Smith Books

I took one of the square shawl patterns in this book and used it to make a triangular shawl. These patterns are unique and detailed. I've used other shawl patterns and none have had the detail of these. For experienced knitters with lots of time.

This second book of Modern Lace Knitting is great for the experienced lace knitter. I found the patterns in her first book more appealing and pretty, however these patterns are also excellent. The lace patterns are classic and are written for tablecloths and runners, however they work up very well in lace yarn for shawls or ponchos with few modifications. If you are not experienced with lace I would recommend Lavish Lace by Noble and Potter.

These patterns are collected from vintage knitting from over the years, and they are the best of the best. This book has a Rose pattern that looks great knitting up in wool yarn for a shawl, as well as in thinner cotton for a table cloth. This book isn't really suitable for a beginner; if you are new to lace knitting, I recommend Martha Waterman's book first, then move on to this one.

These lace patterns make great baby christening blankets for an important gift, or a wedding shawl.

If you make a tablecloth, you can take a simple cardboard decorators table, drape it with a plain round of colored or neutral polished cotton and then put a handknitted tablecloth on it and have an accent piece that is incredibly beautiful (a decorator table has a cross-base and round top made of particle board or cardboard. You can put a glass round on top, but it isn't necessary. They are very inexpensive.) This is especially nice if you have Victorian or country decor.

Marianne Kinzel has made a fantastic addition to her first book with "Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting". Like the first it is full of great patterns and stitches for lace knitters of an intermediate to advanced level. The patterns are flexible and while she has included great detail this is not the type of book for knitters that need everything written out line by line along with their charts. A beautiful reference book, the only thing that could make it better would be colour printing.

This book is a continuation of "First Book of Modern Lace Knitting" and if anything the designs are even more exquisite than they were in the first book. Neither is for the beginner but any lace knitter will enjoy the book which has the most wonderful all lace tablecloths and household linen.

The book is a joy to look at and read and the instructions are clear and well presented.

Deborah Smith's books are addicting- you can't put them down! I have read several of her books, and the last two being Blue Willow & Silk and Stone. I loved them all, stayed up late reading these- I can't get enough of her characters. Silk and Stone like many of her novels gives us wonderful descriptions of the mountains, the small southern towns, you feel like you are there. Her characters are fantastic, and I love how she brings them through family histories, and childhood freindships to romance and soulmates. All involving many tragedies and triumphs that keep your heart pounding! Her perfect timing with poems and verses had me tearing up- especially the verse from the bible " her price is far above rubies". To me that sums up the beautiful love in this story. I will keep reading anything she writes! Get the book!!

This is the second book of Ms. Smith's I've read. I loved the first, Blue Willow, and this one is even better. Ms. Smith not only makes you believe in soul mates and love too strong to die, she is an incredible writer. If you enjoy a good love story, I promise you'll love this one.

It has been a long time since I read a love story that so wrapped me up -- and also one I will recommend to my 16 year old daughter and to my 60 year old mother. Wonderful character development; excellent plot lines; nice historical touches; good dialog and just on and on . . .! Give it a try -- I just can't believe you will be disappointed. This was my first Deborah Smith book -- it won't be my last.

I have enjoyed every book by Deborah Smith. Her characters are never flat, never dull, always passionate. But I have found that in this book especially. Jake and Samantha are an amazing couple, one I would love to see in every romance. They go up against harsh realities that would strain any normal relationship, but nothing truly separates them. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a powerful romance.

This is one of the very best books I've ever read. Deborah Smith is my 2nd favorite author (1st is Nora Roberts). Deborah is a master of the human spirit and personality. And her heros are bigger than life. This book is not only a wonderful story, but is full of suspense and surprises. Couldn't put it down. If I could rate it a 10, I would!

This is a wonderful book. I bought it for my mom for Christmas. She read it in 2 days then passed it on to me. I, too, read it in 2 days. It is a quick read with a phenomenal message. Reading about how the author dealt with his intense anger at God over the death of his son showed me that God is definitely big enough to handle all of our emotions. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing a tragic loss. And, although I, personally, have not suffered such a tragedy, I still found this an extremely helpful book in learning to trust GOD with ALL my feelings and finding my strength and comfort in Him.

The author not only relates his experiences as a parent but as a pastor also. The book is good to use as a gift to parents who have lost a child and also to a pastor, chaplain or other person who counsels those in times of grief.

In Smith's book, he shares the story of his 17 year old son's death and his response to the death. The book is gripping and emotional.

Dr. Smith gives people permission to be angry with God and to express that anger. He makes anger over loss seem acceptable by showing that God was angry when Jesus died. Expressing anger to God is vital for healing and for keeping the relationship with God vibrant.

The book outlines a few strategies for dealing with loss and for assisting those who are dealing with loss.

I highly recommend this book to all pastors and counsellors. Those who have experienced a significant loss may also find the book helpful.

Having lost our precious 18 yr old son Jacob who was a solid christian young man. And then to read this book I could have been reading about my own son! A Pastor writes this story and it is honest and so very accurate of the deep pain and anger at God that is so normal for any parent who suddenly loses a child. But to have a Pastor tell it makes it feel easier for me to say, " Yes, I am angry and I feel betrayed and where are you God? " God is a big God and can take our anger and can heal us and that is what this author reminds us, as he shares his vivid account of his own precious son.

I am from Huntington, WV and I have met Dr. Smith, author of this book. It is a book for everyone, not just for those people who have lost a child. He assures parents who have lost a child that they will walk again, but always with a limp. If you have ever asked the question, "Why did God let this happen?", then read this book. A very spiritual book.....a true story written by a minister that all of a sudden found himself very angry with God....and how God gave him the strength to heal. But just as important, it is about the choices that a person must make in order to heal himself.

Jesse walked ahead of Lucy and Joe. Joe had to help Lucy walk because she couldn't seem to stand up on her own. Jesse spotted the slave quarters way off to the right of the kitchen, at least eighty yards away. "Looks like all the slaves are working right now." He thought to his self. "That's good. Sure don't want to look at all those eyes just yet. Just got to get through the day." They walked past the first row of dingy cabins. He noticed the cabins had no windows, and only one door each. There was no boardwalk. They walked through the dusty pathway until they reached the last cabin. Jesse opened the door and when he did, two rats scurried out. It was only a shell of a cabin. It smelled like something had died in there. The dirt floors didn't make it any cheerier. It was so dark in there and if it weren't for the door being opened there would have been no light at all. There in the corner was an old tree stump that someone had once used for a chair. There were no beds, no chairs, and no tables. Nothing, nothing at all to make it seem like a home. Jesse felt disheartened. Then he noticed the fireplace and he thought to his self. "Well, at least with that thing lit up, there will some light in here." But it was dirty, filled with ashes that had spilled out onto the dirt floor. "Oh God," he thought to his self. "I have to get out of here." He looked at the man and woman standing behind him. "This is your new home." He said gruffly. "You stay here. Supplies will be brought to you. Someone will get back to you to let you know what your chores will be." Jesse left in a hurry. Almost running to get away from those sorrowful eyes. He knew he had to toughen up if he expected to last anytime at all. He vowed to do just that.

They waited until he was out of sight before they started talking to each other. "Lucy, sit your sef down on dat stump ober deah. Les' hab a look at dem knees deah." With Joe's help, Lucy hobbled over to the stump and pulled up her dress. It was a dress that her last master's daughter had given to her when she had no more use for it. Lucy had worn it every day for two years. "Praise Jesus," she had often thought during her pregnancy that the dress was too large for her. Her right knee was scraped just a little. It didn't seem like it was too awful. It was her left knee though that was giving her a considerable amount of pain. "Oh Lucy, dat knee is swole' an' it look lak it broke. I `clair ta goodness, I sho' can't `member when I las' seen sumppin sich as dat. It look lak you bad sick wid de pain ob it! I'se goin' to fetch de Massa. Mebbe' he sen' fo' de doctor." "No, no, no!" Lucy cried out. "You done heahed wha' de boss man said. He tol' us ta stay rat heah. We done promises de Massa dat we be good niggah's and dat's wha' we goin' be." When she got that look on her face Joe knew there was no use trying to persuade her to go any other way. She could be stubborn that way, so Joe gave up.

He looked around at his new home. It looked so dreadful and what was that awful smell? Even with the door open it smelled like death in there. First thing, he was going to do was clean out that fireplace. But he needed a broom. Where could he get one? Maybe he could ask the boss man for some straw and he was sure he could find a thick branch somewhere to make a broom. He looked up and noticed a several small holes in the roof. Maybe he could make shingles from some of the kindling he suspected he would get. He would need a little tar. Something else he could do was make a window. He knew he couldn't get glass, but he could make shutters from the kindling as well. He also knew he had to make a bed for him and his wife. He would need strong tree branches. He figured that he would have to use two long ones. He would also need five or six shorter ones to nail across the longer ones. Maybe the blacksmith would let him have a few nails. He wondered where he would be able to get some flour bags to sew together to make a mattress. Maybe the cook would have some of those on hand. He spoke to Lucy about his thoughts. "Lucy, fust thin' I'se goin' do is make us a bed. You's goin' ta need one wha' wid de chile' comin' an' all. An' I'se goin' clean dis heah cabin too. Mebbe de Massa will gib us some thins' he don' hab no need fo'. Mebbe we's goin' get thins' ta make it homey lak."

He looked over at her and noticed that she didn't seem to be listening to him. "Wha's you thinkin' `bout Lucy? Do de knee pain you?" Lucy started crying. She cried like her heart would never mend. "Wha's de matter wid you?" She screamed at him. "Don' you knows nothin'? Dat Massa won' gib us nothin' `ceptin wha's needed ta keep us alibe. An' dat deah Boss Man ain't but a boy. Who wan's ta hep us? We's ain't nothin' but slaves. Dat's all we is an' dat's all we's ebber goin' be. An' yes, my knee pains me. It hurt lak habbin' a chile I `spose. Jes' quit yer dreamin' Joe. We won' be's free or happy `till we gits ta heaben, so you jes' bettah quit yore dreaming." She started sobbing again. Joe quickly ran to her and knelt down beside her. He held her in his arms while she cried on his shoulder. He held her for a long time until at last she calmed down. "Lucy," he whispered, "ebberthin' goin' be all rat. Jes' you wait an' see."

They heard footsteps coming in their direction. They broke apart and Lucy quickly dried her eyes. She tried to stand up, but couldn't bear the pain. It was horrible. How on earth was she going to be able to work? What would the master do when he found out she was in too bad a shape to work? She leaned next to Joe and stood the best she could even though sweat was poring out of her. "Mister Jackson Sir, the wench fell when she got out of the wagon. I don't know how bad she's hurt but she was limping quite a bit on the walk over here. She fell on her knees. Do you think we should call the Doctor?" Jesse asked. Jackson replied. "I'll take a look at her Jesse. I'm sure it's nothing serious. More than likely, she's trying to get out of work." Lucy and Joe looked at each other when they heard those words. "Deah Lawd Jesus, please gib me strength." Lucy prayed. Jesse and Jackson stood at the open doorway. Both Lucy and Joe looked down. "That won't be necessary. I like to look at whom I'm speaking to." Lucy and Joe looked up cautiously. Jackson continued. "Jesse tells me that you hurt yourself Lucy. Is that so?" "Well Massa, I sho' did fall, but I `spects I aren't hurt too awful bad." Jackson reprimanded her. "From now on, you call me Master Tom." Lucy looked scared. "Yessa, Massa Tom. We sho' nuff goin' call you Massa Tom." Joe responded as well. "Yessa, Massa Tom, we goin' do jes' dat." Lucy didn't know just how much longer she could stand, even holding on to Joe. Sweat was pouring over her entire body. Jackson said in a commanding voice. "Joe, bring that stump over here by the door so I can take a look at her." Joe pleaded. "Massa Tom, if I'se goin' bring dat stump ober deah den I hab ta let go of Lucy and she will fall." "Nonsense," Jackson replied. "Do as you are told." Joe looked at Lucy and then slowly let go of her. She managed to stand on her own for about thirty seconds before she fell to the dirt floor. She moaned in pain. "Deah God, hep me please." She prayed.

In three large steps, Joe was next to her, leaning down to pick her up. "Massa Tom, she goin' need some whar's ta lay her sef' down. Sumppin' soft. Mebbe some straw?" "Very well, bring her over to the cabin next to this one. The slave's root doctor has a bed over there." Jackson was very irritated. Joe carefully carried his wife next door. Jesse was already ahead of them opening the door of the cabin next door. He was astonished when he found an old woman sitting in a rocking chair. She had two candles burning for light. She looked up. "Lay her ober deah." She pointed to the bed up against the wall. The bed had a thick quilt on it as well as two feather pillows. The mattress was filled with cotton. It was a soft bed, intended for sick slaves only. In the corner by the fireplace was an old wood stove. Above the stove, several boiling pans and spoons were hanging. By the fireplace, several roots and herbs were hanging up to dry. In the middle of the room stood an old wooden table. On the table was a stack of clean rags. Jesse pulled back the old quilt and Joe carefully laid his wife on the bed. "Wha's wrong wid her?" The old woman asked. Joe answered. "She fell. She hab pain in her knee an' she cain't walk." "How many moons `afore de chile' comes?" she asked him. "She say `bout one." Joe replied. She looked at Jackson. "Massa Tom, please hab all deese peoples leave outta heah. I can't heal wid people's in heah." "Kin I stay put?" Joe asked her. She looked into his eyes and viciously told him. "I say out. I'se let you all know when she bettah." Jackson spoke up. "You heard her. Everyone out. NOW!" The "root doctor" as Jackson referred to her, had a name. She had an African name. Her name was Binta. Translated, the name means "With God". It was a name given to her by her grandmother who was kidnapped from Africa. She has had many masters and not one of them had known it was an African name. They just supposed it was a name picked out of a hat, so to speak. She was able to keep her name, if nothing else. Her grandmother had taught her the age old tradition of healing with herbs and roots. Her grandmother also had told her many stories of her beautiful home in Africa. How everything grew so green and full of life and of the many strange and beautiful animals that lived there. She spoke often of her mother and father and her seven brothers and sisters. She told her of the day she was taken from her family at the age of twelve. She had wandered off from her village out into the wide open spaces, looking for beautiful flowers. She had wanted to present them to her mother. She remembers seeing a group of white men with black traitors leading them. They spotted her from a distance of about fifty feet, just as they were coming out of the forest. The white man who appeared to be their leader had said something to the black men in a strange language. Her grandmother became scared and had started running. She had heard many stories of how Africans would leave home, never to return again. Her mother had warned her never to leave the village. Oh, how she wished she had listened to her. The men came upon her quickly. They tied her arms to her body and forced her to walk for a full day to a place where many Africans were in chains and cages. She was thrown in with them. They were all crying and speaking in different languages. She felt as if her heart had been torn from her. She was so afraid. She remembers the trip to America, but that's where her grandmother always ended her story. She did not want to hurt Binta's ears with the horrors that went on in the ship.
Binta's parents and grandmother were all lucky enough to live together until she was sixteen years old. Their master had died and they were all sold apart by his heirs. She never got over the pain of that. She was sold many times through out her eighty-three years. The last time was of course, to Jackson. He bought her for cheap, because she was seventy years old at the time. The auctioneer had said that she was a good root doctor. Jackson had bought her because he did not want to pay the price of a traditional doctor every time one of his slaves got sick. She had even loved a man once many years ago. She was twenty when she met him, a new slave to the plantation that she was on at the time. That man was her one and only lover. She was sold from him on her twenty-second birthday. She cried, she pleaded, she begged. Nothing worked. They were jerked apart as if they were no more than two pieces of old wood that had been nailed together. She had thanked God that she did not have any children. She could not have stood it being sold away from a loved one again. She vowed that she would never let her self love or to be loved again. That is, until Katie came into her life.
The young girl had been living in Binta's cabin with her for the past few years. When Katie's parents had been sold, the master made her take Katie home with her. The girl was fifteen years old now. She has been teaching Katie the practice of healing with herbs and roots. She knew that at eighty-three, she didn't have long to live. She did not want to leave her people with out someone to help them if they became sick. Jackson had allowed for Katie to become her student for a few hours of each day. He knew the value of a good root doctor. In the mornings, she would go work with Martha in the kitchen and then at lunch time, she would come to be with Binta. Together, they would take walks in the woods, or by the creek or even the open fields to find what the white man called "weeds." These "weeds" would be identified by Binta. The girl was questioned constantly about them by the old woman. Katie soon became familiar with all the herbs and roots, and what each one was used for. She was not quite as experienced as Binta, but the old woman knew that if she should die tomorrow, Katie could take over with no problem. Binta had broken her vow not to love again. She loved Katie as if she was her own child, and Katie loved her in return. Together they made a family.
Being the root doctor came with many benefits. She was treated with respect, even by Jackson. She and Katie both had hand made bed rails with cotton mattresses. They both had a pillow and a warm quilt. They had wood floors, and they got to eat food from the kitchen of the main house. Binta's meals were brought to her by Katie. She sat thinking about the beautiful child, how her long black silky hair curled so sweetly around her face. She had skin the color of a new born fawn and she had green eyes. She was the master's daughter, but of course he didn't claim her. He used her as a slave. She had no special mean-ing to him except that she was the student of the root doctor. Binta almost dozed off thinking of her when she came in. "Binta," she cried out, "hab you seen de new slaves? I jes' brought vittals to de new slave an' de new Boss Man but I sho' `nuff didn't see de woman. I brought food fo' you too." A movement on the other side of the room caught Katie's eye. "Oh, is dat de woman?" "Yes chile. Dat be de man's woman. Her name be Lucy." Binta whispered. "She poorly sick. Be quiet, she restin' an' de Lawd knows she goin' need all de rest she kin git."
Binta picked up her spoon and began to eat what the girl had brought from the kitchen. It was a good meal. There were baked sweet potatoes, and collard greens cooked with boiled pork. The trouble was Binta's appetite wasn't what it used to be. She barely got down half her meal. She thought to herself. "I'se old now. I'se born in bondage and I'se goin' die in bondage. But de Lawd goin' set me free one ob deese days. I'se goin' be raised up ta Glory Land one day soon an' all my trials be ober." Without thinking, she yelled out. "Praise Jesus!" Katie looked up, but gave it no mind. The old woman was doing that a lot lately. Instead, she asked Binta. "Wha's wrong wid her?"

I absolutly loved this book! It is an easy read.
This is a story of both the black and white people that lived in the early 1800's. There are many surprizes in this book. The reader will be surprised to realize that every character is doing the best that they can with what they have to work with. The ending is not at all what one would expect. I give this book 5 stars*****.

Deborah Bocock Smith, is incredible with her use of vivid words. Every paragraph and every chapter literally takes the reader back in time and keeps you interested in every detail. Each character of The Slaves of Annie's Garden comes alive with their own personal story relating to the hardships of their very existence.

This book covers the experiences of love, abuse, rejection, poverty, rape, death, insanity and courage of eace beloved named character. The writer allows the reader to transition from sadness to joy fluently. The ending of The Slaves of Annie's Garden presents a twist that is awe-inspiring and fascinating.

As a high school English teacher, I would recommend The Slaves of Annie's Garden for good story bound reading, as the characters are all fictitious. Smith uses some astounding and explicit facts, which were recorded in history regarding slavery. This book is positively a far better marker than the American History books used in most of the educational institutions. This is a reading element, which could be implemented within the language arts subject of middle school through high school. Nevertheless, I also highly recommend this book for adults, Christian reading groups and for all lifestyles.

I am proud to say that I will use The Slaves of Annie's Garden as a teaching tool for my grandchildren to learn and have a clear understanding of how the exploitation of slavery affected their ancestry of African American heritage. It is my intention to include it in my family library as a literary keepsake.


Juree S. Pugh
12/2005

The cotton fields were ready for planting now. The field hands had gone out this morning to plant the seeds and cover them with soil. They planted each seed carefully. They knew that this time of year was crucial to the cotton growing. They also knew that there would be many lashings if Jackson heard of even one seed that didn't take root. They had all been lashed from time to time, and they were used to it. Still, they never got over the humiliation that came with the beatings. Jackson's slaves caught glimpses of his new slaves. All twenty of the new slaves had come to work in the field with them. They were glad for the extra help. It might help prevent a few lashings if the work was done faster.
They were so weary too. They worked from sunup to sundown. The women especially. When they stumbled into their cabins at night, they still had their own chores to do. On the weekends it was a little easier, but still, they worked. They tended to their children, and they tried to clean their cabins the best they could. They washed and mended what clothing they had. They worked on their own gardens too. At least they were seeing the fruits of their own labor. It seemed to the women that they never got any rest. Not knowing what to do about it didn't help any. They were prisoners. There was really noth-ing that they could do about it.
When the women were working in the fields, they worried con-stantly about their children. The suckling babies had to lie in the field in any shady spot their mothers could find. The babies were only allowed to be changed and fed only when the overseer said it was alright. Sometimes, the babies had to wait three or four hours before being fed. The mothers never had enough nutrients in their milk to satisfy them. As for the children under the age of seven, they were lucky if they got corn mush in the morning. At noon they were allowed only cabbage broth with bread.
By the time the mother's came in from the field, all their children would be crying with hunger pains. They would try to fix their children a small meal before sending them to bed. Many children died before the age of two. If not from malnutrition, than from one of the many childhood diseases that children get. The old woman tried to save as many as she could. With her limited knowledge of medicine though, there was only so much that she could do.

This is truely the best book I have ever read. It had me rolling in tears and laughter both. A real page turner. I loved all the characters. Set in Virginia, early 1800's, but the book showed me that no matter where we are or what time period we are in, human nature never changes. I give it 5 stars*****

This book is a comprehensive guide to entertaining made easy. Every meal is planned out and the combinations are excellent. My family and friends rave about the meals. Fresh ingredients, uncomplicated recipes and clear directions make this book a must have for any hostess. I bought ten copies and hand it out at birthdays and holidays.

My sister, Marguerite, has created another awesome resource for lifelong foodies, inspired as she says by our mother, Rose. But this time she has brought entertaining and pre-preparing for gatherings with friends and family into a new perspective - one that is easy, fun and sure to bring joy and pleasure to those who appreciate great food. Fresh ingredients in easy to follow recipes wrapped within a cool selection of occasions and recipe titles make for fun preparation and entertaining.

I am so impressed with this cookbook! I have Marguerite's other two books (which I love), but this one tops them all. She knows how to combine fresh ingredients to create recipes that are so delicious and unique. My friends all think that I am a good cook. This is not true! I simply follow Marguerite's recipes and present the food as I've learned from her. She also writes recipes that are practical for anyone to do. This is a beautiful book written from the heart and her love of food.

The first recipe I tried - the Cassoulet - was a smash. I served it for a wintry birthday party in February. Everyone wanted the recipe, as they have with all of Marguerite's offerings in each of her books. The chicken cooked with a brick is a new twist, and was scrumptious with mashed potatoes. Thanks again, Marguerite, for passing on your love of food and making this hostess and her guests so satisfied!

Once again, Marguerite does an amazing job of creating beautiful recipes for the home cook! I was so excited to get this latest book and immediately began planning all the wonderful dinner parties that I could host in order to use her menus and recipes! This cookbook is gorgeous with it's stunning and luscious photography bringing the intimacy of her own family and lovely home for all of us to share! It will hold a prominent place on my cookbook shelf right next to her well-worn first two cookbooks! I highly recommend this book and her other two beautiful books as well! Bravo Marguerite! Bon Appetite!

This is definitely one of the best furry books I've ever read (one of my top 5 faves), easily on par with Watership Down, Tailchaser's Song, Fire Bringer and Duncton Wood. Whether you like cats or not, this book is a must-read, and worth the price! (...)

This is one of my favourite books of all time. The story is beautifully crafted, poignant and inspirational - it never fails to move me to tears.

If you love cat's I highly recommend this book.

The book that I am writing about is a wonderful adventure novel, Solo's Journey. It is all in the view of cats, who are the main characters. The cats live near an Owner complex, with a large green bin called the Keep, where they get all their food from. Some of the main characters are Solo (The very heart character of the story), Kitty-Kitty, Spanno, Selven, Ponder, Speaker, Tanner, and many other adorable characters.

It all starts off where Solo, as a kit, wakes up at the third darkfall that his mother and sister-kits had been away. When he went to get food from the Keep he met the three friends Spanno, Selven, and Ponder, and eventually became great friends with them.

Trying to fit in to a Quorum, Solo finds, is more difficult than it seems. Although he is taught well by his friends
( Kitty-Kitty is his replacement mother, Ponder teaches him to fight, Selven teaches the art of quickness, Spanno teaches hunting, and the rest of the Quorum fills in the rest.) Solo is forced to endure the endless taunts and jeers by the cats, even his friends.

After the great Speaker passes on, Solo somehow is able to solve many problems, given the title Speaker-kit. He grudgingly accepts the label, although he had no clue what would happen next.

After an invasion from the North Territory their Dom starts to become steadily insane and works the cats on watch cruelly. After challenging him with a fight Spanno becomes the new Dom. But after an exlplosion from a giant metal, screeching creation of the Owners the cats call a Raufaul, there is a tragic fire, destroying Dom Spanno and appointing Dom Solo. As Solo learns he has to lead the cats into freedom and wilderness he finally finds his purpose in life.

I sincerely think that this is truly one of the best and most creative stories of all time, and I strongly recommend this story to anyone who wants to read an exciting, strong, poetic and touching story which not only is a wonderful read, but is also filled with lessons and different points of view from an animal most of us don't understand.

By Mary R.

I loved this book. I loved the characters. "Solo's Journey" is one book which I read once a year. True, it's about cats, but even a non-cat person could really get into this lovely novel about the orphaned kitten, Solo, his coming of age and his becoming leader to a community of ferral cats.

Not only was "Solo's Journey" a delight to read, the wonderful descriptions throughout the story made me wish I was a film producer and could have "Solo's Journey" become a movie.

Ms Joy Smith Akin is so talented; unfortunately, I haven't been able to find more of her writtings anywhere. There was very lit-
tle, too written about the author on the book jacket.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Solo, the young kitten, is brought up by one of the dominant cats in the cat community. He is taught kindness and strength in a world of hard living and competition softened by the friendship of the cats in the community. Solo is thrust into many leadership situations while very young. He must rise to the occasion and use his special powers at times to lead others. You'll learn about courage, strength and love. I would like to see a follow-up book which tells how the other cats went off and started their communities and linked with Solo in his community of cats to have more adventures. Joy, please write a Part II. We want more!

Laurie Smith shares her story and channeled information to literally create a Guidebook for miraculous living. It is the type of book you read straight through initially but can later just open - to see what "message" you might be needing to hear on a given day. I keep it on my nightstand for this reason. I especially like the "steps" provided to "Manifest Change", and to "Activate Miracles". My husband and I look forward to future works by this inspiring author.

If you liked reading the SETH books, you won't want to miss this one! Laurie has been given an incredible gift which she generously and lovingly shares in Soul Wisdom, and from which we can all benefit. I loved reading her story and her insight into a world which we all share but aren't always aware of...my eyes have been opened to possibilites I had not been "awake" enough to consider before....Thank you, Laurie!

Soul Wisdom offers the kind of insights all humans search for...sometimes for our entire lives. Reading this book is like coming home....as I read it, I felt welcomed, comforted, and challenged at the same time...It was as if I was reading that which I knew to be true all along, but had somehow forgotten. Soul Wisdom has allowed me to let some of my personal obstacles and blocks fall away, so that I can continue to move closer to my true self. After reading it through completely, I still keep it on my night stand, so that each night, I can randomly open to a page to read a passage that is just right for me in that moment.

I recommend Soul Wisdom to anyone who yearns for fulfillment and enjoys life exploration. Read it, and watch the miracles start to happen!

This book is perfect for anyone who is interested in discovering their life purpose and getting connected with their inner voice. Laurie's own journey is truly amazing and inspiring. Miracles are possible!

Laurie Smith has given us all a great gift with this book. Anyone who dares to answer the call of the soul and enter a journey of transformation is beautifully served with Soul Wisdom. The book is easily accessible for anyone of any spiritual tradition or religion. It simply yet, profoundly and humourously conveys to us the way in which we can transform our lives and manifest our highest purpose in an effortless joyful way. Her messages are uplifting and insipiring and so valuable in our current times.

In Soul Wisdom Laurie Smith invites us to expand our reality and receive the guidance offered by the soul on all matters of human experience, and our interconnection with the whole. I accept wholeheartedly! Thank you Laurie.

While it is about dieting and weight loss as an attempt to try to fit in to a world that demand a certain body shape for women, that is not the entire purpose of this book. "Squeezing Your Size 14 Self into a Size 6 World" is about trying to fit yourself into other people's ideas of what you should be. The book is about breaking free from the molds you are trying to squeeze into just to satisfy others. Throughout the book Carrie Smith provides a gentle coaching method to get you to start breaking free and living a life true to yourself.

The book starts out by correcting false conceptions of reality - Barbie is not real, most magazine images are fake, don't base your idea of reality on fantasy, don't compare yourself to other women. Of course it does not end there but goes on into other ways that women tend to try to fit into the molds of others. Examples of these include games like the perfection game, reward and punishment, and head games you use to fool yourself into thinking you are healthier than you really are. All the head games are basically things we do to ourselves or that others do to us in order to alter our perception of reality. She concludes the body size section with a simple, yet profound statement. Don't give yourself away to the marketing hype, your true size is the size you were meant to be - the size your body is most happy with. Instead of striving for a size, strive for well-being.

Other suggestions include getting rid of clutter, both physical and mental. Decide what is important and get on with your life. She then turns back to the striving for well-being and discusses using your eating personality to your advantage, choosing a personal trainer, and myths and misunderstandings about exercise, strength training, etc. This is a recommended book for anyone who wants to proclaim independence from the commercial and social entrapments of life and become who they were meant to be. Will it work? I don't know. For many people it is an intense struggle to try to overcome the constant bombardments of the media trying to force you into a mold that will create a regular stream of monetary income for them. This book shines a light onto the correct path, but it is not an easy walk in our current social environment.

It seems there is no end to diet and self-help books -- with most of them not being worth the paper they are printed on. Then there is Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World: A Real Woman's Guide To Food, Fitness And Self-Acceptance by Carrie Myers Smith who draws upon her considerable experience and undeniable expertise to create a truly effective and "user friendly" manual that will enable her readers to successfully deal with the kinds of head games and body games that so often derail simple happiness and ordinary satisfaction with our selves. Carrie delivers the keys to successful self-care; shows how to control stress and not let stress be in control; how wellness means uncluttering our lives; how to overcome obstacles to fitness; figure out a fitness plan specifically appropriate for the reader's particular needs; as well as discovering what "eating personality" is ours and how to use it to advantage. Also very highly recommended is the companion title, Carrie Myers Smith's Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World Workbook (1891400967, $18.95) complete with exercises and worksheets to create a truly customized personal wellness plan.

Finally a book that has a realistic approach to who we are and how we feel about ourselves. The author reveals a very realistic and attainable approach to the health and well-being of women. Thank you Carrie for writing this book! I feel better already!

This book should/could be required reading for ALL women throughout the lifespan! The author, in a clever but straightforward manner, de-myths the impossible images and roles women feel compelled to fulfill. Her unique "coaching" approach can teach anyone how to analyze, cast-off, and adopt a love for her own self: body, mind, and spriit.

"...did you know you have a higher chance of dying from being skinny and sedentary than you do from being overweight and active? It's true." ~Carrie Myers Smith

With all the makeover shows on TV, we already realize it takes a lot of effort to look like a model. Since I tend to be one of those tall people who can't fit into petite clothes no matter how much I weigh, I'm always hunting for longer sleeves and wondering why being taller often forces me to buy clothes that are just too big for me. I had also started to disassociate myself from those who wield photo-capturing devices because I rarely liked how my pictures turned out. Is this because I'm comparing my pictures to pictures on the covers of magazines?

As I viewed the most recent Swimsuit Edition, I did wonder if even men were not longing to view some women with hips or a more comfortable shape. The facts are, most of the models we view are tiny or look sickly in reality. If pictures add pounds, imagine how skinny they really are. Many models (size 2-8) say they feel sick all the time. Why do we all want to look like teenage boys? I don't. I'm proud of my hips and feminine curves.

Carrie Myers Smith is also tired of the Media pushing an unrealistic image on the public and presents a realistic view of the fashion industry. Most of us will never be a size 4 or 6 and the facts are that the average American woman is a size 14. So, this book is definitely needed to show us the reality instead of the fantasy.

There is the fantasy body image and then there is reality. You can be healthy and not be a size 6. If you are tired of quick-fix theories and want to be who you are, then you can read about what is "eating you" instead of what to eat. Topics Include:

Why Diets Don't Work
Living Life on Purpose - Not by Accident
Stress-Savers
Self-Care or Self-Nurturing
Games Other People Play


Carrie talks about the much-needed topic of "Healthy Living Saboteurs." As my husband said, "Those are people who are purposely trying to sabotage your diet." To him I say: "Honey, stop bringing home those boxes of cookies and giant tubs of cashew nuts." OK, I can't eat either of those items, but still I think after reading this book I realized he does tend to bring home all the food I would never buy.

There is also a spiral-bound version of this book or you can download a workbook from the books' site. Each chapter has "Stepping Stones" points for reflection.

Do you need to:

De-clutter your life? Donate Items to Charity?
Develop healthy habits?
Be happier with your body type?
Set realistic goals?
Hire a personal trainer?

So, can you enjoy a few Leonidas chocolate squares and not feel guilty about it? Sure the author isn't presenting a diet plan. She is presenting an "Indi-Fit-ual" Plan. What are you trying to accomplish? There are many ideas for how you can multitask to fit in exercise. I've found I can fold laundry while doing the Walk Away the Pounds workouts, but you could also listen to motivational CDs while on your treadmill or take your pet out for a walk. I was thinking I couldn't go walking with my pets, but then I found a pet stroller for my cats.

Carrie Myers Smith has decided that no one and absolutely nothing is going to get in the way of her self-esteem. So, reading this book gives you a good helping of personal power and creative ideas for implementing her ideas. I loved her "Bringing the Spa Home" section where she talks about creating a sanctuary. Can I just say: "Er'go candles!"

This book could take any woman from tired and frazzled to self-nurturing and in control. It is amazing how much information this book provides in 250 pages. A must-read for every woman in our society who is fed up with being told she has to look like she is starving to death. While I know I'll never be a size 6 I have nothing against airbrushing a picture. I sure hope someone airbrushes the pictures from my last photo shoot. Hee..hee...

Buy this book and then go sit out in the sun, read this book and enjoy life. Life is far too short to worry about being a size 6 when you may always be a size 14. Look into Yoga, Pilates and a walking routine, it helps with the stress of life.

~The Rebecca Review

I really enjoyed this book. Not only are the characters enjoyable and the story exciting, but you will be left pondering 1) what is the impact if an author were to die in the middle of a series and 2) does the act of reading a book make the story and characters an active part of our own reality. Highly recommended.

My husband and I enjoy reading kid's books together. When we heard about Sydney Wakefield: Into the Faraway, we were between Harry Potters so we thought we'd give it a try.

This adventure is almost completely related to Arthurian legend, except with a nod to JK Rowling through the character of Fern Huddleston. I was not at all familiar with more than just the basics of King Arthur and his knights, but my husband grew up as a big fan. For him, it was fun to meet up with old friends in a continuation of the legend.

We began by reading the book aloud to each other and giggled like 'tweens as we watched the story unfold. Within a couple days we quit reading the book together because of my impatience to see what would happen next. I read during my workout (had a great physical fitness week!), while cooking dinner, and even had secret reading in the middle of the night!

Next stop: Read more Arthurian tales.

I highly recommend this fun and imaginative read. I look forward to reading it to my children when they are older! And I hope the rumors are true that a sequel is on its way.

I grabbed my son's copy of Sydney Wakefield and read it before he even had the chance! It's easy to join Henderson, Fern, and all of the other wonderful characters in their world through this story. A dose of King Arthur lore with surprises woven throughout. I can picture it on the big screen!

This is a spectacular book! If you like books with a lot of action, you will definetly like this book! If you don't like this book, you're just crazy.

Sydney Wakefield reviewed by Kim d Smith

I had so much fun reading this book! Mystical & adventurous! I couldn't wait to finish but didn't want the story to end! I hope Sydney, Henderson, & their friends are back soon to share more of their exciting adventures! I am anxiously waiting...

This book covers a variety of topics including the sacrifices made for the skating child or children in the family, the importance of the proper fit in boots and the proper setting of the blades to the skaters, what a judge goes through to become a judge, what it is like to skate in an ice show and much more. I found this book so fascinating that I didn't want to put it down. This is a must have book for the library of all figure skating fans.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it covered topics, such as boot making and choreography, that are not often discussed in books about skating. However, its author, a Canadian, seems to have focused predominantly on the Canadian world of figure skating by frequently mentioning Canadian skaters, judges, choreographers, and coaches. It would have been nice to have had a greater "world" view of the topics discussed in the book.

I wholeheartedly recommend Beverley Smith's "Talking Figure Skating." Smith goes behind the scenes, yet refrains from the bias and controversy that has surrounded Christine Brennan, author of "Inside Edge" and "Edge of Glory."

Beverley Smith clearly has a respect for figure skating and a love for the sport. This third book of hers is much more factually accurate than the first two and triply as interesting. It doesn't have pretty pictures like "Figure Skating: A Celebration" or "Talking Figure Skating," but the in-depth profiles are captivating to read.

If you only buy one figure skating book this year, make this it! I guarantee you won't be able to put it down!

This book, unlike Tara Lipinski's and Michelle Kwan's autobiographies went behind just two or three skaters. This
showed the competition going into the 1998 olympics. The book
gave it's perdictions, and wasn't byist at all. This book also went behond what the skaters do on the ice.
This really gave insiders report. It was almost like reading a "People" magizine report--- it gave all
the details on all the skaters. I defainitly reccomend reading this book.

...but I did buy the first printing and have now re-read it about 3 or 4 times. I totally agree with all the reviewers here in that it is truly an unbiased and very un-sensationalized look into the world of figure skating. I especially loved the chapter that talked to several members of the judging community. If you are a fan of the sport or participate in the sport -- RUN, don't walk, to your computer and order this book ASAP. You will not be disappointed.