Owens Books

This is my first Franklin White novel and what a ride!! This book opens up with West, regular joe, who opens up his own auto repair shop to better his community. He has to serve on jury duty and he finds that the defendant Frank Rossi, was a black guy trapped in a white guy's body. He was handsome, talked smooth like silk, and wore expensive threads. Rossi stole 300,000 of the city's money but they can't prove it and the crooked Detective Stallings wants his head because Stalling has his hand in the city's pot of crack, and he wants his piece of pie back. West teams up with Lauren, another juror, to cut a deal with Rossi to split the 3 G's three ways in exchange for a not guilty verdict and everyone goes home happy. After they convince the jury to vote not guilty, Rossi disappears right along with West's prized Caddy.Then on top of that, West's girlfriend Tammy ends up dead and Stallings is put on the case. This book is a thriller with all kinds of twists and turns that will leave you hanging off the edge of your seat. Who has the money? Who killed West's girlfriend? You have to cop this read to find out!!

Highly recommended - This book was a refreshing read. I was hooked from the opening sentence. It read almost like a good movie. For all the bad West got himself in to, strangely to me he was a hero for all the good in his heart. I was fascinated. This was a deep thriller and shocking beyond words. Franklin White will always get my vote.

Franklin White has always shown that us that he can give the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships with engaging dialogue and realistic settings but now he has brought a new flavor to the urban thriller. White can do it all! This is the kind of book that will have you talking out loud to the characters, anxious to turn the page and will wake you up in the middle of the night worrying about what will happen next. I won't give away the plot but let's just say people will do anything and everything for that money!

Franklin White's latest literary offering, MONEY FOR GOOD, takes the reader on a wild and crazy thrill ride. The main character, West Owens, has finally achieved his dream of becoming an entrepreneur when he opens his own garage, but he stands to lose it all when he has to close up shop to serve on jury duty. While performing his civic duty, he meets and befriends Lauren Richards, a resourceful woman who has a "get rich quick" scheme. West joins forces with Lauren to convince the jury to free defendant Pete Rossi in exchange for a considerable amount of money. Little does West know that he is about to have the experience of a lifetime in his quest to have money for good.

Franklin White has written a page-turner that draws the reader in from the very first page and does not let up until the last page is turned. Filled with action, adventure, murder, deceit, police corruption, and laced with a hint of romance, MONEY FOR GOOD aims to satisfy. Kudos to Franklin White for a job well done, and I hope to see more of West Owens and his associates in White's future novels.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I loved this book. I thought the author did a really good job mixing all the characters together since they all came from different backgrounds. Rossi and West played off of oneanother perfectly then when they started to work together along with Mrs. Bullock it was like watching a movie. I would have given this book 5 stars and I still probably should but I was mad at Lex for what happened to her baby-that part in the book really touched me because it happens much too often. You wont go wrong with this novel you will really enjoy it.

I wrote my review a second time because I thought I'd done something wrong and you weren't going to post it. Please delete the review dated October 23 and leave the later version. Thank you.

Gardener's Soul is my first read in the Chicken Soup series. Had I an inkling that the series could evoke that cozy-fuzzy feeling, like a purring kitten warming your lap, I would have been reading them all.

Paula Silici's Nona's Garden stands as a fine example. I could smell the beef, garlic and tomatoes simmering in the kitchens of my childhood as I read of the life's lessions learned from her grandmother. I have more hope for the future after reading Beth Pollack's Planting Day,especially considering that such words of wisdom came from a 16-year-old. Good job,young lady! And A Bedside Story by Pat Stone reassured me that I'm not the only gardener who talks to plants.

No wonder the publisher has the name Health Communications. When the mind is calm, the body is better able to heal. This book is a fabulous choice for anyone feeling blue or for just anyone!

A truly good book evokes cozy images and sensations from the past. And this is a very good book, one that teaches us to stop and consider how wisely we spend on this earth.

Among my personal favorites was Nona's Garden by Paul Silici. I could almost smell the delectably heavy garlic, beef and tomatoes slowly steaming in my grandmother's kitchen, and felt a tug on my heartstrings when she shared the story of her grandmother's lessions in life. Planting Day filled me with hope for the younger generation when I saw that sixteen-year-old Beth Pollack had written such an insightful essay. It was good to learn in Pat Stone's A Bedside Story that I'm not the only person who talks to their plants.

There's something for everyone in CS for the Gardener's Soul.

I am a great fan of the Chicken Soup Books. They are a wonderful way for me to start my morning. Being an avid gardener, this one was truely special. Although many of the stories left me teary-eyed, the messages relayed were always positive and uplifting. -- Highly Recommend

This heartwarming, soul-satisfying collection of stories is a beautiful testimony to the special knowledge held dearly by every gardener, regardless of if they are first-timers or veterans. Even the smallest gardens have the ability to uplift our lives with the magical, unique understanding that they are living reminders of the potential beauty of the world.

Sharon Galligar Chance, Times Record News, Wichita Falls, Tx.

This was a story I came across on the Internet. This book is one to cherish for years. Excellent pictures with an indepth look at Owen & Mzee's life together. I can't wait to share with my kids one day!
Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship

This book has wide appeal, although probably aimed at children. As a retiree, I enjoyed the descriptions of the 130 year old tortoise and the young hippo. This carries the story of their meeting and bonding, but also carries it further telling how they developed their own ways of communicating.
The photos include a full-page and a smaller picture on each two-page spread. The text is good sized (for children, but also older eyes) and each page has ample white space.
A lovely book that will appeal to any animal lover. At the end of the book are pages with information about Kenya, the park where the animals live, and the tsunami of 2004 which brought the animals together.

We purchased this book for our four-year-old avid book lover. While the book gives way to much info to keep a four-year-old's attention (unless they really love books), the photos are amazing and it is easy to shorten the relatable information until the child is old enough to appreciate it. Great book for reading/looking through just before going to a zoo.

I got this book for my 4 year old niece. As an animal lover, I knew she would be charmed, but I didn't expect the adults to be so enthralled. Everyone who picks up this book gets caught up in the story and pictures. Thank you.

The story and pictures are terrific, and the story of these unusual friends is beautifully told. A super book to own.

Happily, this is an original script/shooting script, not the final filmed version so there are plenty of scenes and lines included here that did not appear in the movie. After reading I have a new appreciation for the subtle, nearly flawless directing and acting in this amazing film. Buy it!

I liked Rushmore for a few reasons. The first is that the soundtrack featured songs by The Who, Cat Stevens and Chet Baker instead of some crappy "alternative" bands. I also liked the big vision that Max Fisher had for himself and the people around him. He risked making a fool out of himself in order to accomplish goals that only he could see. Bill Murray can turn any word into a laugh. I want to read the book.

I dare use the word "quirky," because that usually means "esoteric and/or pedantic." But "Rushmore" manages to be quirky while still being entertaining and heartful. There is real emotional impact in this film, as sharp and hurtful as first love lost. Yet, it remains a brilliant comedy with enough "moments" to make repeated viewings worthwhile. The book only serves as a fond memory of the film, much as the soundtrack. See the movie first, then buy the book to cherish the experience again.

Rushmore, both the script and the movie, are instant classics. The buzz generated is still modest compared to the actual impact. Very fulfilling read. Sic transit gloria.

I identified with the characters in the movie. I know one person wrote an intelligent review saying that the movie seemed too surreal, but in my opinion, though I admit the situation had a surreal feel to it, the characters were extremely realistic. I loved Margaret Yang and the way she was so caught up in success that she lied for a project that was almost bought by NASA.

If you don't like anything else, you have to at least admit that Rushmore is one of the funniest things you have seen or read.

Whow!!! This book is truely amazing. Amanda has the ability to bring the sophisticated information about astrology to a level that anyone, old and young can understand. Her wisdom about how the heavens work and how they affect each of us throughout our entire lives is phenomenal. I love how she organizes our lifes's chart with special tips. Oh, how true they are. Reading this book is a must. Read and learn about who you really are according to your birth sign. You will recognize yourself as you read this fun and entertaining book. I have read many books about astrology, but this book makes the words come to life. You can count your "Lucky Stars" when you get your own copy of Amanda's book. Thank you Amanda for putting your gift in writing.
Lori Hunt- Traveler

Amanda Owen has a way of writing like she speaks...concise, humorous and to the point while making you learn all the while. Lucky Stars is a wonderful read with very good energy. All ages should be able to get a great deal out of this book from understanding your defeats and your wins. Looking forward to her next book!

As an astrology student I think this boook should be a "must buy" for those who are interested in Astrology and are novice at it. It is a delightful, easy read, and a well organized compilation of specific facts pertaining to each sun sign. Amanda Owen encompasses how each sign "relates" to home life, friendship, career, and relationships in an amiable manner. I particularly liked her compatibility guide on each sun sign with another sun sign. She illustrates ths part of the book with directness and humor. The knowledge offered here to the younger student is infectious! You may want to know more about yourself and everyone else, because you just may "meet" them some day.

Although Amanda's book was written for the teen audience, the info here is so universal a non-teen, like me, can enjoy it and refer to it over and over. Amanda's strength is her ability to make complex topics very clear and to communicate so everyone can understand their chart. This book found me out of the blue and I am glad it did.

Amanda Owen strikes at the heart of what Astrology is all about;
helping people find themselves. This friendly introduction gets
down beneath the surface enough for both beginners and long time
astrologers. You can feel the good energy in each page and she
makes you feel connected - not like she is talking about someone
else! We look forward to Amanda's next publication and want to'
thank her for a good well done.

Ron & Anna Winship

A friend of mine recommended that I read this novel by J. Nelson-Owens. As some of the other reviewers have mentioned, I normally do not read books that are set in the future. However, based on the style of writing by the author, that did not create an issue with me reading the book. Some of the other aspects of the book like romance, family struggles, commerce, etc. pulled me away from the future setting and drew me into the characters and the never ending twist in the plot. It is amazing how the authors style of writing can draw in so many different types of readers. The authors attention to detail was amazing. The reader can definitely envision the characters and the actions that are being described. For her first published novel, I believe that J. Nelson-Owens has written a masterpiece. I'm hoping there are many more to come.

To the reader who wants to be entertained by a world of love, hatred and a very, very controlling family member.

I was given the book "The Van Laven OATH" to read by a co-worker. I started the book during my lunch breaks at work and found myself not wanting to put it down. It's filled with a compelling commitment to "LOVE / RELATIONSHIP" between a man, woman and father.

It took getting through a few chapters before I could remember each character since their names are very different causing me to go back to a previous chapter to refresh my memory. I found myself yearning for a love like the one between Vaush & Comron and despising the father who is out to destroy it.

Let me sum it all up by saying, it moved my emotions in many ways as I read each chapter waiting patiently to see if a love for two people can conquer all .... Oh well we'll see .................

J. Nelson-Owens ......let me know when the next book is ready for publication .... I'm anxiously waiting! I could also envision this on the big screen.

Thanks for your love of writing.

I loved it! It has everything you could want, romance, action, adventure. The book was very well written and captured my attention at once. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the second book to see how it ends!!

I love to read, and thoroughly enjoyed this book! At first I thought, oh a book set in the future, I am not so good with those. But it was really wonderful! It was so good - I read it twice! Enjoyed it both times! It was easy to keep up with the characters, you got a good mental image of how the characters might look! The story really kept my interest throughout, not once did I find myself turning to the end pages to see how it turned out! What a twist! I loved the twist in the story - was really surprising! I can't WAIT for the next book to come out - I have to see how it turns out! Thanks for writing such a wonderful book!

Action, Adventure, Romance, absolutely everything you are looking for in excellent reading. The book was well written. I can't wait for the sequel, I couldn't stand to put it down until finished. Patiently waiting on continuation of book two.

In this slender volume, Fr. Lee not only provides a neat summary of Wagner's epic, but an ample and insightful look at the political and philophical underpinnings of the opera's genesis. His discussion of Schopenhauer's influence, albeit a surface treatment, never overwhelms the reader. Nor does the discussion of the leitmotives bog the reader down and detract from a lively and personal narrative. Highly recommended.

I found Father Owen Lee's interpretation of Wagner's Ring concise, beautifully written and coherent. I was utterly mesmerized and could not put the book down until I had read it.

Father Lee's book is essentially a fleshing out of some radio commentary given on the Ring cycle. While it is a short book and a quick read, it is insightful, deep, and well worth study and discussion.

There is no single 'correct' way to interpret Wagner's giant gesamtkunstwerk, one reason why so many books of interpretations and analysis of the pieces struggle for shelf space. This one makes a worthy addition to the pile.

Readers new to the Ring will find the synopsis and discussion of each opera informative and most valuable in getting them started to a basic understanding. Those more familiar with the Ring should find much to think about and compare with their own or other interpretations.

Supplemental to the text are suggested recordings, short reviews of additional books worth investigating, and a brief list of some of Wagner's more well-known musical motifs. There are more complete such lists and references available, but again for the novice these will all be of great help.

I found Lee's book informative, fascinating, and useful.

This little book is an excellent introduction for folks like myself who have tried for years to make sense of the cycle. The narration gives a plot synopsis followed by the author's view of the meaning behind the drama. I have always been fascinated by Wagner's Ring Cycle though I do not know German. I have been very intrigued by the music. Well this book gave me a tiny little bit to get me going.

Much of Father Owens' analysis may not meet with everyone's interpretation of the cycle but it does make one think.

There is a section at the end that contains written music. My knowledge of reading music is very scant so I just ignored that section. It is not germane to the narrative because one can get these examples by listening to the work. For good examples get An Introduction To Wagner's Der Ring Des Nebulungen by Deryck Cooke on CD. Mr. Cooke's CD gives audio examples that one can appreciate without knowing how to read music.

to one of the most multi-layered works of art in existence.

I have wanted to see this opera series for over 20 years, ever since I saw an opera properly prepared by a Wagner fanatic. Finally, I was in a place where I could, so I turned to the various preparations that I could find.

This short book was indisputably one of the best, and it doesn't shy from bold pronouncements and interpretations. Lee is a classical scholar of great learning and brings together a huge range of sources in this 100plus-page book.

First, he gives a synopsis. Then, he interprets it, with full awareness that the reader may disgree. While the content is covered by other reviewers here, I wanted to say that this added immensely to my experience of this uniquely complex work of near-modern art. Plus, it is aimed that at erudite admirers, but to those (like me) desperate for an anchor as I approach the unique intensity of Wagner.

While it relies a bit too heavily on depth psychology, which places this interpretation at a certain time, it is never dogmatic and addresses many of the other philosophical ideas that underlie it. This is my only caveat. Truly great works of art are re-interpreted by every age, and this one will be too. In addition, it cannot be the only source one approaches - you need to listen to the music as well, so this is one supplement.

Warmly recommended.

Heart Quest if full of romantic tension, murder, and mystery. Readers will particularly enjoy how Robin Owens has woven fascinating secondary characters into Ilex and Trif's story. Right to the end, you'll wonder who lives, who dies, and who has been right all along - Trif or Ilex. A truly enjoyable read, a solid winner that will have you eagerly awaiting the next book in the Celta HeartMate series. It's always a pleasure to return to the magical inhabitants of Druida City and find out who will be next to discover their HeartMate.

I read the first few books in the series years ago and have been reading her new series as of late. I know it has been quite some time since I read a book from this series, but I really think she surpassed herself on this one. I can remember the previous books being more mushy and romantic. This one was sweet but primarily I found it to be a mystery. A cult is killing people in horrific sacrificial manner and our main characters are not only trying to solve the case and trying to stay off the evil people's radar. Definitely worth your time. I loved it and had a hard time putting it down.

I somehow missed this book on it's release date, but was a must have as soon as I realized it was available. I loved Triff's story. Ms. Owen's continues to be one of my top 10 authors.

I have to admit, it took me a couple of Ms. Owens' books before I got the hang of the setting. It was so different from other works, but I kept coming back for more. In Heart Quest, the main characters Trif and Ilex were carefully crafted and so dear, story line was paced well, never a dull moment. I can't wait to read more on the Winterberry's in the next book!

Every time I get a new Robin D. Owens book I expect the best and I have yet to be disappointed. In Heart Quest, Ms. Owens brings two previous background characters to the forefront with their own story of love and heartache. When I read that Winterberry and Trif were the stars of this story I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as her other novels, simply because these two never seemed that important or remarkable, however, I am pleased to say that they really shine in this story, and of course there is all of the other characters from other books making guest appearances. As a stand alone novel, this is a good book, with a charming heroine and a serious, sexy, authority-figure hero. I love a man in uniform! As a continuation of her other Heartmate novels, Ms. Owens outdoes herself time and again and I cannot wait for her next one!

What else is there to say? Those familiar with Mr. Parry's work will recognize the great "voices" he creates and the way the book's world wraps you up like a cozy blanket. If you're not already a Parry fan, just pick this up for a quick, delicious taste. Like sneaking some of the Christmas fixin's before the feast, and you'll want to have more.

This little book will take you back before Christmas became an event that starts in October and is a money and advertizing glitz headache. It will transport you to a time when people thought Christmas greetings and a warming drink to celebrate the day with friends was enough. No matter what time of day you read it you will find yourself lost in another era and wish it was now. A short book - just an hour or so read that will instill your faith in humanity again. Please take the time to read.

Having just finished this book, I'm left with an impression tht Owen Parry has done it again. He is a master craftsman at writing. Having other books of his, under his real name, I'm struck by his Civil War era stories like this work. They reveal a lyrical and poetic side of him that I'm surprised and impressed with.

These Christmas tales are not intended for children, just like the bookflap said. In the flashbacks, there are enough hints of violence to leave the reader the knowledge that Christmas isn't the day to read this aloud to children. When they getter older and wiser, they'll appreciate what these stories mean.

The four stories contained in this book are full of what Christmas is all about: forgiveness, love, charity, and faith. Family is all important and no matter what emotional baggage and hurts, slights, and grievances there are, for one day at least, all of that is put aside.

I look forward to his next collection of Civil Christmas stories.

This little book has a wealth of imagery and stories of amazing death. Owen Parry is a modern O. Henry with these stories reminding me of his Christmas tales. Some of the writing also reminds me of Dylan Thomas, but not overwhelmingly so. All those people who think that only talking about religion and faith and not acting it (like the current occupant of the White House) should read this and hopefully learn something from it.

In his other persona, Owen Parry is a prominent retired army officer who writes brilliantly on national defense and strategy. It comes as a surprise, therefore, to find these gentle stories written by the same hand. This is fine historical fiction. Not only do the characters stay within their historical period - no distracting anachronisms here - but so does the writing. The stories are upbeat and completely ingenuous. They might not be cynical enough for modern tastes, so here is a test: if you enjoy A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, you will love this book. If your tastes run more toward Tim Burton's Christmas tale, you probably won't enjoy it, although you should read it anyway: it would be good for your head. No matter what your tastes, however, no one should miss the last story in the collection. It is not only the finest in the book, but a classic work which illustrates the human condition better than any other story written in the last 100 years. The protagonist is a newly freed slave who had been unspeakably abused by his "masters." Now the tide has turned, the men are dead in the war and the mistress of the house is on the verge of losing everything to the bank and about to be cast out with her retarded daughter. The simple act of Christian kindness which the slave shows toward the women brilliantly illustrates the evil of slavery and the importance of religion. This isn't Dickens; it's much much better than that.

Absolutely beautifully photographed book. Schatz captures the God given beauty of the models under water with perfect taste. This is his best book by far. Yes far better than his most recent book Nude Body Nude.The dancers and models in this book appear to be much more natural and have a graceful beauty that almost makes you forget their nude; as opposed to the cliche "sexy" look that is typical of other models.

A magic delight to any person with or even without sensibility.
A must see for photographers and artists. It is a source of inspiration for my paintings and sculptures.
The beauty of the human body as if we were still in Eden.
After this book I was hooked on all Schatz books.
Do not miss it.

With production values like a Hollywood movie, this book still manages to be intimate, and at the same time, otherworldly and unattainable. More technically accomplished and more luxurious compared to "Water Dance" (although the latter is also a must-have), I can pour over this book time and again, and find another detail or expression to seduce me.

I have now bought three copies of this book, one for my house in London, one for my house in the country, and one which I cut up - so I could frame and hang my favourites. It IS that good: this is a truly-wonderful collection. Howard Schatz is a great photographer and in Pool Light he sets the benchmark.

Whereas "Water Dance" took off from an experiment, "Pool Light" appears to be the result of a complete mastery of this unique form of photography which combines beautiful bodies with dazzling fluid effects. Every image in this book is a sight to behold, combining the beauty and grace of the human body with the imagination and emotion brought forth by an underwater stage.

Photographer Howard Schatz has advanced beyond "Water Dance" to perfect his art of underwater photography through a more effective use of the pool's characteristics to portray motion, suspend animation, and produce some of the most fantastic images of the human body. Every one of the 120+ photos is worth a long look. The bodies of the dancers, models and swimmers are not all there is to admire, but take a look at how Mr. Schatz uses the surface of the pool as a mirror or as a screen to either reflect or shield portions of the physique. Every aspect of each image seems to be perfectly in place, even air bubbles and ripples of the pool's surface, which add an interesting quality of depth and lighting.

As a nice complement to the images, there are several pages of commentary which describe the artists' (photographer, collaborators and models) inspiration and efforts, as well as some of what goes into making a book like this. For example, it's noted how Mr. Schatz prepares his "liquid studio" to be more tolerable to the subjects, such as using ozonated (not chlorinated) water, and matching the pool's pH balance to that of human tears so that models can keep their eyes open longer. Interesting reading indeed.

"Pool Light" is one of my favorite photography books of all time, and I would recommend it to anyone.