King Books

The book is a fascinating, colorful, unique collage of all the components that make up the writer's life - then and now. Weaving across and throughout her life is the "karmic" presence and significance of her beloved dogs. I never had a pet in my life, although my sister and her daughters have two huggable, affectionate labradors living with us in our New York apartment, the fact that I love dogs vicariously, even more, through the book, demonstrates how effectively Ms. King has written about this often-overlooked subject matter. If that is not powerful writing, I do not know what is....Her voice is authentic, uncommon and incredibly exquisite...Now that I myself am very much immersed in China, I can appreciate more fully the enigma and "stigma" of being Chinese...The book is beyond wonderful and I am in awe."

The author gives a powerful voice to the often stifled voice of Asians living in strange circumstances. A must read for students of race, class, and gender. Very readable.

I am interested in animal welfare and Asian culture, so for me a book combining the two is like finding a gem. The way out of an inner struggle is unique as it is admirable. It's wonderful to know that other cultures different from mine, love animals as I do -- maybe even more.

I could not put this book down. The stories about different climes, different dogs, make you want to read on and on at least to finish a chapter, and then to start another after that. They tug at your heartstrings: the little girl whose own grandmother wanted her dumped in a baby "tower" for the vultures, just because she was a girl too many; the other grandmother, the gentle one, the Buddhist who never had a pet in China but finally got one whom she loved too much. Then the remarkable mutt in Paris, who was intensely funny as the French are not. Hey, if one can be reborn again, I'd like to be a dog in Paris. Then, a sad tale of killing a pet by someone who could not accept what is different. This book teaches love for the different and "lowly"..

An extraordinary story for everyone to read. A wonderful insight into the minds of people and dogs. The true tales of a young woman as she struggles with her heritage, growing up, racial issues and familial acceptance wonderfully combined with touching stories of her true love for dogs. You must read this book!

Goblin Market, a verse fairy tale that was first published in 1862, is a rather fascinating piece of masterful poetry. It tells a wonderfully sensuous tale that has inspired a myriad of interpretations. I've spent more time reading about Goblin Market than I did actually reading it - savoring it, rather, for it really calls for a much more personal treatment than a mere reading. This pre-Raphaelite work harbors latent eroticism that echoes with both renunciation and desire. Thus, some term it a work of repressed Victorian eroticism and grin knowingly (and leeringly) as they recount the fact that Goblin Market was quite a popular children's fairy tale in its day. Christine Rossetti was herself a recluse along the lines of Emily Dickinson, allowing her heart to sing freely even as she kept herself separated from any possible objects of her latent desires.

In the poem, one sister gives in to the temptation of the forbidden fruit offered by the dark goblins forever lurking in the twilight to seduce their victims to a first taste of their exotic wares. The desire to obtain more of the passion fruit overtakes her young life, yet the goblins appear to her no more; as a result, she begins to waste away near to death. At this point, her sister, who sensibly avoided temptation, willingly seeks to bargain with the goblins, only to have them force their juicy wares upon her. The fruity residue is enough, however, to revive her sister. The act of salvation is obviously the juiciest part of the story on a number of levels - such a sensual act between sisters, with lines such as "Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices" and "Eat me, drink me, love me," cries out for interpretation of all kinds - and those quick to criticize the hypocritical prudishness of Victorian society have a veritable field day with it.

Some say this is not a poem for children's ears? Balderdash. Like any masterful work of poetry, Goblin Market can be read and interpreted on many levels. Children will delight in its lyrical rhyming patterns, its allusions to wee goblins hawking the most delicious of fruits, and interpret the salvation of the tempted sister in comparatively innocent terms. I say leave the interpretations to the adults. And what interpretations there are of this lengthy poem. Some see in it a recreation of the genesis story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, a tale of lesbian yearning, a declaration of the power of sisterhood, a commentary on women as commodities in market society, evidence of sexual molestation by Rossetti's father, etc. There's no limit to the interpretations put forth about what is, on the surface, an engaging fairy tale set to verse.

This is a fascinating work of lyrical poetry that can be read fairly quickly yet will sustain your interest through multiple readings, all sorts of fascinating research into analysis and interpretation, and just plain wonderment. As sensual as it is beautiful, Goblin Market is probably one of the most fascinating and insightful products of Victorian literature.

I wonder if the good folk at the end of the 19th century when this poem was originally published were just too obtuse to understand the gist of Rossetti's work; if so, we have an innocent artifact that has evolved into something erotic because of our twentieth century sensibilities (we have dirtier minds than our compatriots from the past).

Don't let the word "erotica" scare you away. This is not a blatantly sexual work in its language; it is not a "dirty" book. Just understand that despite what anyone else says or writes, this is about as unambiguously EROTIC as you can get. With phrasing like "Eat me, drink me, love me; Laura, make much of me; For your sake I have braved the glen; And had to do with goblin merchant men."

Since the original work is now in the public domain, if you want to read the full text online just do a search using most standard search engines with the terms "Christina Rossetti Goblin Market" and you should turn up a number of links to the actual poems, go read it, and decide for yourself about it.

This makes a wonderful gift for people you are very close too. However, it is also a very personal poem, and if given inappropriately could actually scare someone away!

Noted Italian/English poetess of the 1800's Christina Rossetti's imagination catching poetry has stood the test of time, being still loved and studied today. Because of its title, Goblin Market sometimes gets put into a juvenile category, but this is a poem for mature readers. This moral tale depicts the epic struggle between bad and good. The goblin's onslaught on virtue immediately engages the reader's inner ear and heart. This poem is really gripping reading. Goblin Market is often considered Christina Rossetti's best poem. This re-issue, replete with noted illustrator Arthor Rackham's beautifully eerie drawings, is a book worth owning.

A children tale for adults. It's a light and thoughtful reading. The story of two sisters and lewd goblin men. Innocence, temptation and emotions all together. This inspiring story has wonderful work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

This tale is not about sexuality but about redemption and the need to help others. Read deep into the story to find the meaning that Rossetti intended.

I received the book even faster than I thought I would. It is in great shape as described.

Great Speeches by African Americans: Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama, and Others (Thrift Edition)

It was wonderful to read these great speeches by great people. The book is something to be cherised by all. It was easy reading and the price is right. I will probably purchase more of this book to give to friends and family. Barack Obama is the man of the year, so everyone wants to read his speech.

I expected this book to be inspiring, since I have collected quotes from these speakers.... It lived up to the promise and then some. There is such a compelling glimpse into history and moments of greatness, probably seen best in hindsight.

I would love to see this book used in schools!

It was wonderful to find a compilation of full length speeches by African Americans. The speeches span from 1843 to 2005, and include lesser known speakers such as Henry Highland Garnet and Jermain Wesley Loguen, to the renowned Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois. As interesting and historically significant, if not coincidental, and timely, are speeches by Shirley Chisholm, and Barack Obama. Both were graduates of Columbia University. While Ms. Chisholm was the first African American female to hold office in the House of Representatives, Mr. Obama is the first African American male to hold an office in the Senate, since reconstruction. Additionally, one sought, while the other is seeking to hold the highest office in the United States - President. This compilation is a great addition to any household library.

Reviwer:Auston October 26,2001
This is my first time reading this book. Hang Tough Paul Mather is a book about a boy named Paul Mather who loves baseball but he has a disease that causes his parents not to let him play. Unless his doctor say it's OK, he can't play. But he plays anyway without doctor's permission. I would recommend it to any one(except a baby). It's a Great book.

Hang Tough, Paul Mather Harper Collins Publishers, ©1973, 156 pp., $3.95
Alfred Slote ISBN 0-06-440153-7

Paul Mather is a 12 year-old all-star pitcher. He's pitched no-hitters, shut-outs, you name it! Then it hit. Leukemia hit. Because of his leukemia, he and his family have to move to Michigan so that he can visit his new doctor, Dr. Kinsella. After his first visit with Dr. Kinsella, Paul found out that he was banned from the sport he loves so much, baseball. But he did meet a few other kids from the neighborhood who play on a baseball team. They find out how good he is and tell their coach about him. Their coach tried to persuade Paul's parents to let him play, but they rejected the offer. His father kept the registration, though, and Paul stole it. He filled out the sheet and forged his father's signature. He snuck out and played a baseball game for the team that he met on the street. During the second inning of the game, he collapsed. By that time his father had figured out where he was and took him straight to the hospital. After being in the hospital a few months, he tries to persuade Dr. Kinsella to let him go to a baseball game, but will Paul ever get his chance to play the game he loves so dearly?

This is probobly one of the best books I' ve ever read! On a scale of one to ten, I would rate it a ten because of all the excitement. You never know what is going to happen next. This book is special because it has that extra pizzaz to it. I would recomend this book because it is the type of book I love - baseball and action. I wouldrecomend this book to anyone at any time.

Jayson M. , Grade 5
Bales Intermediate, Friendswood, Texas

Paul Mather is a character that any baseball fan can relate to. Paul has a passion for pitching that is so strong, not even a incurable blood disease can stop him from getting on the mound. This is not only a story about baseball, but a story about life. I am an elementary eduacation student, and I hope to use this book in my classroom. The way Alfred Slote develops Paul's character through the story is amazing. As I read I felt like I was going through everything with Paul. If you have ever enjoyed books by Matt Christopher this is definetely a book for you to read. I would recommend this book to anyone age 9 and up.

This is a heartwarming tale of a young boy with leukemia and a zest for baseball. The theme of going after your goals, regardless of the obstacles, is personified in the main character of Paul Mather. Though set in the 1970's, this story transcends time to today. Many children are still fighting Leukemia, as well as many other illnesses.
Children will connect with Paul forging his parents name on the permission slip for baseball. What child has not forged a signature, or thought about it, and then was caught? This experience by Paul is universal.
Childhood love of activity, also gives universal appeal, through Paul's love of baseball. Many young boys, and some girls, can name their favorite player's statistics. Paul, the main character, is the same. This book is a wonderful story to share. I would use this in a middle school English classroom.

I first read this book when I took a course in children's literature in college (17 years ago). I thought the book was good then, but just last night I finshed reading it again, this time to my three older children (ages 9.5, 8, and 6 yrs). It was a wonderful experience. They didn't want me to stop reading! The book captivated them and led them to ask great questions about leukemia and challenges the main character, Paul Mather, faced in the book.

Without giving away anything about the guts of the book, Paul Mather is a 12 year old baseball pitcher. He lives, breathes and drinks in baseball. It's his life. But, as you soon learn, he is hampered in his dream world of baseball by a disease that sidelines him.

This book is a true treasure for anyone looking for a character with a noble and hopeful spirit in the face of desparation and illness. This may be a great book to share with ill children. It's got a lot of "atta-boys" in it.

You keep hanging tough, Paul Mather!

5 stars all the way!

Alan Holyoak

My 7yr old son and I made this book our Daily Devotional before school each day this year. With about 7 more days to go....on May 14, 2008 my son asked Jesus to come into his heart and decided to accept Him as his Savior.

This book blessed our family in a big way. We've now started from the beginning all over again....and now my son garners even more from it.

Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com 1/2008

Sheri Rose Shepherd wrote a book for little girls, instructing them on how to be God's princess. I loved that one! I was really excited to receive His Mighty Warrior. The concept is the same. This is a book to teach boys how to be followers of Christ by leading a life full of righteousness.
This book tells the readers how much God loves them. He does want the best for each child. His Mighty Warrior addresses money, parents, respect, anger, teachers, death, and rejection. Each letter from God addresses the reader as a mighty warrior that God both loves and respects. After each letter is a prayer to God.
Isaac (age 2) is a bit young to fully grasp the greatness of His Mighty Warrior. However, I will keep this. This book is relevant for elementary school children, college students, and every age in between.
This book would make a great gift. For any rite of passage, such as christenings, baptisms, and graduation, this book is an ideal gift. This also would be welcomed as a baby shower gift. I love this book!

This book is great! It is a wonderful way to teach God's truth to young boys. It is very interesting to young kids, and it is very age-appropriate. It addresses God's purpose for their lives and how to live for Him. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this for my 9 year old son (and it's princess counterpart for my 4 year old daughter). I have found it to be a wonderful part to add to our bedtime routine that doesn't take long but imparts profound wisdom. The letters to the boys "from God" really speak to their identities as young men and gives a parent the opportunity to put to words the different personality traits we hope our children grow up with.

My son, who I struggle with to get him to read, couldn't put the book down. He kept saying "Mom, I'm on page 9!" "Now I'm on page 30"
His eyes were full and he kept smiling. He knew it was God speaking to him telling him what his purpose in life is. That God needs and depends on him. Most importantly, that my son is not in it alone. That God is with him every step of the way.
My son feels so loved from reading that book.
Kids need to feel important by their parents but when they know God thinks their princes and princesses. Wow! Nothing can top that.

JR Cash was one of the most fantastic men to ever live, and he gave the world the gift of his voice; through song, tv and now this: an audio recording of the NKJV bible.
I got this for Christmas and it really helps make reading the bible easier. Cash has the perfect voice for this, and it isn't all flashy, Johnny makes it fantastic without all that Hollywood crap.
I never thought I would own an audio bible until i saw this, and now I will never even have to think of getting another!

No one can read the Word like Johnny Cash! This is not Easy Listening Music, but it is easy listening! Thank you Johnny Cash!

This is a great audio Bible. No distractions, just the Word of God being read aloud. I find it odd to have a Bible that is covered with pictures of Johnny Cash - I got it because I wanted an audio Bible that was not dramatized and did not have music. All the other voices I previewed sounded really annoying to my ears. Johnny Cash had an excellent reading voice and is easy to listen to.

Here's what absolutely amazes me about Johnny Cash -- and the reason that, after more than 30 years in journalism, I have to admit I still have such an emotional reaction to this country singer -- is that his famous struggles with temptation and faith have directly crossed over to the next generation.

There's something as honest as a razor blade about Cash. His "man in black" garb clearly wasn't merely a costuming choice for his stage act. His concern for the poor and marginalized clearly wasn't just another star's hobby. In fact, I went back and purchased DVDs of some of Cash's TV shows, because I'm so intrigued by this man, this artist, this man of faith.

I own dozens of Bibles and a half dozen audio Bibles -- but it's the Cash disks that keep winding up in my van with me when I'm traveling. There's nothing flashy in this recording, which was done back in the 1990s and doesn't have any of the Hollywood special effects that are popular in current audio Bibles.

This is the New King James Version so some of the phrases sound a little stilted to our ears, unless we've stayed with this majestic old rendering throughout our lives. But that's not a bad thing. I'm not a King James reader, on a regular basis, but there's something about the poetry of this particular translation -- coming to my ears in that voice of The Man in Black, knowing some of the incredible spiritual journey that he pursued through these years -- and the overall effect is mesmerizing.

My husband received Johnny Cash Reading the Complete New Testament for Christmas. He has been enjoying it very much. He no longer has trouble falling asleep at night. He just turns a CD on and falls asleep within minutes. I would recommend this product to others.

This is a great way to listen to the Bible. Johnny's chill tone and deep weathered voice makes this one of the best and most enjoyable audio bibles around. I would imagine that many of the most hesitant to bible listening could soften up to the surprise of Johnny's voice reading the scriptures. Cash's coolness, rough, and relatable history that many of us can identify with, helps most anyone have "ears to hear." It is awesome how Jesus can change anyone so remarkably. Johnny Cash's testimony of his radical change by Jesus' words can be read about in his book, "When A Man Comes Around".

The guy proclaims the Word of God beautifully and simply. If you're not much of a believer, it just is done well and straight forward.

The New King James Version is more modern English (without all the "unto's" and "ye's" and "thou's"). Easier on the ears. Also, no accompanying music. Just him reading slowly and with understanding.

The above comments are in comparison to James Earl Jones reading the New Testament. The guy has a voice like no one else, but the original King James version language- lame backround music - and a whispery, momontone reading (if you can imagine James Earl Jones doing that) - makes this far inferior to Johnny Cash's.

This audio Bible is great. Johnny did a fantastic job and paced himself nicely. His pronunciation is well done. I enjoy these CDs immensely.

Thanks Johnny and I'll see you in heaven!

No frills or fancy workings, just plain old Johnny Cash reading the New King James version of the New Testament. It's straight-forward and understandable, delivered in a matter-of-fact tone that leaves interpretation open to your own mind. Johnny Cash does his best to read without flair and dramatics, allowing the words to speak for themselves.

I enjoy unwinding after a long day by throwing on some headphones and relaxing to the soothing words of JC.

this set was everything i could have hoped for. it was amusing that someone reviewing this product would describe Johnny Cash's reading voice as "wooden" ... have they never heard him speak or sing ? if you have heard his voice you know what to expect. personally i find his voice rich, comfortingly real, and ideally suited to a project such as this

there is no annoying music in the background, which is ideal for people who suffer from diminished hearing, like me, or people who find such unwelcome additions to be nothing more than a distraction

his reading is often described as slow, but i think it might be better described as casual - about the speed he spoke in public or on TV : he typically seemed unhurried when he spoke, but having a "script" allowed him to talk faster than i'd anticipated. his cadence is not too fast, just faster than i had been led to believe

the books are broken up into chapter-length files (important if you wish to rip to MP3 files as i've done) and sometimes span from one CD to another (important if you're considering getting this for an elderly person who might need to search for the next CD, as well as possibly complicating the operation of a CD player for a person with visual limitations)

this is a wonderful product and i would gladly purchase it again. the only "improvement" i can suggest is offering an MP3 version for people who may lack the technical ability to convert the CDs themselves (they are Legion)

Nora Caron's "Journey to the Heart," although amateurishly written, nonetheless contains a message for all of us who have loved not wisely but too well. This young woman, battered and bruised by her choices of men, yet willing to take one last stab at happiness by venturing into a foreign land, is welcomed by strangers who lead her to an understanding of herself and the role she played in her own life. That alone is a great gift. If you are like Luci, read it for the message

This was such a romantic/adventure story. The characters claim your heart quite early and hold you there to the very end.It is about a young woman who had so much trust and faith in people and relationships only to be torn apart. Lonely and disillusioned, she dives deep into her work and shuts off her heart. At the advice of her doctor, she finds herself thrown into a new adventure far away from her home. There seem to be more forces at work here than she is able to understand.
The mysterious and whimsical characters who enter into her life and heart embrace her as their own and their cultural lessons are not like anything she has ever experienced before. Through them, she is able to empty the pain and fear she has locked within herself for much too long. You will find yourself wanting to know more about her and what will happen next and just when you least expect it....there is a twist you would never expect! I didn't put the book down until I had read every morsel it was feeding me.

In todays fast moving online world, taking the time to pick up a book is no easy thing. Especially when the book in question is a first novel by an unknown Canadian girl. But don't let that fool you. This writer has a bright future. Caron's book will grab you, not by the lapels, but by the gentle influence of clear writing and an appeal to the romantic in all of us. With a combination of the mystical teachings of Carlos Castaneda, and the bodice ripping page turners of Danielle Steele, this book avoids melodrama while exerting a peaceful, sweet spiritual feeling that leaves the reader satisfied and full. I predict it will especially appeal to young women of all stripes, as the protagonist Lucinda is the kind of kung fu kicking, strong and willful girl that young women wish they could be, and men wish they could have. The action is seen through her eyes, and takes us from her heartbreak to enlightenment, all without cliches or heavy handedness. As a man, I prefer gun battles and action, but this story instead puts you inside the head of a three dimensional girl, her loves, and her heartbreak, which, as it turns out, can be just as fascinating, and very illuminating. The setting of rural Mexico adds an exotic and earthy tone, and the characters are all recognizable, and overall, I would say this journey is one well worth taking.

With lucid, flowing prose Nora Caron delves deep into the rift between men and women, while never losing a sense of optimism and wit. Disenchanted with life, and wounded by a string of passionate affairs, the protagonist Lucina packs her bags and leaves for Mexico. Amid the incense-laden aisles of a bookstore in Oaxaca she encounters Señora Labotta, gatekeeper to a world far from the routine of a Canadian suburb. All too familiar are the flirtations of Teleo, Señora Labotta's handsome son, and yet this time the rules have changed. Esoteric pursuits into the nature of sexuality and love open Lucina's eyes to her most intimate issues and shake the foundations of her pragmatic view of life. For Señora Labotta is not merely a guide, but a catalyst: the whetstone upon which Lucina sharpens her sense of self. And the transformation that takes place is as real, and as colorful, as the blossoming of a flower.

Journey to the Heart found me still grieving over a lost love and wondering if I should or would ever love again. I traveled with Lucina Pilano to Oaxaca City in southern Mexico, wandered that warm place with her, closed and dark. But this novel worked its magic on me as Oaxaca, Senora Labotta, and her son Teleo worked their magic on Lucina, and I found myself at the end of the book forever changed.

Journey to the Heart is a gentle but powerful first novel by Canadian writer Nora Caron. Full of hard won wisdom and spiritual and emotional insight, Ms. Caron's novel is for anyone at the place of betwixt and between, living and dead, loving and hard-hearted. Journey to the Heart asks you to make a choice, will you take a chance, will you live, will you open your heart? Sometimes, even against our better judgment we do, and the world, and life, and love open up to us as.

As I was finishing the book, lazy in the sun of my mother's patio, water sounds and everyday noises all around me, I was visited by a fearful buzzing, louder than a bumblebee. So near the en, I kept reading. Again and again the buzzing came close and then faded. Finally, I looked up and was confronted by a large, metallic green beetle hovering nearby. In fifty years, I had never seen such an insect. It danced and hovered beside me for what seemed like minutes and then flew off. Later research on the Internet indicated that this was probably a Fig-eater Beetle, a member of the scarab family. A visit by a scarab in Huntington Beach, nowhere near figs and fruit? The symbol of rebirth visited me and I realized at that moment that I too had been reborn and was ready to live and love again.

I am eagerly looking forward to Caron's next magical novel.

This book is actually three books published as one volume for what may be the first time. This is the story of the Spanish princess Katherine of Aragon and it's beautiful, tragic and stirring. Katherine was the daughter of Queen Isabella of Spain. Isabella was a bold, powerful and capable ruler and there was no reason in Katherine's experience why she or a daughter of hers couldn't be the same way. And then she goes to England.

As we all know Katherine's marriage to Prince Arthur lasted for one hot minute. The gentle, sickly boy dies leaving her in political limbo. It was an unpleasant time filled with worry but Katherine bravely gets through it and has a fairy tale ending. Henry, Arthur's younger brother marries her. Plaidy is particularly good at describing Henry. He goes from being a wonderful/horrible boy to a beautiful, dangerously sexy and impulsive young man. He's a romantic dream and all he wants is Katherine.

And then a cloud appears. Katherine gets pregnant but her son dies. And then other babies are lost. In the end only her daughter Mary survives. Plaidy deftly shows Henry begining to change. He's still beautiful, still a romantic dream but he wants a son and he begins to stray. Some of the most touching passages in the whole series describe how Katherine toughs this period out.

And then comes the final act. Henry turns mean and dangerous. Katherine is divorced, cast aside, friends are killed, her child is taken from her. Her faith, her dignity and her entire world is attacked and still she stands. The book ends with delicate touch. Katherine hasn't quite lost and Anne Boleyn, who is shown only from a distance in this series hasn't quite won.

Jean Plaidy was a fabulous writer and the Katherine of Aragon series was one of the top five greatest things she ever wrote.

Deep soul wrenching characters, sometimes dysfunctional victims of their time.A greay history lesson.

I couldnt get through this book fast enough. I very much enjoy Jean Plaidy's style and this book was superb! If you are a lover of historical fiction, she's got a knack for it! Excellent read!

The first of Henry VIII's famed wives, the Infanta of Spain was a courageous woman who stood her ground in the worst of suffering, only to love and forgive those who never once showed her compassion.

The leading novel (Katharine, the Virgin Widow) contains the Princess' journey from the comfort of her mother, Isabella of Castile, to the loneliness of dreary England. Soon enough she is married to Prince Arthur to her delight, as they become great friends. Inevitably, the sickly Arthur dies shortly after the marriage, leaving Katharine alone in a foreign world. Still a virgin, she is sent away from court to remain a widow in poverty with only guidance from those she cannot trust. In this state of despair, she waits.

Preceding the death of his father and brother, Henry VIII is crowned King and defies his father's wishes: he acquires the dispensation from the Pope and marries Katharine. The tale of their marriage is depicted in the "Shadow of the Pomegranate" as loving and hopeful. But when "Kate" cannot produce a male heir, the King grows restless as his attention wanders, until he finds true passion in the arms of a young Lady in Waiting, who shortly produces a son, much to Katharine's envy.

The third and final novel, laughably entitled "The King's Secret Matter" is the last stand Katharine makes for herself and her daughter, the young Princess Mary. The pious Queen is shown with as much grace and wisdom that one in her situation can muster. Unfortunately, she lacks the health to survive her ordeal, and soon dies after being divorced by the King of England and sent to live in manors of appalling condition.

No other Queen matches Catalina of Spain. She is often times found lost and hurt, but she always manages to spite what she is told and follow what she believes. If it weren't for her "inability" to produce a capable (male) heir and save her marriage, I would not believe the great lady was real or mortal. Thanks to Jean Plaidy (Eleanor Hibbert), Katharine can now be remembered as more than just one of the many wives of a promiscuous King, but as someone to be honored and loved among everyone.

I must confess that inexplicably there have been few great heroes of the female gender wirtten about throughout history as compared with men. So, as I matured, I sought the likes of Sir Thomas More, Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., and so many others. Then, I happened upon this astonishing book about a Queen with the courage to stand (no matter the consequences) against arguably one of the the mightiest men in all of history - King Henry VIII. And stand she did with grace, humility, wisdom, intelligence but above all her devout belief in a good and gracious God for whom she served above all - something that King Henry could never abide. If you would like to not only attain historical accuracy on this topic which many like myself did not have before, - buy this book as a present for yourself. No matter your faith or no faith, culture, class, race, or education...you will never be the same woman again.

This is the tenderest, sweetest, most beautiful love-story I've ever read. To those who would implore: "But it's not biblical!" I would reply simply: "It doesn't pretend to be." Read it with an open mind and remember that one of the great mysteries is that our Lord was as fully human as He was fully God. This deeply touching love-story of our Lord and the woman He chose to be His bride will make you weep - it did me.

Here we have King Yeshua and Queen Miriam in all the satisfying details of their homelife, their life as parents, their relationship with the other "early Christians" and their community, and most important, in their personal love and devotion to each other. The reader is given a glimpse into the sense of soul destiny and human recognition they each felt as they found each other and began "the greatest love story ever lived", which unfortunately became (as Margaret Starbird says) "the greatest story never told."
This Queen Miriam is a Goddess devotee of the Old Religions, which Yeshua respects completely. He includes her in his teaching times, holding her up in equality and expecting the men to do the same. In my own book,The Mary Magdalene Within this same philosophy of Christian equalitarianism was expressed, but not with the lovely earthy details of human life shown to us as they are here.
So, when you are tired of the theological speculation of the many, many books about Mary Magdalene and you hunger for a "real story" of the love between the Sacred Masculine and the Divine Feminine,represented by Jesus and Mary Magdalene, seek out C.A. Thomas' book. You might find that you relax into it and feel so satisfied to be let into their daily life and daily love for each other.
This book made me think, once again, that we are helping to bring alive a more relevant Partnership Paradigm Christianity for the Aquarian Age. It will be one which offers a healthy-model family instead of the "lone male god" story. It seems to be happening within each psyche that creatively engages with "the greatest love story ever lived".
By humanizing the archetypal Divine Couple's love story, we understand that our own capacity to love is divine. How hopeful !

Joan Norton, www.MaryMagdaleneWithin.com

She was fourteen and he was nineteen when they became betrothed with their families' blessing. Yeshua loved Miriam with all his heart and saw the innocence in her that touched him deeply. Miriam the Magdalene felt Yeshua was different than any other man in existence but she loved him with the whole of her heart, understanding him when his own disciples were confused. Yeshua thought of Miriam as his uncrowned Queen, a Nazarene high priestess who worshipped the Mother Goddess with Yeshua's approval for what is the Father without the Mother.

The disciples especially Peter and his male followers were angry and jealous that at times he paid more attention to Miriam than he did to them. He sat with her when he preached and he was not afraid to caress her in public and treat her as an equal. They had three children, a boy and two girls and Jesus loved his family. He saw the future and knew that Miriam would be reviled, her name an anathema to many people even though she gave much to the world completing the circle of Jesus' life.

Although the basic essence of how the bible describes Jesus is not changed, C.A. Thomas shows Jesus as being as much a man with a man's feelings and needs as he is part of the Divine. He states that Jesus treated men and women as equals. The women played an important part in Jesus' life because as he lay dying at the cross, they were the ones with him. C.A. Thomas has a written a beautiful love story that allows readers to see the times in which Jesus lived.

Harriet Klausner

Great love story about mary and jesus. I loved it and everyone should read it who is interested in mary and jesus.

This beautiful story explores the human aspect of Jesus. We learn of the everyday interaction between Jesus the man and Miriam the Magdalene who was his wife. The writing leaves no doubt that this historical figure was larger than life and challenges everything we think we know about him.

As a lifelong Catholic I had always felt that there was so much more to the story of Christ than was being told to us by the Church. This story hit home and spoke to me on many levels. The writing is beautiful and fills the voids of the reader's soul.

However, as an author I found much to be desired. Thomas has spent good money having this story self-published but should have gone the extra measure and had it edited. The manuscript would benefit greatly from revisions in punctuation and grammar, not to mention shorter paragraphs. I certainly hope that in future works from this author we are treated to those little extras.

That said, I simply loved this story! Look forward to seeing more work by this author. The concept and story alone warrant five stars but because of the poor mechanics I need to subtract one star.