K Books

As a hunter I've always marveled at how joy and sadness can dwell in the same moment, that moment when you reach out - with gun or bow or spear - and take the life of a wild creature. But there are many hunters who don't notice or care, and who treat this most awesome and mysterious thing as a sport like golf or car racing. The best part of "A Hunter's Heart" was spending time, so to speak, with others who see more and deeper things in hunting, and who can express it more vividly and truthfully than I have been able to. Each story is beautiful and eloquent and impactful in its own way. I reread the book often, enjoying it more each time, which is the best compliment I can give.

As a woman, and one who does not hunt, I found the essays in A Hunter's Heart intelligent, thought-provoking, and often moving. They suggest a complexity and ethic which underlie a sport often seen as cruel and mindless. They make a convincing case that those who hunt are more likely to respect nature than are those who buy their meat neatly packaged in plastic. The writers voice a genuine regard, even love, for the environment and for their prey. The authors may be more articulate and philospohical than those many of us think of as "typical" hunters, but if we admit that one may subscribe to an ethic without being able to articulate it, may live out a philosophy rather than expound it, the essays may make us rethink the motives and morality of those who take to the woods during hunting season.

This is an excellent collection of essays. The essays are honest, forthcoming, and thoughtful. I enjoy hunting not as a "sport" but as an activity that simply transcends sport. I love the environment, and perhaps this is why hunting is not merely sport to me. This work by Mr. Petersen is rare because it reflects the fact that many hunters do, in fact, love the environment and wildlife more than they love the hunt.

A few of the hunter-authors featured in Mr. Petersen's work don't hunt anymore, because they (like many sportsmen and sportswomen) have reached the "limiting out" phase of hunting, when a hunter no longer cares so much about bagging game, but cares mostly about the teaching of ethics and conservation to a younger generation of hunters. But when you read their essays, you can feel how much they loved the hunt and how much hunting taught them about the need for healthy ecosystems. On the other hand, some of these essays were written by active hunters. If you are a hunter, these essays will make your heart swell with anticipation for your next hunt.

Contrary to the review posted earlier by Mr. Seshadri, this book directly confronts irresponsible hunters. Admittedly, a few hunters do not love the environment and wildlife. Several of the essays confront unethical hunting practices head-on, including the use of overwhelming modern technology in the pursuit of trophy animals. Likewise, one essay condemns the use of live animals merely for target practice, undoutedly refering to the hunting of predators such as coyotes and wolves. Yes, this work is very honest. You get the good and the bad.

I am a 4th generation deer and elk hunter from the Rocky Mountains, and I think this book is a must-read for all hunters. My hope is that our wild lands, and our wild animals will be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. We will need more conservation-minded hunters like Mr. Petersen if we are to be successful. Why? Because the golfers and couch potatoes don't care if another valley is buldozed for commercial developement. Habitat destruction is the threat to wildlife and wild land. The hunting community must stand up and make its voice heard, and this book is a good start.

I am not a hunter. I bought this book out of an intellectual curiousity of what it is that drives some people to kill and enjoy the pursuit of killing. The essays within - while plain spoken, well written and introspective - tend to be repetitive around some common themes:

1) It is no less ethical to hunt your own food than to buy meat in a supermarket
2) In nature, very few animals die of old age anyway
3) Humans are genetically programmed to hunt; hunters are just following their inner, atavistic calling
4) City folk who disdain any type of hunting are hypocritical and should pay a visit to their local slaughterhouse
5) Hunters actually love the animals they kill

I am compelled to agree with most of the above reasoning, although #5 is a tough act to follow. That said, where the essays fail is in their inability to confront the irresponsible hunters who kill just for the thrill of it. There is no mention of the moral deficiency of those "hunters" who kill not for the meat, but for the bragging rights of having shot a (mostly tame) lion or (farm raised) trophy ungulate. Likewise, the authors carefully avoid taking on the barbarism of "sports" like fox hunting. It's almost like these good hunters are ashamed of all those black sheep lurking within their fraternity, although not without good reason. All that said, this is nonetheless a good read that can be enjoyed by all thinking people - hunters and non-hunters alike.

This book is a collection of essays on hunting by some excellent outdoor writers, including former President Jimmy Carter. The writers talk about why they hunt. This book examines that question and finds that there are many reasons different people give to that same question. You may agree with some or disagree, but you'll definitely think long and hard about the answers given.

This book's thought provoking essays also force all of us to think about our own carnivorous instincts. Since almost all of us eat meat from the supermarket the book takes cows as an example and asks non hunters if the castration of bulls, the branding, the feeding of them in outdoor, closed in, excrement filled pens and the eventual slaughter of them is really somehow better than the hunter who shoots and kills a deer in the wild? It seems we all live with blood on our hands. But not to let you think this book is simply cut and pasted from the pages of American Hunter. The book also questions trophy hunting and whether hunting should even be considered a sport.

Since many hunters spend a good deal of time defending what they love to do, I would recommend that they pick up a copy of this book in order to be able to answer the question "why do I hunt?"

These are a great tool for students grades 1-3! I love that my students create their own Star of the Week posters without going overboard. These are perfect!

I really like using this in my classroom. It's a great way to get to know each student throughout the year. I allow for them to share their poster, and have a mini share with their favorite things that they bring from home.

GREAT for a beginning of the year project with kids... let them use their imagination and their markers!!

I plan to use these personal posters with each student of the week. After the poster is completed and returned, it will be laminated and displayed. The students can take them home at the end of the week to display at home or give as a gift to a relative.

I have my students fill out there poster whenever they are chosen as the Star Student of the week. Each student can present their poster, take a few questions, and then bask in the glory of having their poster hanging in the hall for the week. Also, after the poster has been presented, I have every student write a friendly letter to the Star Student. All letters are made into a booklet that the Star Student receives at the end of their week.

What an unexpected turn of events. This isn't your average run of the mill thriller. Meg fights to discover who has been sending her threatening letters and ancient pieces of jewlry before the threats made come true. The most likely suspects are not who they seem, but neither are the least likely. A must read!

I've read all of the book by Barbara Michaels that I can find and I love them all. This was the first one I read and it's definitely my favorite (and the only one I've checked out of the library 4 times). The character and plot development are terrific. The ending is unpredictable (as with many of Michaels' other books). I liked the storyline and all of the characters. Overall, this is a good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mystery, romance, or jewelry.

Every novel Ms Michaels/Peters has written usually has some element that grabs my attention, whether or not I know I am interested. And I am interested in jewels ahem lots of delicious jewelry. Lovely antique jewelry. Bless my little fede ring. Uh....anyways. Little heiress Meg Venturi has a mystery on her hands---what killed her 90 year old gramps? Her Ms Danvers-type housemaid suggests one of the possible suitors for Meg, Mr Riley. A mysterious, ugly, burly typ'o'dude. You know, Ms Michaels favorite kinda man....Meg decides to enter into a business partnership with Riley, regarding jewels, which the whole town of Seldon disapproves of. Some one keeps sending her threatening rings and tries to run her and her lawyer off the road---who could it be? Sexy cousin Cliff? Surly vet Riley? Surely not sweet, passive Uncle George? Maybe Gram will message it to Meg direct from Dan,you know, Gramps, FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE--- All in all, a pretty good story. The whole supernatural element was pretty low key, darn. But the sexual attraction was there! And no food; Meg always pushes her food around her plate all upset. But she does have a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie....

Barbara Michaels pens two kinds of thrillers -- lackluster and dull with unsympathetic characters, and sparkling, vivid and populated by "real" people. This, thankfully, is one of the latter, a delightfully twisted mystery that sparkles as much as any of the gems.

Meg Venturi becomes the heiress to a jewelry fortune when her grandfather unexpectedly dies; among the conditions of her grandfather's will are that she must take over half of the ownership of his respected gem and jewelry store. The other half is the domain of his partner, a dark, silent, mysterious man named Riley, whom the townspeople suspect of having killed the elder Venturi. Meg is unsure about Riley, but she does know that he is brilliant with jewelry.

But then strange, sinister happenings begin to occur around Meg. As she tries to unravel the dark mysteries that destroyed her grandfather before his time, she becomes the target of a killer with a mission that stems back to a scandal many years before...

"Into the Darkness" has many of the best attributes of a Barbara Michaels novel: the witty dialogue, subtle characterizations, strong heroine, unusual romance, and a wide range of supporting characters who are never what they seem. Readers who enjoyed lessons on roses, maze gardens, and old Gothic novels will enjoy the informative lessons on jewelry and gems. As she always does in her best books, Michaels includes plenty of information that will stick in the mind without being annoying.

Meg Venturi is a standard Michaels heroine: tough, no-nonsence, mildly sarcastic with a bit of trauma in her background to add extra dimension. Riley is more of a dark horse: it's hard to tell what he's thinking or why, from his first scene onward. Supporting characters like the despicable wimp Candy, her boor husband, the seemingly fragile Mrs. Venturi and hearty Uncle George are all well-rounded from the start, but with hidden depths that are revealed as the book goes on. Even the grandfather is a very alive figure, despite the fact that he dies at the beginning of the novel.

This is more of an "Elizabeth Peters" mystery than a Barbara Michaels one, as there is virtually no supernatural influence, no cults or ghosts or werewolves or anything of the sort. But it is an excellent mystery for those of you who like a little sexy pizzazz, past scandal, and a lesson or two with your guilty pleasure.

Whether the author is writing as "Barbara Michaels" or as "Elizabeth Peters", you are likely to get strong and interesting characters. At heart, this mystery has a lot in common with the gothic romances I read in my youth (except that the heroine's grandfather was popular instead of universally hated by the villagers). I enjoyed the painless lessons on jewels (particularly since I also find diamonds boring). Heroine Meg has four men to consider: Nick, her current boyfriend from New York; Cliff, her handsome stepcousin; Darren, the old schoolmate become family lawyer; and the aloof, mysterious Riley, widely believed to have murdered his benefactor, Meg's grandfather. The old hand at gothic romances will be looking for the clues that will spell out which of these men is the blackguard in disguise -- and will probably still be surprised in the end. There's a Old Family Scandal that needs to be revisited, a housekeeper who loves to play the roles of certain famous fictional housekeepers (including the infamous Mrs. Danvers), an old-fashioned gentlewoman of a grandmother, and a treat of a cat (unless you're a cat-hater). There are other characters with their own stories and personalities. I'll leave you to make their acquaintance in your own good time. Notes: Meg's grandfather's opinion to the contrary, it takes courage to seek therapy. It takes more courage to try again if the first professional you turn to doesn't work out. For those who have read many of the author's books under both names, I should explain that INTO THE DARKNESS is really in the Elizabeth Peters style so they won't read this book with the wrong expectations, as I did.

this book is down-to-earth and fun to read. I gave it to my two daughters and they enjoyed reading it. Linda Chandler makes personal finance a snap. Her examples are easy to emulate. This book should be required reading for every girl in high school and college. Often, no one teaches them how to deal with money and the principles of managing their spending, savings and investments.

LINDA CHANDLER HAS WRITTEN THE BOOK THAT OFFERS THE BEST FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR WOMEN OF ALL SEASONS! Author/Speaker/Financial consultant Linda Chandler has penned a remarkable book that will be of immense help to all women of all ages. Get this book today . . . it will assist you in grasping the main issues of personal finance facing women in the new millenium. --A retired banker in Miami

Author Linda Chandler has done a great service to women of all generations. She has broken down financial concepts and principles in terms we can all understand. I especially liked her advice on questions to ask you attorney, accountant, banker, insurance agent, securities broker, and financial planner. Three big cheers and a big hug to Linda from this granny. Who said you can't teach old dogs?

What a fun and delightful read! I was surprised how down-to-earth, witty and entertaining this book was. From hearing about Chandler's background, being a high-powered financial executive and former Senior Vice President of the pretigious securities firm Sutro & Company--I thought maybe this book would be technical, complex and full of financial jargon. But it was the opposite. Linda broke down financial principles into everyday examples we can all relate to. I'm giving this book to all my women friends and my daughter. --Project Manager of major U.S. software firm, Atlanta.

In my opinion, IT'S JUST A KISS AWAY: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO WINNING THE MONEY GAME written by Linda Chandler is the most delightful personal finance book I have ever read. I loved the chapter "SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP" . . . cuz I saw so much of me in those lines. Linda has a way of making a very serious subject fun, while she educates you on a new approach that is practical and really works! I have given this book to my daughters, my granddaughters, and many of my lady friends.

I enjoyed Stewart Welch's first book on Estate Planning so much that I ordered 10 copies to give to clients and friends. I plan on doing the same for his second book, which is even more comprehensive and should be part of any investors' reference library.

In guiding my clientele through the ever-changing maze of estate tax planning law, I have found JK Lasser's New Rules for Estate Planning and Tax to be an invaluable body of knowledge that I have referenced again and again. The easy-to-read layout allows quick focus on particular issues and topics that are presented in clear and concise laymen's terms.

What a great book! Everything you need to know about estate and tax planning in one easy to read book. This book is all you need! You can find what your looking for right away!

I would encourage every taxpayer in America to read this book. It examines what the new tax law means, not just what it says. Stewart Welch III and Harold Apolinsky have addressed the questions all of us are asking, and a few we may not have thought of yet. Who would have ever thought a book on tax law would be so enjoyable to read and easy to understand? I am grateful for these two experts' wonderful resource and guide. Read it!

An excellent resource for those who want objective advice and guidance on very complicated subjects. The authors take very technical concepts and explain them in plain language. The worksheets, checklists and diagrams are very helpful.

If you're not interested in taxes, you're not really in business...Mike Stokes

Reverting back to my comments on Mr. Daily's( Tax Savvy For Small Businesses) and Mr. Kamoroff's(A Small time Operator)reviews, this book coupled with the two previously mentioned books, should provide an outstanding foundation to start off with, as far as what you should and must do to operate a small business when it concerns your tax liability.

This books concentration is based more on past precedents passed down by both the Appeals Courts and the Tax Courts, and what procedures can and cannot be implemented. Gives specific instruction in accordance with the IRC code, to follow and to determine what can be done to legally lower your tax liability.

This book is more legally technical than both books I mentioned above. While Daily's book gives you general examples of accounting procedures and legalities, Kamoroff book gets into the nuts and bolts of accounting procedures, along with a step by step guide to implement those procedures. These 3 books should be on every entrepenuer's shelf, for future reference and procedures.

This is an excellent guide if you have questions regarding your own home-based business. You can find out what you can deduct and what you can not deduct all from this book.

Reverting back to my comments on Mr. Daily's( Tax Savvy For Small Businesses) and Mr. Kamoroff's(A Small time Operator)reviews, this book coupled with the two previously mentioned books, should provide an outstanding foundation to start off with, as far as what you should and must do to operate a small business when it concerns your tax liability.

This book concentrates more on past precedents passed down by both the Appeals Courts and the Tax Courts, and what procedures can and cannot be implemented. Gives specific instruction in accordance with the IRC code, to follow and to determine what can be done to legally lower your tax liability.

This book is more legally technical than both books I mentioned above. While Daily's book gives you general examples of accounting procedures and legalities, Kamoroff book gets into the nuts and bolts of accounting procedures, along with a step by step guide to implement those procedures. These 3 books should be on every entrepenuer's shelf, for future reference and procedures.

This book was OUTSTANDING. It completely and simply explained everything that I needed to know about taxes, expenses, etc. before I started my business. Most HIGHLY recommend that anyone considering starting a business purchase this book.

This book accompanied the legendary 1995-96 Vermeer show at the National Gallery in Washington D.C. that found itself caught up in the Gingrich - Clinton shutting-down-the-government imbroglio. Remember now? Vermeer has grown in popularity and in public awareness since this show. Recently, a totally fictitious movie was made around his paintings. It was named after the painting that became the focus of the movie, "The Girl With a Pearl Earring". It was a good story, but had nothing to do with the real people involved because we simply do not know. There are only a few dozen paintings by the artist still extant, but they all are wonderful and attract modern sensibilities because of their lines and perfect artificiality and their perfect reality. They present the exact kind of contradiction and puzzles we love nowadays, and because there are only a few dozen, the dilettante can study each of them in detail without becoming overwhelmed.

This book has four fine papers that discuss aspects of what we know about the artist and his work. There is also a chronology and the catalogue of the exhibition, which had a very large sampling of the known paintings. The reproductions are fabulous including the details and the smaller reproduction of contemporary paintings with similar subjects by other artists.

Excellent book to have on your shelf. It is always pleasant to gaze into these 17th century paintings and notice things and then notice new things.

It is a nice book but the quality of the reproductions is poor.

The year was 1995. The place was the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The occasion was the exhibit of 21 of the known three dozen paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Dutch master of the seventeenth century.

I missed the exhibit, too, but I have this 12 x 9 1/2 inch hard cover copy of that exhibit, plus all those essays about historical context, art techniques, probable interpretations of the paintings, and, oh yes, the paintings themselves. In one book. By my favorite artist. No, it's not the same, but I do have all these glorious paintings.

What makes Vermeer such a beloved painter? Please look at "The Geographer," which is on the cover of the book. See the light bathe the subject? See the subject's intensity? Those are the two major traits that set Vermeer apart. He used the natural light as it fell into his studio and he began that moment of intensity just at a moment of stillness--a sort of psychological study.

One such painting now made famous by both a novel, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Deluxe Edition and the movie, Girl With a Pearl Earring is "The Girl with the Pearl Earring." You might think it made a good biographical movie, but then you would be wrong. Why? Because we know almost nothing of Johnannes Vermeer. We don't know about his life except as it pertains to the time period in Delft, Holland, in the mid 1600's and beyond. All we know is what is recorded in contracts like marriage license. We don't know what he thought of art or how he started because he did not leave a word. So the book and the movie are examples of literary license--making up and adding to what little we know with grand imagination. A piece of truth in the film is this: Remember the scene outside Vermeer's house where one woman is sewing in a doorway? That is his house! We know because that scene is taken from one of his paintings!

What we do know is the luminous quality of his art, that moment of tension, and also the allegorical meanings of his earlier paintings. One such example is "Woman Holding A Balance." Interpretations have changed over the years, but the consensus now is that of a favorite Vermeer theme of balance in one's life, no matter the setting.

Holding this book in one's lap, quietly turning the pages and studying the paintings, reading the essays--now that's balance!

This paperback edition ISBN: 0894682199 (also as clothbound under ISBN: 0300065582) by Johannes Vermeer (Contributors: Ben Broos and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr. with Albert Blankert and Jorgen Wadum; Editor: Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr.) is a lavishly illustrated catalog with excellent reproductions for the first exhibition devoted solely to the works of Johannes Vermeer--the 17th-century Dutch painter who explored the psychological nuances of human endeavor--opening at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in November 1995 (Royal Cabinet of Paintings Mauritshuis, the Hague, in March 1996). 232 pp., 127 illustrations including 60 color plates, 12.0 x 9.5 x 0.75 inches. ISBN: 061350710X is an entirely different book for children not even close to this one.

I never knew who Johannes Vermeer was until i saw Girl with a Pearl Earring the movie. I don't know a thing about art but this book has history on the artist, the art times in Delft Holland, and the paintings that Mr. Vermeer did when he lived. I think this book is very beautiful and if anyone wants to know something on the subject of art then i would tell you to actually get this. Use this book as your introduction into the art world/history; the subject. 40 dollars may seem like alot of money for anyone but this is worth the investment. Yes, the book contains many pictures-it too has the one titled, "Girl with a Pearl Earring." I try to use this book for inspiration; i recommend this 100% percent.

This is not the best book about JFK I have ever read, but it is up there. I like the pictures on pages 16 (all) 20, 173, 192-199, 268-275, and 242-258. This book is recommended for any Kennedy fan of all ages.

This is a great picture book. I have almost every Kennedy family picture book available. I just happen to come across it in a bookstore near my home. I paid $19.99 for it, pretty good price. You can get here for about $16-17 but remember you have to pay shipping. So it comes out to more but it is soo worth it. When you are going through these pics its like being taken back in time. I'm pretty young my mom was born in 1957 so she was about Caroline's age when these pics were taken.

"John Fitzgerald Kennedy:A Life in Pictures"is a great way to remember President Kennedy.I'm a young,strong admirer of President Kennedy,and not only are there great pictures of Kennedy,there is a biography of Kennedy with speeches he made,including the speech he was going to make on November 22,1963.The best pictures are of Kennedy with Herbert Hoover and a picture of Jack Kennedy with his daughter Caroline and his niece Maria Shriver.I have seen a bunch of great Kennedy photos,and if you ever want the best Kennedy photo,buy Robert Stack's autobiography "Straight Shooting"and see the picture of Stack and Kennedy. "John Fitzgerald Kennedy:A Life In Pictures"is a must read for all Kennedy fans and even all non-Kennedy fans.

I highly recommend this book, primarily for the great picutures of JFK. This 40th anniversary volume succeeds in presenting many rare and never-before-seen photos. I especially like the ones depicting Secret Service agent Gerald Blaine on the rear of the limousine in Italy 7/63. Get this!
[...]

This collection of over 300 pages of the usual suspected photographs, as well as many unseen or rare ones, was published to commemorate the passing of 40 years since our 35th President was vicously cut down in his prime.

The layout of the photographs is great. You see JFK throughout his life, from childhood, to Presidencey and every passing moment between. The photos are powerful, moving, show glamour and fun, you see a politician throughout his political career, you see a loving father, son, brother and husband. I have had quite a few photo books on JFk, but this is by far the best and most desirable one I have seen.

This photograph book would make a wonderful and truly appriciated gift for anyone who has any respect, love or interest in JFK. My sister is a huge JFK fan, she had a bust of him on our dresser growing up.

The price on Amazon, is as always, unbeatable. I saw this at a bookstore tonight for the full price.

In this book Garzooka, Odious, Starlena, Abnermal, and Compooky find them selves in another adventure to save the universe. This is the third book in the seris and the best. I liked the Pet Force books because they are exciting and funny. Vetvix, the pet force's archenemy creats a brain boosting device and increeses a dovermen's intellagence and strength. Then went around the universe increeseing dogs intellagence and strength. K-Niner gives the dogs collars to put on their owners. The colars make the owners act like dogs. If you liked this book you should read other Garfield books by Jim Davis

if you read this book youl probley enjoy it. Garzooka: It's just Garfield only more mussle then fat. Odious: It's just Odie only more mussl less brain. Starlena: chill out it's just Arlene who sings more. Abnermal: Be afaid Be verry afaid it's nermal. Compooky: relax it's just your every day teddy bear. If you take my advice this is a funny book.This book is about jon a dimwited emporor the evial Vetvixs, whois odie and garfield,s veterinarian, has created a diabolical scheme. then she created k niner for her scheme.

I think kniner dog of doom is by, far the best book in the series. In this book Vetvix creates a brain bosting machine and increeses a dovermen's intellagence. I really liked this book because it's exciting and funny. K-niner went to kennel (a planet with a lot of dogs), used the brain bosting machine and bosted all the dogs intelagence so they could walk and talk. Then he starts going to other planets and bosting dogs brains. If you liked this book you should read other books by Jim Davis.

I really liked this book. It is without a doubt the best book of the series. In this book Vetvix has created K-niner and tries to brainwash all dogs everywhere. This book was very funny as well as action packed. I would highly recommend it for any Garfield fan or for anyone who likes an adventure with a little bit of humor as well.

I'm in 5th grade and I liked this book because it makes me laugh. When I read Garfield's PET FORCE, Garfield and his friends had super powers. They transformed into big masled dogs. This made them stronger. Then they go fight K-niner and the other villans. They fought K-niner,a big dog,because K-niner put collors on humans to make them act like dogs. I would recommend this book to people of all ages,especially if they like Garfield and PET FORCE books. In the real world there would not be animals that have super powers and can fly. Also, there is no such thing as dogs that can think,talk and walk on two feet,like Garfield and the other super heros. The PET FORCE real names are Garzooka,a cat,Odious,a dog,Starlena,a cat,Abnermal,a cat, and compooky is a teddy bear. There's a bad person and his name is K-niner: Dog of Boom.His master is Vetvix's. There's also a wizard who has very strong powers;evil powers that can destroy people. I liked this book because there were animals with super powers who could go in space. Animals are qreat,like Rosco and Soloman,my cats. I wonder what it would be like if my cats had super powers.

What a great ride!!

This is the story of the archaelogical search for a prize.

It's also the story of female empowerment.

Finally, it's a kick-butt romance, full of back story and promise... won't say more, for fear of spoilers.

I've read some Evelyn Vaughn before, and been quite pleased by her work. Again, she's started a series here, and it promises to be a fun one. Because it's a series work, there's more room for the characters to grow.

I found the action to be harrowing, the characters to be pretty full, and the story fun. A GREAT summer read.

(*)>

Magdalene, the descendant of a long line of strong and spiritual women, was brought up on fairy tales about the goddess Melusine and her magical Grail. But she thought the stories were just that--fairy tales--until someone takes the story seriously enough to burglarize Maggi's apartment and assault her elderly aunt in the hopes of finding this chalice. Now Maggi has to find the chalice herself, before the bad guys get their hands on it, and before anyone else gets hurt. And along the way, she has to deal with her confusing feelings for two men-one an ex-priest and a friend of her aunt's, and the other an infuriating ex-lover who may or may not be connected with a society committed to destroying the Grail. Maggi doesn't know which man she should trust, as violence escalates all around her.

With its Goddess lore, secret societies, and relentless action, A.K.A. Goddess is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code. But I have to admit-though Da Vinci Code is a much-acclaimed hardback and A.K.A Goddess a series paperback romance, I enjoyed A.K.A. Goddess more. I think it's because Maggi is a strong woman who is willing to kick butt and take names, while Dan Brown's women sometimes seem like mere sidekicks despite his lip service to the Goddess cause.

Anyway, I was glued to this book, and will definitely be following this series.

Mystery-better then the de vinci code
it also suggested the blood line of Jesus Christ, but she can actually write and her characters are more realistic to me no albino monks in sight, and she doesn't talk down to you
Feminism without man hating, and also not christian hating either while it does hint at conspiracy the man who is helping her solve it was a priest
Intellegent main charachers for example the main character has a doctorate in comparitive mythology (I can not think of any other romance story where the womans job is more interesting and important then the mans)
**spoiler** anonther thing I like is not everything is simple or clear cut in the end...like life

Comparative Mythology Professor Maggi Sanger comes home to find someone broke into her home searching for something. Since she collects statues of ancient goddesses and is a Grailkeeper like her ancestors, she knows what the felon sought. While the police interview Maggi, her former boyfriend Alexander "Lex" Rothschild Stuart III arrives filled with concern for her.

The unknown assailant assaults Maggi's Aunt Bridge, landing her in the hospital. Maggi realizes that for some unknown reason this goon wants to destroy the Grails. As the Grailkeeper, she must risk her life to keep her charges safe. However, she knows she needs help and Lex is willing, but can she trust him when he already hurt her and he could easily be the one behind the attacks.

This enjoyable romantic suspense makes believers out of readers that the mythos of a pantheon of Goddesses exists. The story line is action-packed and filled with suspense on several levels besides the obvious cat and mouse game with the grail destroyer. Readers will wonder whether Maggi will ask Lex to help and, if yes, will he ultimately betray her. Should she choose an alternate hunk Rhys, who seems to desire her as much as Lex has without the dark secrets? In any case fans will appreciate this superb mythological romance.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

The quest of The Grail Keepers begins...

For hundreds of years women have worshipped many goddesses with a variety of powers. Theoretically, each goddess therefore had her core group of followers who used a special cup (grail) in their worship ceremonies. Magdalene "Maggi" Sanger has just discovered a society of dangerous men, the Comitatus are after her legacy, the Melusine Grail.

Maggi now has to journey across Europe to track down the hidden grail before her enemies can find it and kill her. Unfortunately for her, her ex-lover is bent on protecting her at all costs, even if she doesn't want his help. But the discovery he may hold stronger ties to the enemy than she ever would have thought could endanger everything she holds dear, including her heart.

Evelyn Vaughn has started a fantastic new miniseries with A.K.A. Goddess. We get to journey around the world with Maggi as she hunts down the clues to find her grail and avoid the enemies set to destroy her. The legend of the goddess Melusine is woven brilliantly in to the story, playing an important role in the resolution of Maggi's tale.

Maggi's adventure is only beginning here and we are sucked into the roller coaster ride of her life. We experience with her, torn between her feelings for the one man to touch her heart and the knowledge that he may only be using her for a grander scheme that goes against all she believes in. What's a strong passionate, powerful woman to do? Well you'll just have to read A.K.A. Goddess yourself to find out how this chapter in the story ends.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2007. All rights reserved.