T Books

This is my favourite book on this subject - heaps of ideas, tips and assistance to inspire me on a landscape quilt. Everything is well set out and clearly explained. Lots of examples to try out too.

Highly recommended book that is great for anyone wanting details on how to take their landscape quilts to a new level. Joyce has shown what and how she is inspired and how this is translated into a beautiful quilt. Great book for teachers and students.

Easy to read and full of excellent information for the Landscape Quilting Artist

I am enjoying this book and I want publishers to know that I purchased it because I was able to preview it.
Thanks, L. Shell

I bought this for a friend who has never quilted, but had an idea of a landscape quilt in her head. After reading it, I realized that this is just the right book to start-jump a "newbie" from the starting point to where ever her imagintation will take her. Also, after reading it I am buying another copy for myself. I quilt and do some art quilts also, and this book gave me many wonderful ideas. . Highly recommended [[ASIN:1571203605 Beautifully Embellished Landscapes: 125 Tips & Techniques to Create Stunning Quilts

Lots of short excerpts from ancient texts show how biblical stories were interpreted and expanded by ancients. Interesting as history, literature, and for expanding your faith.

"The Bible as it was" is a wonderful and exhaustive work regarding scriptural interpretation and the first five books of the Bible. Early Jewish tradition was to fill in interpretive information when necessary to resolve items that were ambiguous or unclear. In addition, notes and commentary were often passed along with the texts and over time tended to become a part of the text. As a result, the Bible of today includes a lot of commentary as well as the original texts.
Kugel's purpose is to try to reconstruct the Bible as it was in its original form as closely as possible. While we all know that no copies of the original Bible exist today, the King James version was based on the Textus Receptus which was a Greek translation of the Bible and considered the oldest reliable source at the time. Since then there have been many archaeological finds of manuscripts from earlier points in time and in the original Hebrew language. Many of these passages differ somewhat from current translations. In theory, the older versions should be closer to the original version. Working from the oldest texts he examines some of the differences in the way passages were interpreted and what that could mean. This gets us closer to an original version without all the intervening thoughts and interpretations that earlier writers had added in an attempt to make it more understandable and applicable to the people of their time.
Dr. Kugel thoroughly documents his work complete with quotes, sources and annotations as appropriate.

A fascinating book that sheds new light onto many passages it should be read by anyone attempting a serious and scholarly study of the Bible.

This informtive study of the Hebrew Bible provides a chapter-by-chapter analysis of some of the most important stories of the Bible, describing how these stories were interpreted by various peoples, how its message was understood at the time, and the origins of modern explanations. An outstanding contrast between past and present interpretative methods.

As one who has waded through Genesis Rabbah all the way to Deuteronomy, scratching my head, making marginal notes like Rashi, and looking up almost every word, this book came like a 500 BTU central unit, to a cottage deep in the rain forest.

Dr. Kugel has gathered thousands of lines of commentary from unnumbered sources, but all from a 300 year time period, about 200bce to 100ce-- the same time the gospels and epistles were written, the Mishnah was codified and most of the rabbis of the Pirkei Avot were active.

Kugel quotes standard Jewish commentary, but he also quotes from Christian scriptures, treating them (as Christian scholar Rosemary Reuther suggested many years ago) as midrash upon the Jewish texts. He also uses standard histories of the time, such as Josephus' Antiquities, the works of Philo, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

What makes this extensive work such a relief and a delight are the extensive annotations of the author: accurate citations are always given (I checked); end notes are given, describing all sources, and giving dates, or approximate dates. There is a bibliography of modern sources as well. Most importantly, each time a midrash or other commentary is inserted into the text of the Torah, Kugel gives us a most essential bit of information: he tells us what the problem is with that text that the commentator feels needs explaining.

It is not always obvious to a reader 2,000 years later what a certain rabbi's problem was with a text that prompted him to write the several lines of commentary he left us. The work Kugel has done-- his gift to us, is to climb into the minds of these people in a different place, discover what their concerns were, and deduce what parts of the texts would have caught their attention and for what reason. Since none of his interpretations (at least none I have looked-- and I've looked at most of them) seem forced or overly creative, I believe this is the work of a great scholar. I cherish it, and I thank him much.

Dr. Kugel sets out to produce a mixture of ancient and modern interpretations and does a wonderful job at it. While most of the interpretations are ancient coming from interpreters such as Philo, and others, Dr. Kugel helps explain them more smoothly by writing a brief analysis of each interpretation presented. The Bible as it Was, is truly a great way to learn about different interpretations other than the ones you hear in church. It offers a variety of interpretations, so that the reader can make up his own mind. While this book offers interpretations of the text, it might also offer some hard times to the devoted Christian, if they are not willing to accept that there may be other interpretations of these narratives.

This is a definite must have when studying the Old Testament, in particular the Pentateuch, or first five books. It does not go into later books of the OT, however, with the references provided, if the reader wanted to do more research on their own, then the references that Dr. Kugel lists in the back of the book will allow them to do so. If you are serious about learning the Pentateuch then pick this book up.

This thorough but not exhaustive work (like the bible) of the flow of biblical history in the book of Genesis is hard to put down----it's that good. All main areas are covered. Where Schaeffer brings in controversy he gives us fair warning. This book should be read as a unity with "No Final Conflict". "If we won't listen, we won't understand."

There is a basic mystery that holds true, that we came into being: 1. from nothing to something 2. everything began with an impersonal something 3. everything began with a personnel something, or 4. there is and always has been a dualism; there are no other choices, and 1,2, and 4 quickly erode when analyzed. The bible gives us structure, without it we are only left with an "existential leap"----a blind faith. Schaeffer says, "we who are finite can never exhaust the finite". Yes, even the finite.

Wish you well and blessings
Scott

This was my first Schaeffer book, so I was unsure of what to expect. I consider myself rather picky with regard to religious subject matter. Mr. Schaeffer's book was enjoyable, and I will try another one. While "Genesis" did not really have any significant new ideas, it was well communicated and easy to follow, even for laymen or the casual reader.

If you are unfamiliar with Genesis and the conservative approach to its interpretation, this is a good book. It is not scholarly or philosophical, in my opinion, but it remains substantial - which many people will find refreshing.

This is a great book for all Christians to read. It puts creation back into perspective and establishes all the solid biblical proof for why creation had to exist in both space and time. Unbelievers will scoff but in this book believers will be reminded of who they are and where they came from.

Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84) was an American Evangelical theologian and philosopher whose works were very influential on Evangelical thinking. In this fascinating book, Dr. Schaeffer takes a look at the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis, which many Christian thinkers seem to find irrelevant to a truly Christian worldview. On the contrary, Dr. Schaeffer shows that the early history of man, as contained in the beginning of Genesis, is crucial to understanding why man is the way he is, and how God works with and through man.

I must say that this is a truly mind-expanding book that goes a long way towards giving the reader a truly Christian view of the man and the world that he inhabits. I mean, how is man "fallen," and what was and is his relationship with God? These are crucial questions to understanding the very foundational concepts of our religion, and the answers are contained in this book.

This is a great book, and a true classic of Christian thought. I do not hesitate to say should be read by all believers.

One of Schaeffer's best that I have read.He looks at the start of time for us not God, since God is eternal.It really made me stop and think. Also to look at Genesis in a whole new way

Jonah Black is a total babe! He has done it again. I am truely a Black fan.This book is better than the first one. Jonah is a sex god and my hero! I've got all his books!I hope that you will buy them! I really cant tell you a summary on the book because i wont be able to stop. Trust me this book is worth 5 stars!

This book is a great book about a teenager dealing with normal teen problems. He goes through a lot of stuff in this book and one of them is that he has to repeat 11th grade. He also just wakes up from a BIG accident that almost killed him. He also gets the girl,(if u read the first book)and Sophie finally calls him. How is he going to juggle them? This is extreme pressure on him, dealing with other teen things. He also does a lot of daydreaming and fantasizing. It is a great book and i suggest all teens to read this book.

Yet again we meet Jonah Black and start to learn more about his life and what problems he has in it.

Jonah is just getting out of the hospital and while he is there he finds that someone has giving his roses there, at first he thinks is Cecily but later on he finds out it wasn't.

Jonah is now having to deal with the fact that Posie is going out with Thorne and he hates that. But Jonah does manage to figure out a way to get Posie and he trys to do that. All the time while he is doing that he still thinking about Sophie.

Finally after Jonah learns some shocking news about Thorne does he tell Thorne about the true reason why he got kicked out of the school.

But the true question still is who is NorthGirl999 and will Jonah ever find out.

This book is a great second book and I can't wait to dive into the 3rd and 4th ones and find out much more about Jonah Black and his life.

I didn't like Thorne's attitude toward sex and girls (he made relationships seem like nothing - a great big soap opera or a game of some sort that he would "win" when the girl agreed to sleep with him) and wondered if he'd get Jonah to change the way he looked at girls. I was worried that book would turn into nothing more than a meaningless string of conquests that left hearts squashed in the dust. But this didn't happen. Instead of copycatting Thorne, I liked how Jonah's views stood in stark contrast to his friend Thorne's. I didn't dislike Thorne quite so much when he and Jonah found a way to continue their friendship. Exposing Thorne's nonchalant girl-hopping and then following it up with Thorne's secret (wouldn't you like to know? Read the book!) and then some of Thorne's feelings (which you'd never guess about) made the story deeper and more real. I think I have it figured out who Northgirl999 is... I wonder if I'm right? I'm worried about Jonah doing the same thing to Posie as his buddy Thorne did. Not that I don't like Sophie, but considering Jonah's fury at how Thorne treated Posie, you'd think he'd be more careful of what he's doing... Also, what is up with Posie? She jumps from guy to guy as easily and quickly as some of the guys in the story, only she has never been portrayed as a cheater. What is she really feeling? Does she really love Jonah, or if another guy came along and got Jonah into trouble with her, would she latch on to the new guy? Hhhhmmmmm...

This is by far the best book that i have read in a long time. It contains all the aspects of the life of a teenager. It is about a Junior/Senior named Jonah and its about how he goes about his everyday life and how different people influence him. He makes a lot of new friends like Posie and Sophie, and many others. The author uses great imagry to describe the characters and it almost feels like u know them personally. After i had read the first book of this trillogy i imidiately ordered the next to see what was going to happen to Jonah. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO IS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 17.

Karl-Heinz Frieser's Blitzkrieg Legend provides a detailed view of Germany's campaign in the west during May 1940. Unlike most accounts of this campaign available in the United States, Blitzkrieg Legend presents events from the German point of view. Frieser offers an intellectual and historical basis for understanding the blitzkrieg concept by examining the usage of the term in wartime propaganda, and comparing the material and doctrinal preparations for war undertaken by the adversaries. Frieser states "...blitzkrieg signifies an attempt to turn strategic necessity into operational virtue against the background of shortages in economic resources."

However, the heart of the book is the author's detailed presentation of the Wehrmacht's attack through the Ardennes, across the Meuse River and straight across the Allied rear areas to the English Channel (with over 40 color maps).

Highlights include:
- Logistics behind the German move through the Ardennes.
- Role of the Luftwaffe.
- Crossing the Meuse at Sedan under fire in rubber assault boats.
- Guderian's decision to turn west with the 1st Panzer Div.
- Blocking the French counter-attack at Stonne.
- Stealth crossing at Houx by the 5th Panzer Div.
- Rommel's 7th Panzer Div and the drive through Montherme, Montcornet and Avesnes.
- Tank battles at Hannut, Flavion and Arras.
- Rundstedt's halt order before Dunkirk.

As he endeavors to account for the tremendous disparity in outcomes between the German forces and their Allied adversaries, Frieser focuses on the mission-based tactics which allowed German commanders to respond to local conditions in a way their Allied counterparts could not match. Combined with extensive use of radio communications, ground-air coordination, more efficient re-fueling practices, and the schwerpunkt principle, mission tactics gave the Germans a doctrinal edge in handling the fast-changing conditions of maneuver warfare. As Frieser sums it up, "An operational war of movement above all is a problem of command technique."

Nazi Germany's spring offensive of 1940 opened a new chapter in warfare -- never before, in the long history of European conflict, had a victorious campaign of such magnitude (and brevity) been seen. Frieser is at pains to demonstrate that the most exhaustive quantitative and qualitative analysis of the opposing forces would not have yielded any basis for predicting such an overwhelming German victory. The book focuses on the tactical details of the "sickle cut" breakthrough in the Ardennes sector and the subsequent exploitation to the Channel coast. (The operations of Army Group B in Holland and northern Belgium barely rate a mention.) Readers will appreciate the abundance of operational and tactical-level maps (in German, of course), and Friesers combat narrative translates well. The German Army, despite deep misgivings within most of the high command, implemented and (for the most part) stuck to a superior strategic concept that was executed with great energy and outstanding tactical skill. Above all, Frieser's account pays tribute to the initiative displayed by German soldiers of all ranks. From Generals down to sergeants, this army demonstrated near-unbelievable energy, adaptability, and presence of mind throughout the campaign. It is a story well-told, with lessons that will resonate with every serious student of military history.

This book is both an analysis of whether the campaign in France in 1940 was planned as a "blitzkrieg" and a rather good account of the campaign itself.

The author very convincingly demonstrates that the Germans in general (and Hitler in particular) did not plan the French campaign as a blitzkrieg-style attack. While the high command's conservative plans resembled a revamp of WWI plans, a few new-style officers--principally Manstein and Guderian--came up with and convinced Hitler to authorize the daring plan to attack through Sedan. The campaign would have been an even greater success if Hitler and the senior generals had not lost their nerve and continually reined-in the panzers. In any event, all the German generals were a bit stunned by the quick victory. The author concludes by saying that France was an "unplanned but successful blitzkrieg, while Russia was a planned but unsuccessful blitzkrieg."

The book is also an excellent account of the campaign, and points out many interesting facts, such as:
--the French supreme headquarters was not equipped with a single radio at the outbreak of the war;
--another senior headquarters had a single telephone line, which became inoperable every day betwee 12:00 and 14:00 while the battle was raging because the swithboard girl insisted on her lunch break;
--at the outbreak of the war, the Germans had twelve times more trained radio operators than the French army;
--while the superiority of many French tank models over the German panzers is rather well known, the author recounts an incident in which a panzer commander grew so frustrated that his panzer could not damage a nearby French tank that he dismounted and attacked it (unsuccessfully and with fatal results) with a hammer.

Meticulously sourced, well written, great book. My only quibble is the rather excessive use of the word "astonishing"...

This is the definitive account of the campaign in France and Benelux 1940. Thoroughly researched, myth-busting, superb analysis, easy to read in spite of its academic complexity.

This is an excellent study of the 1940 blitzkrieg campaign in Western Europe and looks at the struggle of the German High Command to adopt the brilliant "sickle cut plan" when they themselves were expecting a long drawn out war and then looks how the campaign unfolded in depth. The book examines how the German victory came about even though the German forces were outnumbered and also contained in some instances inferior equipment e.g. the panzer divisions contained mainly inferior tanks of panzer pzkpfwIs & pzkpfwIIs.

The German advantages however lay in their ability to co-ordinate all arms in their arsenal e.g. airpower, armour, infantry and the German personnel on the battlefield were able to make quick decisions in the field and were always conscious of time and pushed onto their objectives. The author relates this ability to quickly react to the German training in that the German command gave out objectives and missions, but the way in how these were to be achieved was largely up to the individual officers in the front lines. It was also the unauthorised actions of commanders like Guderian and Rommel by relentlessly pushing forward with their panzers and outstripping the supporting infantry that caught both the German and Allied commands of guard. The French & Allied way was to wait for orders but once received they were generally hopelessly out of date, and time and again opportunities to launch effective counter attacks were wasted. The French Command was slow to react, unable to coordinate all arms and could not organise an effective counter attack at the operational level, they could only achieve this at a tactical level.

The author examines how the Germans came out victorious even though they contained large numbers of inferior tanks. The Germans achieved this by concentrating their armour in panzer divisions adhering to Guderians concept of "punching with the fist and not feeling with the fingers". The French tanks were superior in armour and firepower but lacked radio and had small fuel tanks. The French were constantly stopping to refuel from fuel trucks whereas the Germans tried to alleviate this by carrying fuel in jerry cans with them. The German tanks contained radio that enabled crews to better coordinate their attacks and gave them the edge. When the French did manage to mass their tanks it was in a linear fashion with no depth and the Germans were easily able to penetrate. Once the French lines were penetrated and the Germans raced on and reached the French rear areas, panic ensued and the French front virtually collapsed.

The author points out the French Command incorrectly assessed the Ardennes as impassable by armour, neglected the Sedan sector through lack of mines & incomplete bunkers and ignored reconnaissance reports of German movements and of course were far too slow to react. Also, the French airforce was not very effective because a long drawn out war was expected and therefore only a portion of available aircraft were committed.

This is indeed an interesting and well researched book and highly recommended.

We got this book for our 10 year bi-racial son and LOVE it! It really gives a good look and perspective into what it is like to be a child and have to deal the daily struggles of being bi-racial. It touches on things that parents don't think about on a daily basis! I read this book prior to giving it to our son so I could quiz him on each chapter and had a hard time putting it down myself! A great read for any age!

Sundee T. Frazier's BRENDAN BUCKLEY'S UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING IN IT tells of a ten-year-old Tae Kwon Do blue belt and rock hound who discovers a grandfather he's never met - who is an expert mineral collector who even lives nearby! Brandan sneaks off to visit his grandfather - and makes discoveries he'll come to regret in this warm story of family secrets.

Disclaimer: I am personally aquainted with the author.

This is a well-written book that accurately targets its age level. Everything wraps up tidily, though not easily. Sundee has an amazing ability to get into the head of a young boy. If I didn't know better, from reading this, I'd think she'd been a young boy. Her characterization is that good, and that accurate.

All pervading the scene is an underlying theme of lies and truth, connected to the healing of racial divisions. In Brendan Buckley's universe, lies lead to more lies; truth and openness lead to healing. This is clear even as Brendan relates the scientific method (another strong and laudable underlying theme). Brendan details every point of the method- accepting the final one, reporting the results in a peer-reviewed journal. The lack of this final step is telling; it is the truth-telling and sharing of science, by which the scientific community is sustained and information shared and confirmed. At that point in the story Brendan has not yet realized the importance of this final step, though he pursues everything else in science as the foundation of his life.

Sundee writes for her audience with depth and insight. Children, especially boys, ages 10-13 should in particular enjoy this book, and those biracial or bicultural will particularly learn more about how to approach life and relationships in a healthy and loving manner.

Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything In It is a good book. It is a really good story because it is funny, it has exciting things happen and it is suspensful. My favorite part of the story is one of his experiments. I tried it. You should read it and try it too. It also made me want to do Tae Kwon Do.

I just finished reading this book. I loved it! I felt like I was in the characters' world. It's like they are people I now know. I miss them already. Frazier does a great job developing her characters. My favorite characters are Brendan and Gladys, his grandmother.

I can't wait to read it with my sons or have them read it themselves. I look forward to the good discussions we'll have about it. I could see it being read in a 4th/5th grade classroom to open a discussion about prejudice and racism, which I think is very important to do. Frazier handles the fragile issues of racism and family in a way that you have sympathy for all who are involved.

To balance out the more serious issues, there are many humorous moments that kids would relate to and laugh outloud about. I highly recommend tis book!

T.D. Jakes writes in a simple manner that speaks quietly to the inner spirit. This book is uplifting and encouraging, offering thought and insight to a having a blessed life.

In Late May/early June I submitted a book review on Can You Stand to be Blessed. Will it appear with the other list of reviews?

If not, themustardseed.com has asked if they can use the review.

Please respond to ejordan114@aol.com or elmariaj@hotmail.com.

Thanking you in advance

I know for me I Can Stand to Blessed! I felt as if the book was talking to me and I needed someone to write the words down for me to read. Thank God for Bishop T. D. Jakes. I can't get enough of his books. Get God and Get ready to be Blessed...

I enjoy being blesssed not ashamed of it and want to continually keep getting blessed, and am a blessing to people.

There is more to receiving God's blessings than meets the eye. The blessings of God are greater than words. I've learned and I'm continuing to learn that there is indeed a process (before you're even aware of it) that takes place (in you) before a manifestation of God's blessing is handed down. The beauty is it's God who gives the blessings, but also it's God who enables us not only to extend our hand to receive the blessing, but it's also God who enables us to open that same hand. As God opens our hand to receive His blessings He also prepares us, prepares our heart, our emotions, and our abilities (in advance) to handle the opposition, the resentment, the rejection and the pain that comes from friends, family, church members, and yes, even the saints of God. You see so many people (Christians, and non-Christians alike) want the blessing, but are they first in love with the giver of the blessing, the Sovereign One? It is through reading this book (Can You Stand to be Blessed) that I'm reminded of the organization and the turn of events, that take place while in the process of being, "BEING PROCESSED FOR GOD'S BLESSING."

Once Again, T.D. Jakes, Thanks for sharing what either our parents, aunts, and uncles didn't know, or perhaps they just didn't know how to share on being a receiver of God's blessings. I will continue to pass on the gift of learning, and sharing not only just the blessings of God, but also the preparation process.

I've been on a blessing journey for quite a while. I'm on the way, and yes there are some good times along the way, however, there are also some not so good times. The truth, the truth must be shared. The blessings of God are available but "Can You Stand to be Blessed" is the question.

You Can Stand to be Blessed, but you mustn't nor will the Father allow you to miss the process. Oh God cares for us soooo much, that every step in His process will be completed to His satisfaction before we are allowed to move on.

T.D. Jakes, I continue lifting you up in the hearing of the Father, believing that God continues to sharpen your hearing of His voice as you continue to share the Father's heart with the people.

You too continue being able, and willing to "Stand to be Blessed"

The definitive biography of "Scarface Al" Capone, who ruled the Chicago underworld with an iron fist during Prohibition. John Kobler is a fine writer whose flair with words will keep his readers glued to the pages, regardless of the subject matter. In "Capone," he masterfully recounts the rise and fall of the Windy City's overlord of vice and crime as only he can, presented in an honest, objective, and straightforward (but never dull) manner. This is a highly entertaining effort which any crime historian is sure to enjoy. My only regret is that Mr. Kobler didn't tackle the biographies of other gangland luminaries as well (although he did an excellent job narrating the history of Prohibition in "Ardent Spirits"). If you must read just one book about Big Al, then this is the one. As far as I'm concerned, you can skip all the others.

Capone: The Life And World Of Al Capone, written by John Kobler. This was a great book. It had numerous amounts of details and you can learn a lot from this biography. But to the casual reader at least in my opinoin this is not the book for you. This book has tons and tons of information and is great if you are looking for a source for a history project or something. Also if you have a high interest in the subject of Al Capone then this could be a great book for you to read.

This book is excellent! There aren't enough words in English to discribe this man! This book gives great insight into what really went on in Al Capone's life and his gang--RUTHLESS with TASTE! Just wish it were a lot longer.

If you're looking for a complete picture of America's most notorious mobster, this is it. This is the definitive biography, a well-rounded study that brings Big Al into three-dimensional focus, something Schonberg only elaborated on and Bergreen failed completely at. The best book ever on the life, times and career of the father of syndicated crime.

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!!!!!
John Kobler did an excelent job with this one. The title, The Life and World Of Al Capone, really sums it up. Not only was this an extremely accurate factual book, but also was greatly engaging. I am a big fan of Capone books and have read quite a few, but this was easily the best one that I've read. This book includes minute details on Capones life and "business" as well as the long list of dives, hot spots, and other gangsters all inhabiting Chicago.

I found no flaw in the writing of this book and thought it was marvelously written. I can't begin to tell you how great of a book this was. At different points it transformed me into a Chicago citizen reading the newspaper, to a young hoodlum in the gang, to an inmate at Alcatraz. The only thing I was disappointed with was that it went by to fast! You must read this book!

Patrick Doyle's "The Castle Tower Lighthouse" is a delightful summer mystery for young readers. Patrick Doyle presents the tale of Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt (making the full title of the book a real mouthful, but a fun one). The book is fun through and through, down to a puzzle at the end for the reader to solve on their own. It's cleverly illustrated, and its tale-within-a-tale is engaging.

Doyle uses the conceit that the story has been given to him by Edgar Font, as recorded by Edgar Font's two grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Edgar Font is a capricious adventurer, somehow past his prime yet ready to take on anything--including his two grandchildren, who are precocious but overall _unadventuresome_ children. Edgar's answer to that is to drive them into the waters of adventure by making them integral to his summer's quest.

Edgar introduces them to the world of ghosts, as he outlines their intended journey--while not dead yet (and it's hard to imagine such a formidable person "passing on"), he wants to find a singular place to live out his eternity. The grandchildren are appropriately skeptical to begin with, but by the end of the book they're reasonably well converted--all in the span of a day.

It's a quick read, much more fluid than "wandering around the house and picking up clues" might suggest. The characters are fleshed out, for the age range, and I expect we'll learn much more about them in further installments, as they learn more about themselves. We're not told where they'll adventure to next, but there's a photograph marked, "Exploring the site for Adventure Two" in the back, and an arrow showing that it's "just over yonder". (And a glimpse at Amazon tells us that Adventure Two takes us to The Fakersville Power Station; and that that will be available July 1st!)

I heartily recommend this for the young (it's marked ages 9 and up), and the young at heart.

If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike.

The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother's funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english - "boring, boring, and boring." But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget.

Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions.
Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the "Adventure Wagon." This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett's Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving.

Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children's book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, "is it bed-time yet"? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font.

Happy Reading!
RJ McGill (3Rs)
Real Reader Reviews

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere. Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead. The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children's aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China. The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather. Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime. Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery. As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children's book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age. The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one. This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come. I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family. I cannot wait until Edgar Font's Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July. I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story. Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett. Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone. It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation. A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended. I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

I came across this book by chance, so my wife and I bought a copy for our neice. We read it first and absolutly loved it, with that said we kept the copy and bought another just for her...
We can't wait for the next adventure!!

My family and I enjoyed this book immensely. I bought several as gifts for kids (and their families) ranging from 8 1/2 to 13 years old - everyone loved it! Can't wait for the next big adventure.

Cathie Linz is, truly, a splendid writer. She just picks you up and plops you down in the middle of the lives of characters you adore and root for, she keeps the pace going lickety-split until you couldn't put this book down if you tried--not even if the house were burning down. Well, maybe then. But just maybe. She never fails to create heroes who tug at your heart and make you tingle all over, and her heroines are gutsy and darling--and very real.

A funny, tender read, another terrific story from Ms. Linz, a superb storyteller.

I personally believe that THE COWBOY FINDS A BRIDE is Cathie Linz's best book yet. Give me a quiet, loner hero who's not only gorgeous, but creates beauty with his hands, and I'm a goner. I'm telling you, this story was so good, I was in tears at the end. Get this book and enjoy every word.

I just sent my husband and kids to Chuck E Cheez's so I could read Isabel Sharpe's "The Way We Weren't" for the second time (and I know many more will come). Remember falling in love the first time (come on, I was 12, I think)--you thought it would all be love and laughter. Well, when the reality of chores and bills makes that memory fade...this is the way to bring it back. After I read this, I'll be ready to laugh and love all over again. I'm starting my collection today.

Isabel Sharpe's THE WAY WE WEREN'T is witty and often laugh out loud funny. A fresh voice in romance. I'm looking forward to watching her career!

Am I ever glad that I bought this book! Isabel Sharpe's characters are engaging, her dialogue is sharp (no pun intended) and witty, and she shows a fresh, wacky sense of humor that keeps you turning the pages for more. I can't wait for her next book!