highly recommend this charming book for adults who need to be reminded to slow down. I bought a copy to purchase for a youngster -- but was so moved by the message that I plan to keep it myself and will have to buy another. Curtis's important message is sure to strike a chord with over-scheduled adults who happen to be reading the book aloud to children. Cornell's whimsical illustrations (I loved the girl who's got the biggest hair "without product") make you pause for a closer look as you follow the text, which is exactly what a good picture book should do. This book makes a great gift for anyone -- regardless of age. -- Cindy La Ferle [...]

Steven will not forget how he met the unbelievably gorgeous Julie Montenegro. Her beautiful eyes and stackable body had Steven wrapped around her finger. The love he shared with her was deep, sensual and hypnotic. Steve never knew what hit him when he felt that first fatal blow. After the repeated cries of apologies, Steven knew that he was in for something terrible. After countless beatings, broken ribs and false promises, Steven decides enough is enough. Will Julie feel the same way?

Marvin Reid does an excellent job at describing what we as a country feel is a woman's ordeal. Hundreds if not thousands of men go through physical and mental abuse each year. While when women are victims, the courts are enthused to throw the men straight to jail. On the other hand the courts, almost laugh when the men are victims of women abusing them. Double standard at its finest. Marvin should have opened the eyes and hearts of many of his readers and his story should be passed on.

Marvin Curtis Reid is a serious novelist. He's not the type of author who gives you a story based on half-truths; rather, he does the research and gives you fiction that resembles the truth. Marvin's novels are the real deal. His second book, STEVEN is a journey into the world of domestic abuse from a most unique perspective, par for our society. This unique story centers on the abuse of an African-American male. The eye-opener for this tale is how the story is written. Not many stories are depicted about battered husbands and boyfriends. The popular belief is that this type of abuse is mainly a woman's domain, but rising statistics tell us it's more prevalent than we realize. The story takes place in modern-day New York City. Steven is a young Black urban professional who meets a beautiful woman on the streets of New York and they begin dating. Julie is high maintenance, independent, and a stunningly attractive woman who owns a Brownstone in Harlem. Her aggressive style attracts and intrigues him enough to fall in love, which is the beginning of his nightmare. The dark side of this pretty lady emerges, and Steven becomes her favorite victim.

I was impressed with the way that the author portrayed the soul and spirit of Steven. Readers will readily be drawn into this drama! Reid created rich characters full of human emotion, which will allow pity to be the main ingredient in understanding his ordeal. Paradoxically, his refusal to stay away from this woman who beats him so brutally makes you want to see how far it takes you. She almost kills him on more than once occasion adding fuel to the fire, making you angry and fearful for his safety. Julie, the girlfriend from hell, will chill your bones. The madness in the character's personality and her dark and evil acts will give you a villain you will love to hate. This is not a pretty ride and parts of the book are raw and revealing. The physical assaults on Steven will make cringe as you imagine both his physical and emotional pain. You almost wish that the court system would have been an ally, but does little to keep him safe. What defense does Steven render? And what turns the tide for him? Steven's needed to do the right thing, and his feelings of inadequacy make him a continuing vulnerable target. Finally, his spiritual strength kicks in and he moves on, but Julie will not let him be. She stalks him until the very end.

STEVEN is a book that you read in one sitting. I did, because I wanted to know so badly how the book was going to end. It was suspenseful and gripping. I enjoyed crying for Steven in his worst moments, and cheering him on when he was strong. I recommend this book to readers who appreciate a good storyline, great characters, and crisp clear writing. Marvin Curtis Reid is an author to keep an eye on. I'd rate this book a 4.5 because it was just that close to being a perfect read.

Settling in for a nice evening and curling up with a good book? Well, this ain't it. If you're looking for a nice chick-lit story or some sweet, honest drama, you've come to the wrong place. STEVEN is a gritty, shoot from the hip memoir of a man suffering the indignity of domestic abuse at the hands of his "gorgeous" girlfriend, Julie. About Julie: she's a character that you'd love to grab by the neck and squeeze. Her visceral actions will leave you speechless, especially one particular scene...but I won't give that one away.

Steven Porter himself is a sweet and gentle character who is exceptionally well developed, but his choices obviously contributed to his situation with Julie. Fortunately, Fallon, his subsequent wife is an amazing person. The author's characterization of her is obviously meant to send a message to the men of the world. She's generous, loving, patient and strong, just the way she should have been. She needed to be to deal with a situation like that.

Overall, this book is mind-bending and shows the triumph of the human spirit. I applaud the writer for his insight and taking on a topic that is extremely difficult. Men are often victims of circumstance and generally unwilling to come forward, Reid clearly points that out. Though some might be more interested in why Julie was the way she was, that really doesn't matter because it's about Steven and how he manages to get through it all.

It was indeed a pleasure.

In Queen Latifah's song U.N.I.T.Y she says `Put your hands on me again I'll put you're a** in handcuffs.



I know this because my boyfriend at the time would always say it. We would laugh about it, because it wasn't like I was beating him senseless we would just be playing. As ignorant as it sounds I would have never thought that statistics would be this high regarding men being abused.



Steven is a wonderfully thought out tale of abuse and then UNITY. Who would have thought that simple gesture of helping a beautiful woman out one day would turn into the kind of physical and mental abuse he suffered. Due to embarrassment he wasn't able to call the cops on his abuser or even admit the truth to himself that he was a victim of physical abuse from the hands of a woman. What cop, doctor, friend, sister, co-worker would believe that she was beating him unmercifully day in and day out. He wasn't sure who he could tell until he was almost beaten to a pulp and didn't have a choice but to admit what happened.



Months later and his neighbor turned out to be the woman that was made for him. Through love, understanding and UNITY they overcame all the abuse that was shed upon him and their relationship.



I really enjoyed reading this, I mean I wanted Steven to whoop her a** but I understood his reasoning behind not responding to her. He forgave her but as they say we can all forgive we will never forget.

Steven and Julie's relationship is a tumultuous one.

"You made me do this!"

Words uttered by one mate to the other after a fierce beating. Julie, a petite perfect size six, is no physical match to Steven at six-one, six-two, at least 200 pounds. If it were only that simple...

"You made me!"

With manipulation, power, fear, and sex, the scales have tilted in the other direction. It is Steven that is subjected to mental and physical abuse at the mouth and hands of Julie. Ashamed, broken, and scared, Steven doesn't know if he's coming or going. Slap after slap, punch after punch, kick after kick, he's dangerously nearing the point of no return. Will Steven continue to suffer in silence?

As this frank novel unfolds, Steven will suffer more than physical abuse as he questions his worth and manhood. Marvin Curtis Reid has drawn a vivid and dramatic portrait that gives readers a greater understanding of an often unspoken of abuse - men victimized by women. Steven's struggles will resonate for anyone that has themselves been a victim or knows someone that is - pretty much everyone. I highly recommend this novel.

Thank you Marvin. Did you succeed? Yes, you did.

This is a wonderful story of finding one's own self confidence. I loved it from beginning to end. The illustrations are adorable. Nice to see some fantastic, good old fashioned storytellers are still out there still!

I won't bother to explain how I come to read The Little Prince and His Magic Wand, a well-written children's book by Jillian M. Curtis, because it really doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled that I did.
When I was a little girl, my mother constantly told me that I was special because I was born on Good Friday, and then I was blessed with the beautiful experience of standing at the end of a rainbow. Unfortunately, there was no pot of gold. But you know what, it really didn't matter and I wasn't the least bit discouraged to think that pot of gold didn't really exist. It was just a stroke of bad luck to find myself standing at the wrong end...that's all. Admittedly so, I might have been a bit disappointed, but never enough to give up believing in that rainbow. And wasn't it enough just getting to stand there in those beautiful colors? Wasn't that quite special? Maybe not to anyone else in the world, but it sure was to me.
So no matter how old we get, we should never give up believing in those childhood fantasies our parents tell us about, like the tooth fairy or the Easter bunny or "Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus." That wonderful world of magic and wishing upon a star should remain as much a part of our adult lives as it did when we were children.
It's like "no child left behind". No youngster should be allowed to miss out on the joys of make-believe and fairy tales. And when a precious story like "The Little Prince and His Magic Wand" comes along, we shouldn't miss out on that either. After reading this beautiful short story, I smiled, wishing I'd had this book to read to my children when they were little. Children love a beautiful fairy tale, and I'll have to say, this little book is one of the very best, truly a story for the young at heart. In fact, I'll probably read it again...just for me. ;-)
Get it. You won't go wrong. Your kids will love it.

Jillian M. Curtis' The Little Prince and His Magic Wand is a quaint and delightful children's book that points young children to the magic within themselves and away from the constant distractions of the world. It's a sweet and wholesome story of a good and kind young prince who follows his dream of becoming a great wizard by searching the Forest of Magic, Mystery and Miracles for the Great Wizard himself. Coming upon the Spirit of the Forest trapped amongst some thickets and thorns, he does not hesitate to come to her assistance. It is through his acts of kindness toward the beautiful young Spirit that he ultimately finds what he is looking for - the true source of magic.

I love the look of this book. Some might consider the (watercolor?) illustrations of Janet Mattison-Prise to be old-fashioned - certainly, they don't leap off the page with vivid realism, but they are exactly the type of illustrations a good, classic children's book should have. After all, illustrations are supposed to complement the story, not compete for the child's attention.

It should be noted that this book is primarily written for children between four and eight years old, and it should go far in helping such youngsters realize just how fun reading can be. With its uplifting message that you can accomplish anything if you just have faith in yourself, The Little Prince and His Magic Wand provides children with an inspirational story they will find educational as well as entertaining.

I found this book to be an original hero quest for younger children. What made it original was that the main character already was a prince, a person of power and wealth, yet above all things he wished to be a wizard. As the tale tells us, even though he could command armies, he could not do magic. Even the court magicians could do no more than give him a cloak that made him look like a wizard- and advice to enter the Forest of Magic, Mystery, and Miracles to look for the Great Wizard on his own.

So the young Prince enters the great forest on his own. He soon encounters the feminine spirit of that forest. She is trapped, exhausted and in danger after her own quest for her Knight of Serenity. The young Prince shows empathy and compassion in freeing her, listening to her tale, and helping her to return to her home. He even finds the ability to do magic to aid them on their way, though it hardly seems like magic at the time. Indeed, as a result of his efforts, the Great Wizard reveals himself to the Prince. His message is that the prince had always had the magic within himself; he had only to realize it through selfless helping. The prince's worldly scepter had always been a magic wand. The young prince leaves a small spark of himself with the spirit and tells her that he will one day return to the Forest.

I found this a charming, non-threatening tale for children. It teaches that there is something more to the world than material wealth and power. There is something more. This something lies deep within us and we can connect with it if we only make a positive effort to use it for good. Part of us will always reside in the Forest of Magic, Mystery, and Miracles... and we will one day return there.

Growing up, a long, long time ago, I cut my teeth on fairytales. I have often felt we needed more of them, not only for our children and grandchildren, but for our own enjoyment. I must admit, many of the tales presented by the Brothers Grimm, read to me in my youth by my mother, scared me half silly, being a child with an over active imagination. (Actually, not much has changed over the years in this area). No fear here though. This is a delightful tale of love, friendship and the magic that is in all of us. This is a point well made in the story. Most, if not all, of us have that magic in us, we have it around us and it is ours to have for the taking if we just look in the right places. This little story points that out in an absolutely delightful way. The author's mellow syntax is an absolute delight to read and I did not find one page that did not leave plenty of room for discussion with your child or grandchild as the book is being read. I must admit to have greatly enjoyed the style of the illustrator also, Janet Mattison-Prise. It was executed in a manner that I find particularly pleasing. This book, as others have pointed out, is a great bed time book or a rainy afternoon book. I hardly think you could go wrong. The story is pretty straight forward, the lessons learned by the little prince are quite worthwhile and it does foster the imagination. What more could you want? Recommend this one highly. I do hope this author gives us more of the same in the future.

This book is so captivating a just can not put it down. I just got a week ago, and I am almost done reading it. Then of course I will have to pass it along to my sister to read when I am done with it. Liz Curtis Higgs is a wonderful writter, and this finale to the series is just supurb.

Davina McKie is the only daughter of Jamie and Leana McKie (the subjects of Thorn in My Heart, Tender is the Rose, and Whence Came a Prince.) Davina has not been able to speak since she was younger, but has found ways of communicating, one way throw a fiddle.

Her younger brothers are sent away to school, and as they have always protected Davina Jamie is worried about her. Then he sends her to a cousins house on the Isle of Arran for the summer. Davina has the time of her life getting to know her cousins who are just about her age, when a request was made to play for the Duke of Hamilton.

While there she meets Summerland McDonald who takes a shine to her. Unfortunately this leads to several tragedies that befall her while on the Island.

While there are some cheerless parts of the book, the way that the book ends makes up for it.

Much like Francine Rivers, Liz Curtis Higgs' stories are able to reveal one's true heart and nourish the soul. Bravo.

Grace in thine eyes is a beatiful story about a tale that is very quickly forgotton. Tucked between the story of Jacob and Joesph lies Genesis chapter #34. The story of Jacobs daughter Dinah. Liz Curtis Higgs took that story and created an epic tale that will keep you reading from the first page till the last. Davina is a young lass of 17. Mute since a young child Davina is doted on by her younger brothers. When she is sent away to the Isle of Arran, she is truly excited. However no one would be able to see the string of events that will take place and change Davinas life forever. I enjoyed this book very much. I found it a different and well written story. I will be looking for many more stories by this author.

This story is a beautiful one where you'll find yourself getting involved with the characters on an emotional level. This seems to happen to me every time I pick up one of Liz Curtis Higg's books. Not being a lover of romance/fiction I was at first skeptical about picking up Liz Curtis' book Grace in Thine Eyes. This book goes much much deeper than that. The characters are imperfect, lively, and very real, you'll love some of them, be intrigued by some and just cringe at some. She writes reality into her stories. You won't be able to put this one down! I promise you'll be moved by this story!

The story of three very good friends who must check their baggage in order to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships. They all start out in not so good places and come full circle. Good book.

Baggage Check is the story of 3 male friends who grow up and outgrow their womanizing ways. The tale is well told and thought provoking. You will recognize some of the men who have pushed up on you in the past. If you're blessed, you are one of the women who these men finally recognized they needed. Read it - with a quickness!

Can't say much except Curtis Bunn is a future star. I can't believe Baggage Check is ihs FIRST novel, but I do see why it was No. 1 on the Essence best-seller list. I'm mad at myself that I just discovered this book.
Without giving away the story, it's a lot of life lessons and insight and humor and passion and emotion and fun in this book. Each character had a different voice and a different set of baggage, and the way Bunn crafted each person's growth was extremely smooth and realistic and moving for me. This is one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it ot anyone who loves great writing, great characters (and some strong women characters, too), great stories and learn something in the process, you should read this book.
Lana Rickett, New York, NY

I loved this book so much. When my book club chose this book, I wasn't looking forward to reading it because I don't like relationship books. But, this book isn't just about male/female relationships. It explores the bond between male friends. By the end of the book, I grew to like all the male characters, especially the bond shared among the three male characters. It was great that the author exposed this to the rest of the world. Also, the author came to my book club's meeting and we found him to be a great guy. You won't be disappointed with this book. It's a great read.

Julian, Greg and Larry have been best friends since their childhood in Washington D.C. All three have different career paths and place value on different things, however they all have two things in common, their love for each other, and their inability to maintain a monogamous relationship.

Julian, the professor, says he loves his girlfriend Joanne but ends up in the sack with her sister and soon after said tryst finds out that Joanne is pregnant. He plans on taking care of his child, but his commitment to Joanne is lukewarm. Greg, the penny pinching bookstore owner, made the "mistake" of telling his long time love that he plans to marry her. Now her constant haranguing about when the marriage will take place is getting to him. Finally there's Larry, the aspiring actor and "playa". He spreads himself around and sticks with no one long enough for the words commitment or relationship to pop up. No woman has been able to hold his attention in that way. In today's climate these three are really quite ordinary in terms of their behavior and value systems. What makes Julian, Greg and Larry special is that they all learn by means of one fairly extraordinary event that they all have "baggage", which needs to be checked. (read the book for explanation). Once their baggage has been checked they all learn to love more freely.

As a female reader I was skeptical about how a story about men, written by a man would speak to me and speak about women. However, Baggage Check was a pleasant surprise. All the elements of a good story are there, believable characters, a startling beginning, a middle that held the reader's interest and a happy ending. Parts of this story in fact were uproariously funny as well as touching. How women are portrayed really became background for the real story of personal growth that happened for each of the characters. Yes the women were there and aided in the growth but the men had to do the hard work on their own. Bunn enabled this reader to drop her skepticism by simply writing a good story.

Being in this house must be like walking around in a dream.This man is highly gifted!

The exquisite cover of this book embraces you from the start and continues that embrace throughout the pages and pages of beautiful photos and very helpful how-to instructions. This book kick-starts your imagination into the beauty of our surroundings, in and around your home.

The heart of this artist, Curtis Heuser, is found in every photo, detail, and writing of this awe-inspiring book. By opening the pages--
"YOUR HOME" can truly become "A LIVING CANVAS".

Very motivating book. Excellently detailed instructions. Mr. Heuser is very creative with color ,texture and design.

I have worked with many different designers on interior design for new construction. This book would be an invaluable tool in creating new spaces while giving them an older feel. Not everyone wants their new home to feel new. These procedures give a home warmth and character.
I have personally toured this home and the effect of all of these designs together in one home is just simply amazing. Kudos to Curtis for having the patience and vision to put together this amazing book.

Mr. Heuser accomplished his mission! His book is, indeed, truly inspiring and encouraging!The personalized narrative piqued my interest in exploring each process and project in his home renovation--not just the ones of particular interest to me. I gleaned marvelous insights regarding the use of color and ways to create added warmth and meaning to a space. The before, during and after illustrations inspire confidence, as do the detailed materials/sources lists. From my experience, as a lay person, this is by far the best publication I've found on the subject. Heuser's talent is awe inspiring and his passion for art cannot help but engage any reader in the creative process--individually, or in partnership with someone who can help to create a living canvas for their home. Curtis Heuser and North Light Books have done a splendid job in producing a book that will be loved and appreciated by many!