Gray Books

A true story of two people, their wolf-dog and their amazing adventures with wild wolves in Canada's far north tundra and frozen ocean.
Helen Thayer, a recipient of many awards and honored by the White House, is a veteran world wide explorer over many years. She and her husband explore the world's remote places seeking material to add to their highly successful educational programs which I and fellow educators nationwide use in classrooms.
Her writing and lectures have inspired people of all ages in many countries. I had the pleasure of meeting this dynamic 66 year old, five feet two inch woman after she spoke at a national corporate convention in Florida.
This is a true life experience of living among wild wolf packs in which Charlie, her Inuit dog who once saved her life from a polar bear attack, is the story's star. Just as POLAR DREAM was, this new book is well written with vivid description that takes you on this remarkable journey. This very different approach to wolf study is a welcome addition to our knowledge of these animals. We see the close relationship of many species of animals sharing wild wolf habitat, and at times depending on each other.
Her first book, POLAR DREAM, tells of her adventure with Charlie when she became the first woman to walk alone pulling her own sled without dog teams or snowmobiles to the Magnetic North Pole.
This exciting story and THREE AMONG THE WOLVES are on the same informative, page turning level. The observation of wild wolf family life, their ability to adjust their survival skills, the raising of the pups and even the concern over an injured family member show close observation and remarkable intuitive understanding of wolf behavior. Of course beloved part-wolf Charlie is the reason for the success of the year long project as the author readily acknowledges.
The story is fast moving and flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. Also beautifully descriptive, compassionate and in places humerous. The numerous photos add to the account. A valuable addition to the story are the descriptions of the various animals the Thayers' encountered who share wolf habitat. An excellent addition to anyones book shelf.

This book is my second literary experience with Helen Thayer and her dog Charlie following her 2002 book "Polar Dream," in which the pair join together as Ms. Thayer became the first woman (and oldest person at 50) to walk and ski solo (not counting Charlie) to the Magnetic North Pole. In this adventure her husband Bill joins the pair as they spend a year living with wolves in the wild above the Arctic Circle. It's easy to see why the National Geographic Society/National Public Radio has named Ms. Thayer one of the great explorers of the 20th Century. Her stamina and perseverance are phenomenal. The trio infiltrates the Richardson Mountains in Canada's Yukon Territory in search of the greatest villains in all of children's literature. After struggling through most difficult terrains, they come upon a family of wolves and spend months living in a tent within the animals' sight studying the social interplay of these beasts. Completing this phase of their adventure, they sadly leave this family and trek further north into the shifting and dangerous ice of Beaufort Sea to discover the wintertime interplay between wolves and polar bears, considered by many to be the most dangerous of all wild animals. After this near-death adventure, they ski back to the Mackenzie Delta and set up housekeeping next to another group of wolves. The hardships and danger the three faces on a daily basis are amazing to contemplate. The payoff from this book is two-fold. First, the scientific data discovered for the first time. But maybe more importantly is the realization that these creatures are truly magnificent and caring individuals, and anyone who reads this book with an open mind will forever despise hunters who slaughter entire packs by shooting them from low flying airplanes. Ms. Thayer makes it crystal clear that wolves deserve to be part of the world community. There is a bit of repetition in the book. I only need to be told once that the northern lights are called aurora borealis or that animals burrow under the snow were it is a few degrees warmer than above. But that's nit picking. There is also repetition in the telling of their studies, but that captures the flavor of their scientific existence, so is acceptable. To enhance this telling, dozens of pictures taken during this adventure are sprinkled throughout. All outdoorsmen, naturalists, and animal lovers will treasure this book.

I collect books about wolves. This book is different with a new perspective both fascinating and informative.The author, explorer Helen Thayer,her explorer husband, and their Inuit dog Charlie of the best selling book, "Polar Dream" fame,(the author's book about her first ever by a woman to walk alone to the magnetic North Pole)lived a year with wild wolves above the Arctic Circle summer and winter. The author tells us "it would have been impossible without Charlie.He was the bridge we needed to cross the gap that allowed us to live alongside wolves and share their lives."
Charlie, part wolf, was quickly accepted. His human pack was accepted shortly afterward. The affectionate nature of wolves, their interaction with other animal species, even polar bears, that's not well documented elsewhere, is truly enlightening. The escapades of the mishievious pups are adorable as is their care and teaching by the adults.
The amusing episodes, the highly emotional times and the valuable information makes this book a winner. Beautifully written, vivid description, allows the reader to share this amazing and unique experience.
The reader soon knows each wolf, its personality, and its role in family life as if the reader were right there with the author.
A true winner in wolf literature.

Enjoyed this book very much. A touching story about the very misunderstood lives of wolves. Highly recommend this book if you care at all about wildlife and adventure living.

This book was incredible, and is definantly my favorite non-fiction book. This book is great for anyone who has a slight intrest in nature. It helps if you think wolves are awesome as I do.

I was expecting a book with interviews of homeless people. This book is more complex than that. It contains short excerpts of interviews which are grouped under subjects pertaining to homelessness, plus interviewer notes, narrator observations, illustrations, and other extras. No single voice dominates the book or even a portion of the book. Look for Genny Nelson's powerful introduction and chapter introductions.

I thought I had some answers to the question of why people are homeless. I've got fewer answers now, and a lot more compassion for the folks that I see every day. This is a good book recommendation for the person who begins a sentence with "All homeless people..."

This book is extremely unique with a compilation of hundreds of different quotes from the homeless. This is the most frank, non-sugar coated perspective of this issue I've ever read. This completely changed my own views, especially the chapter about the reasons people were out there on the street. After reading this I'm a lot more sensitive to why this problem persists. Great read!

This book can be hard to read but it is full of beautiful stories, sad and touching. I had the honor of reading snippets before it went to press and was struck by many of the passages.

I helped out with the later results of Sisters' research, the Photovoice Project, where photographers (some of them participants in the research) were given cameras to document their lives on the streets. You can see some of the photos in this book. Buying this book, you will read and see incredible things. Sisters is dedicated to telling the truth in a non-violent and gently personal manner. You will not regret reading about the lives of the men and women of Portland's streets...

I was touched by the voices in this book. Some of the narrators seem reliable; some do not. All of them echo the same sentiment: they feel invisible to us, to our society. It reshaped the way I react to those I pass who stand on street corners or occasionally speak to you as you walk through downtown Portland.

This book is very good lots of great images and information. It is good for anyone interested in wolves or Isle Royale lots of very interesting information on the wildlife and what is driving the ever changing isle royale system.

If you've been to Isle Royale and want to know more about the wolves, then I highly recommend this book. Most visitors to Isle Royale hope to see a wolf, and most visitors leave the island disappointed. Isle Royale is the closest thing to a closed system to study a predator-prey relationship, and is the site of one of the longest running field studies. The book has some good stories about conducting research on Isle Royale, including the winter study when the research team are the only people in the park. It also provides some insight into how theories about the wolf-moose relationship are still evolving after years of research. It also discusses the challenges the researchers faced when the wolf population took a nosedive in the late 1980's, and ponders the question of what should be done if the wolves die out on IR. This book is several years old now, so if you're interested in more recent data, contact the IR Natural History Association [URL] to get the latest report.

This book has every thing drama humor and just about trying to save a beautifal anamal.the author is a respected man of science and with that you get brilant writing and great photos of the wonderful canis lupis (wolf).So If you are a wolf person like me or just someone looking for a good read it's all in this book.

I've been interested in the moose and wolves of Isle Royale since visiting the island in the early 1990s. While I spotted plenty of moose (swimming in the lakes, jumping out of the bushes in front of us on the trail, etc.), the wolves remained hidden--a mystery.

Fortunately, Rolf Peterson writes brilliantly of the side of Isle Royale that many of us will never glimpse. Peterson's work switches easily between the science and the 'experience' of studying wolves in a remote setting. The book is chock full of interesting anectodes collected from Peterson's many seasons studying the island's flora and fauna. From landing a bush plane in a white-out to dragging moose carcasses through the woods, Peterson gives us an interesting look at the what being a field scientist might be like.

It's important to note that this book is not just about wolves. Indeed, so many environmental factors shape life on Isle Royale outside of its 'headlining' mammals (moose and wolves): from beaver to fox, from spruce to elder. Peterson does a great job of explaining how the changing environment (some human-induced, some not) has impacted the island's populations.

The book also has some excellent photographs, which illustrate not only the science, but also the beauty that is Isle Royale! Highly recommended.

This book provides an introduction to the wolves of Isle Royale. Peterson certainly knows the material, since he has led the island's wolf-moose study for decades. The book presents a mix of scientific findings, stories from the wolf-moose study, and Peterson's personal experiences and the island. It's well-written, though the mixture of these materials sometimes seems a bit random.

If your primary interest lies in the science of wolves, I'd read Durward Allen's Wolves of Minong instead. But for everyone else, this should be your first book on Isle Royale and the wolves.

The greatest strength of this book is its photographs. These include wildlife shots, pictures of study staff dissecting carcasses, landscapes of Isle Royale, and a few shots of Peterson and his family. The photographs, the color, and the paper the book is printed on are all top-notch.

Peterson argues that the wolf population may be in crisis. Fortunately, wolf numbers have turned around since he wrote this book. His concluding chapter, about whether we should reintroduce "non-native" wolves to Isle Royale if they died out naturally, is very thoughtful and thought-provoking.

This book has many strengths, from the credentials of the experts included to the variety of the topics they have chosen to write about. For some of us, the words "Improve Your Life" are frightening because there is, of course, so much work to be done. David Riklan's book is accessible, though, for each topic is short, sweet and pragmatic. If you're a writer, turn to pages 384-386, where you'll find Kelly Robbins' thoughts about using your words to focus on your life's challenges. If you're struggling with relationships, John Gray has some excellent advice on page 266. I especially like Shirley Cheng's "Dance With Your Heart" essay on page 350 because it presents such a positive approach to life. When it comes to titles, Alan Cohen's "Mistake Salad," is especially apt, and the words that follow are a great story with a thought-provoking question about the role of mistakes in our lives. Each of the essays in the book presents a bite-sized idea that, when pondered, makes for a very filling and nutritious meal.

101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2
by David Riklan

Self-Improvement: The Top 101 Experts Who Help Us Improve Our Lives
by David Riklan

I have deliberately bought these two books to be used as an intellectual resource on optimum performance technologies. Combined them with my earlier acquisition of Tom Butler-Brown's trilogy of books (which I have already reviewed), namely:

- 50 Self Help Classics;
- 50 Success Classics;
- 50 Spiritual Classics;

& my impending requisition of the author's latest '50 Psychology Classics', I now have, in my hands, more than 2,000 pages of well-researched & systematically organised information nuggets. What a formidable intellectual resource!

I have browsed the foregoing two books very quickly & I generally concur with most of the positive reviews by other reviewers, especially Donald Mitchell.

For readers who are still scouting for peak performance technologies, please go no further. Just follow my personal example.

David Riklan has done it again. He managed to get 101 self-improvement gurus to collaborate and share their collective wisdom. The result is '101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life-Volume 2'. The stories will improve your relationship with yourself, others, and the universe. Covering an enormous array of topics, the common denominator of the stories is that they will help you think more positively and feel and function better.

Shirley Cheng's chapter entitled 'Dance With Your Heart: How To Befriend Your Heart And The World Around You' is my favorite. She provides clear guidelines on how to not only dance with your heart but on how to become a dancing heart. It is a beautiful and instructive chapter written by this young woman who is a blind and physically disabled poet and author. I learned more about her by visiting the website [...]

The book is filled with many other stories to help you discover countless ways of feeling better and improving your life. Enthusiastically recommended.

At the time I read volume 1 of this great series, I couldn't imagine how David Riklan could possibly top that accomplishment. But somehow he did! If you liked that book, order this one immediately.

Like volume 1, volume 2 headlines articles by many famous authors: Jack Canfield; Richard Carlson; Alan Cohen; John Gray; and Bob Proctor. Beyond those marquee names, you'll also find many other excellent, previously published authors like: Lisa Angelettie; Ellyn Bader; Deborah Baker-Receniello; Annette Bau; Alex Benzer; Suzanne Blake; Teresa Bolen; Shirley Cheng; Annette Colby; Deanna Davis; Signe Dayhoff; John Dempsey; Shawn Driscoll; Catherine Eagan; J. Victor Eagan; Ronald Finklestein; Jeannie Fitzsimmons; Donald Flack; Mary Foley; John Forman; Leah Grant; Jeanne-Marie Grumet; Anne Hartley; Craig Howe; Anita Jefferson; Karen Jones; Dave Kurlan; Mary Jo Kurtz; Judy Lawrence; David Lazear; Leah Light; Chunyi Lin; Vicki Spring Love; Talia Mana; Peggy McColl; Dee McCrorey; Kathleen McGraw; Barbara McRae; June Marshall; Lesley Moore; Relly Nadler; Neill Neill; Anne Nelson; Michael Norwood; Sally O'Brien; Kara Oh; Heather O'Hara; Samuel Okoro; Sandy Paris; Peter Pearson; Nancy Pina; Susan Ratynski; Michael Rayel; Trish Regan; Nancy Richards; John Rifkin; Kelly Robbins; Michael Ruge; Daniel Saintjean; Linda Salazar; Linda Sapadin; Suzanne Schell; Karen Sherman; Colleen Hoffman Smith; Andreas Stark; Pauline Wallin; Brian Walsh; Margie Warrell; and Cathi Watson.

Lest you think that the best writing is by the best-known authors, the best written piece in the book is by Shirley Cheng, whose work you may not know yet . . . but you should. The title? Dance with Your Heart: How to Befriend Your Heart and the World around You

Here are my other favorites:

Action Today! by Daniel Saintjean
Being Graceful Makes Your Life Happen by Guru Kaur
Believe and You Will See by Peggy McColl
Embrace Positive Fatalism by Samuel Okoro
Failure Can Catapult Your Success by J. Victor Eagan
Finding the Work You Love! by Keri Coffman-Thiede
Five Steps to Creating a World-Class Social Network in Any City by Alex Benzer
Give People What They Are Longing For! by Suzanne Schell
Holding the Key to Your Emotions by Lesley Moore
How Can Writing Improve Your Life? by Kelly Robbins
How the Financial Markets Can Grow More Than Just Your Bank Account by John Forman
How to Use the TV to Help You Save Time by Teresa Bolen
Inspirational Tennis by Dave Kurlan
Learn to Choose by June Marshall
Live Like Your Nail Color! by Mary Foley
Make Small Talk? I'd Rather Eat Worms! by Signe Dayhoff
Mastering Eyesight and Expanding Insight y Jeannie "Viveka" Fitzsimmons
Persistence by Bob Proctor
Putting Your Best Foot Forward Instead of Your Mouth by Jeanne-Marie Grumet
Questions of Love by Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson
Some Simple Rules for a Satisfying Life by Andreas Stark
Ten Steps to Oratory Excellence by Craig Howe
The Map Is Not the Territory by Christoph Schertler
The Question Isn't How Smart You Are; Rather It's How You Are Smart by David Lazear
The Secret Hidden in Your Favorite Pastime by Leah Grant
Visualize and Affirm Your Desired Outcomes by Jack Canfield
What's Stopping You by Linda Sapadin

The breadth of offerings is also pretty impressive. Here's a partial list of subjects covered: Abuse and recovery; Accomplishment; Aging with Style; Anger; Approval; Aspirations; Awareness; Balance; Barriers to Success; Beliefs; Body Language; Boredom; Boundaries; Breathing Exercises; Budgeting; Business Visualization; Career Satisfaction; Change; Choices; Conquering Negativity; Courageous Vision; Dating; Decision Making; Desires; Determination; Difficult People; Drama; Embracing Opportunities; Emotions; Empowerment; Failure; Faith; Family Wisdom; Fate; Fearless Living: Finances; Freedom from Grudges; Giving; Grace; Gratitude; Healing Eyesight Naturally; Hobbies; Humor; Ideal Life; Inner Change; Inner Voice; Insights; Inspiration; Intimacy; Intuition; Job Preparation; Joy; Legacies; Liberation; Life Simplification; Love and Relationships; Meditation; Memory; Misconceptions; Mistakes; Morals, Multiple Intelligences; Neediness; Negotiating; Networking; Overcoming Resistance; Parenting; Passion; Perception; Persuasion; Priorities; Rituals; Satisfaction; Self-Doubt; Self-Esteem; Self-Management; Self-Talk; Speechwriting Tips; Spiritual Life; Stress-Free Living; Values; Wealth Plans; and Writing.

Each essay is three to four pages, just the right length to be stimulating . . . but not so long as to require a long sit. Many people will find that reading one of these essays in the morning can help set up a more successful day.

Start improving your life today with this great book!

Mr. Palmiotti here at his best! Great character development & fierce pacing throughout. A must read that I recommend in the highest order.

I have all the issues of 21 Down already in comic form but I had to get this as a graphic novel. Its an amazingly compelling story that will draw you in with beautiful art and excellent storytelling. What more could you want?

I'll be buying a few more for friends this holiday season!

21 DOWN: THE CONDUIT is akin to watching two cars instants before they collide head-on-you just know they're going to hit, but there's something in you that prohibits you from turning away. Palmiotti, Gray and Saiz manage to capture that same feeling with Preston Kills, a guy who not only sees people's final moments before they die, but has more reason to dread his birthday than anyone else on Earth. As Preston is drawn ever closer towards his own inevitable fate, you're simply forced to follow him along and see how it will all unfold. Hands-down, 21 DOWN: THE CONDUIT is one of the very best pieces of fiction this year. And it makes a GREAT birthday present!

I read the 21Down tpb on Tuesday and I can't explain how much I was blown away reading it in collected form. I loved the series as a monthly- but I read it again and I guess now I paid more attention to dialogue and character than before (and I did pay a lot of attention). Simply put, I'd put this in the small category of "best tpbs of the year" and one of my favorite comics of all time. Every page, every WORD was overflowing with character introspection and telling me SOMETHING MORE about the characters involved. I actually care what happens to these two, not because they're nostalgic favorites of old or cool concepts, but because they're genuinely enthralling characters involved in an engrossing storyline. Every issue/chapter existed for a reason- there was no filler- and instead of copious splash pages, I was greated with lots of forward movement, through dialogue and action. Characters acted like real people, not like "comic" people and every event had reprecussions.

21Down is unique in the comic market not because of it's fresh takes on super powers and conspiracies, but because it TRULY puts character and character development first, without losing an interesting and intelligent plot.

-Arune Singh

Ed Gray, has an uncanny wit with words as he takes phrases and turns them into acronyms and writes powerful chapters that take you on a journey you'll never forget. The way he employs scripture, it's almost ediable. On your forty day journey you'll have no choice but to become gold. I like his way with words and phrases. The book is an inspiritional read that's packed with scripture to butress his points. After reading this book you'll think about life and your purpose for living in a new way and you'll never take the off ramp that leads to False Roads To Manhood, as one author describes in his book concerning manhood's purpose. The book is filled with 40 days of acronymes that is sure to challenge your spiritual life and growth. Let the journey began!

I was intrigued by the daily lessons I received from the book. The book has taught me to regain my self-confidence, forgive others and pursue living my life spiritually. I am very blessed I had the opportunity to read this fantastic book. Ithas helped me have a better outlook on life.

Through his creative use of acronyms, author Ed Gray takes readers on a challenging and insightful 40-day journey of faith development in his debut book entitled 40 Days to a Life of G.O.L.D. These acronyms provide readily accessible reference points to principles of faith, which Gray develops with both candor and depth. The following are some examples of the acronyms used in 40 Days.

T.A.L.E.N.T.S. (Tools, Ability/Anointing, Love; Everything Needed To Succeed)
D.E.S.I.R.E. (Don't Embrace Sin; It Retards Everything)
A.L.I.G.N.E.D. (A Life lived In God's Name Escapes Death)
A.S.K. G.O.D. (Ask, Seek, Knock; God Opens Doors)

Overcoming temptation, remaining faithful in tough times, and victorious Christian living are just some of the many topics covered. Each day's entry ends with questions for reflection that go deep beneath the surface.

Awesome journey. A must read! Better than chocolate!

When I got this book, I bought this book as part of a class. To my surprise this book has honestly changed my life. I really recommend this book to anyone whose tired of the way things are going in there life and just want a change or have questions that no one else can answer. Reading this book has allowed me to understand the bible and life in ways I never thought possible. I bought copies for friends and family members who I really trully believed this book could help. This book would help anyone, If you really want to be helped. Thank you Mr. Gray!

I read one CW Anderson book when I was a horse-crazy girl. Now I'm a horse-crazy middle-aged women. I was thrilled to find my original favorite book available on Amazon.com and enjoyed the wonderful pictures and sweet stories so much that I'm buying the whole series. Great books for kids - and wonderful books for those of us still "kids at heart" when life was simple and all you wanted to do was gallop your magic pony across the fields.

An older book with a timeless story. I highly recommend it.

The is the BEST of the charming and beautiful Billy and Blaze series by CW Anderson. Billy gets a human friend this time, who loves horses as much as Billy does. This friend wants a gray spotted pony for his birthday--Billy and Blaze have to go FIND him one. It's a hackneyed plot (no pun intended, Hackney lovers) but it is done right without any silliness. But this is a Billy and Blaze book, and any collector of them know the REAL reason to buy a Billy and Blaze book are for the amazing CW Anderson pencil drawings! It is amazing to see, over the course of the series, how much this man had improved as one of the top equine artists of this country and he is sorely missed. This is a great book to read as a stress-reliever for pony loving adults, or a bedtime story for children

The Billy & Blaze series was my absolute favorite in gradeschool-- the illustrations are gorgeous, and the stories are well thought out and written superbly. I remember signing this series out of the school library over and over and over again... now as an adult, I am THILLED to see it offered here at Amazon. None of these books will disappoint a horselover-- no matter what age you are!

It is extremely difficult to write an historical fiction that is both entertaining and vivid and makes you care about the characters. Rod Rogers has succeeded on all counts. I have already cast who should play the leads in the movie version! Over the past 16 years,I have interviewed many authors on my television show. Rod Rogers was a hit with my viewers as I know his book will be a hit with anyone who reads it.
Boo Sheppard
Producer/Host
Time Warner's "Orangeburg Inside/Out"

This book is great! The story has so many powerful characters, all struggling to understand their place and purpose in a war that seemed to have none.

In this book you will find the best and the worst of human nature, sometimes embodied in the same person. It details the paradox in which good men find themselves, struggling with their own beliefs, as they are force to brutalize their enemy. Further, it reveals great insights into the class system that has been so much a part of western civilization, and is still a guiding force in our lives today.

Rod Rogers paints such a complete picture of the people and the time in history, one almost feels transported back to become part of the story. In many ways, I could relate to the characters, especially Nathan Evens. This book would make a great movie.

As much a sociological commentary as a historical novel, The Blue-Grey Mist and a Black Dawn puts us face to face with ourselves as we look back upon our relatively recent past. The opening chapter depicts a detailed battle scene that might leave the reader believing that the book will focus primarily on the military actions of the American Civil War. What this chapter does, however, is set the stage for a fascinating story about Americans - men and woman with vastly different ideologies, motivations, loyalties and backgrounds. This book serves to educate us of the particular horrors of this war and the seemingly endless complications involved, and it also offers deep insight into the complexity of the conflict. For example, while history books might discuss the generals, presidents and famous battles between two armies, this book describes the fighting within each army between military ideology and political and financial agendas, the precarious position that black people on both sides of the line found themselves in, and the role of Irish immigrants who found the only decent paying job in America they could find was joining the Union army. Because this story is based on our own history, it hits very close to home, and helps us realize the hopelessness and tragedy of humanity declaring war upon itself. By reading this account of the most fascinating and horrifying period our country has known, one begins to see the connections between all of the characters, and more significantly, between all of us. In this highly enjoyable work of fiction, we can vividly see our past, our present, and the challenges of our future.

Blue-Gray Mist has to be one of the bet books I have ever read involving the Civil War. Not only does Rod Rogers create realistic battle scenes, but he vividly portrays the life of the soldier, Union and Confederate, the daily hardships and best of all the eye opening conflicts from within.

I can only hope that others will read this book, not just for it's historical accuracies, but for it's objective arguments that put into perspective the heart and soul behind the war, tearing away the politically correct facade that has been constructed over the past century deceiving us by covering the truth of that era and the political motivations behind the war.

Rod Rogers style reaches out and grabs you, bringing you into the mind of the characters, both fictional and real, with great skill. This book is exciting, intriguing and yet tragic.

If you have ever played golf this is a must read. I could not put it down. Steve has touched on the truth for every Duffer and Hacker. No more mulligans for me, I'm going to take a lesson from Phillipe and avoid the aliens. Thanks Steve, I can't wait for the sequel.

I am not a fan of this so-called sport, but I am surrounded by maniacs who are. Mr. Webber helped put their obsession in perspective in a humorous and enjoyable way. Also, this paperback book bends nicely so it will fit into most Holiday stockings. Both of my two thumbs are up.

I absolutely enjoyed this trip down the links with Mr. Webber. Being an avid duffer myself, I have suffered the trials and tribulations that the author so clearly defines and describes.

From his creation of the alter ego "Phillipe Navarro", the slim-hipped, smooth swinging ultimate golfer to his final round with Elvis, Mr. Webber kept me laughing-at his stories and at myself.(and my own golf game)

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who plays the game of golf and who has a sense of humor-it should be required reading for those of us who take this game too seriously.

I found myself chuckling at the poinent situations and essences so unique in the world of golf. This is truely a book written by a golfer for golfers.A great addition to the library of a golf nut!

T.L. Gray's The Chamber, is a fast paced, gritty story that grabs the reader and won't let go till the very end. Supported by cast of hard core, wounded souls, this is a story that must be read.

T.L. brings the story to life with superb characterization and quick paced dialouge. This is the type of story you can't stop thinking about and can't wait to get back to. Well Done

Maria Carvania is tired of running. Ever since she was put into the Witness Protection Program because she had gathered incriminating evidence against Benito Juarez, the head of the Venezuelan mob, she has been hauled from one safe house to another. Only they have turned out to be not so safe, and Federal agents assigned to protect her have ended up dead.

Will Skaggs, the agent assigned to the case, knows he has run out of options. No matter where he places Maria, Juarez seems to find her. Will knows that there is only one place where she will be safe until the trial, where she is scheduled to testify against Juarez. Driving her into the secluded hills of Kentucky, Will literally drops Maria onto his friend Seth Harris' doorstep and drives away. Seth is furious with Will and determined to return Maria to him, but when the danger escalates, Seth knows he cannot leave her at the mercy of Juarez. Calling upon an unusual band of mercenaries to aid him, Seth and the rest of the group swear to protect Maria from Juarez and settle an old score in the process. THE CHAMBER is a heart-pounding, gut-wrenching thriller filled with fast paced suspense and interesting characters. There is never a dull moment in this book! From the opening line to the epilogue, this book is filled with snappy dialogue and a unique plot that holds the reader's interest. Ms. Gray carries out the plot and the development of the characters fabulously. Each and every character, including the secondary ones, are well planned down to the smallest detail. Maria is a strong heroine who has faced an extremely trying ordeal without losing the values that she holds dear. Seth Harris is a complex hero who cannot help but admire Maria even though he repels her idealistic nature. The band of mercenaries have seen and done horrible things in their lifetime, yet these men remain compassionate, witty, resourceful and strong. This reviewer especially enjoyed Ms. Gray's use of "saintly" nicknames for the mercenaries. Throughout the book, this reviewer found herself making fun parallels between the nicknames and each character's personality.

The romance aspect of the book takes a back seat to the suspense, but the heart pounding tension of the fight for survival more than makes up for that. Ms. Gray has written a wonderful suspense that showcases her talent and her eye for details. This reviewer will be watching as Ms. Gray climbs her way to the top of the ladder of success.
Cindy © Love Romances, 2001-2003. All Rights Reserved.

Journalist Maria Carvania will settle the "debt" with legal justice but prefers something more biblically personal like an eye for an eye in her obsession to see Benito Juarez pay for the death of her brother. The truth is that she could never directly get at the Venezuelan drug lord except through testifying against him in a court of law. However, Juarez' thugs murder several agents while trying to kill Maria.

In Kentucky, Will Skaggs dumps Maria on former Special Forces veteran Seth Harris, who insists that he is retired and not trusting the desperate Juarez reach. Seth has no choice but to keep Maria safe because he is now a target too and has a history with Juarez also. As they fall in love, Maria and Seth must trust one another if they plan to live past the trial as Juarez will murder both of them without a qualm.

THE CHAMBER is a dark romantic suspense tale that hooks the reader the moment that one of Maria's protectors stops humming and never lets up until the climax. The writing is superb as it keeps sub-genre fans wondering if the duo and a few close saintly associates are going to make it even when they are supposedly safe in Kentucky. The lead couple is a solid pair trying to do the right thing and survive; however what makes the duo seem genuine is that though they fall in love, the romance serves as a powerful subplot that adds depth and realism to a strong thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Can one woman stop a drug-lord? That is what Maria Carvania, the journalist, thought, when she decided to obtain information and agreed to testify against Benito Juarez. Several agents and Maria's family have been killed as the crime lord has tried to eliminate her.

That's where Seth Harris comes in. Seth is an ex-Special Forces Soldier, and he has been recruited by the DEA to protect Maria. Seth does this quite begrudgingly. He tries to return Maria to the DEA agent who dumped her on him, but the agent has disappeared. Now Seth must deal with his own connection with this drug-lord, who is the son of the brutal crime lord Seth killed years earlier. Seth is forced to gather his old band of soldiers in order to protect Maria until she can testify.

This is one of those reviews nearly impossible to write. THE CHAMBER is a bone-chilling action story. I was enthralled from the first page, so much so that I am having a difficult time deciding what to write. There are almost too many elements in this book to count? Almost too many to count: romance, suspense, intrigue, action, drama, and light comedy are the ones that come to mind. Reading this book invokes feelings such as anger, sadness, grief, happiness, joy and relief. It has been awhile since I've read a book that moved at the pace THE CHAMBER did. You never knew what is going to happen.

One thing that makes THE CHAMBER so compelling is the various mysteries that involved each of the characters. Maria, for example. What is really motivating her? Why is she willing to risk life and limb to catch this drug-lord? What about Seth? Why did the agent dump Maria on him? What is about Seth that makes him the perfect man to find a way to save Maria? The motley crew of men working with Seth are amazing. There are Joan, Francis and Gabe, all men with saintly nicknames. The reader will enjoy finding out what each of these names means to the men who carry them. These men have a history behind them that will make you blink more than once. THE CHAMBER is so thorough that it answers every question about every character, including the three men working with Seth.

I find that I cannot say enough good things about THE CHAMBER. I will definitely make room in my schedule to read Ms. Gray's next release. She certainly has a way of grabbing the readers' interest and doesn't let go until the final page.

Robin Taylor
THEWORDONROMANCE.COM
2003 Rose Award Nominee