Windsor Books

This book was originally written in 1957, but was reprinted several times. Because of my interest in the Inquisition, I decided to read it, though I don't usually read older books. I found myself immediately drawn in to an exquisitely exciting, dramatic, and well-written historical novel!

The plot deals more with the characters who are caught up in a fanatically religious time, the late 16th century of Spain, rather than the actual history itself. There is aristocratic Isabella, betrothed to Domingo, though she is in love with his dashing brother Blasco. There is Bianca, a wild gypsy girl who becomes Isabella's maid, but who has a secret affair with Blasco.

When Blasco is sent by King Philip on a secret mission to France, he sees Catholics there slaughter the Protestant Huguenots, which forever changes his opinion of Catholicism. During the uprising, he risks his life to save a Huguenot woman, then brings her to Spain, where she continues to be in danger from the Catholic Inquisitors.

While he is gone, his beloved Bianca and her mistress Isabella are abducted by English pirates, and once in England, the two Catholic women, in a reversal of religious fanaticism, find themselves in a land where Catholics are persecuted by Protestants.

Many twists and turns take place, keeping the reader guessing, and involved with all the delightful characters, including the children who take a leading role in the story. I dare not give any more of the plot away about what happens to Domingo, Blasco, Bianca, and Isabella as their lives are moved along by the forces of religious fervor. Delicious reading!

Featuring a foreword by the Prince of Wales, Schools Across Frontiers: The Story Of The International Baccalaureate And The United World Colleges by the late educator and academician Alec Peterson (and now in its second edition), presents the story of the International Baccalaureate and the United World Colleges. The International Baccalaureate is a college examination recognized by universities in any country, and a curriculum that adheres to a common standard amidst diverse cultures; the United World Colleges is a chain of schools in multiple nations where young folks from around the world can live and learn together. Schools Across Frontiers is commended as an insightful, scholarly, and at times inspirational saga of the establishment and spread of knowledge to build a better future across national borders and political boundaries.

When she was a very little girl, her father walked out on her mother and her. Kate River's mother had a nervous breakdown and was unable to take care of her. Instead, Kate acted more like the adult in their relationship, making sure her mother ate, bathed and got out of bed. By the time she was seventeen, Kate was an adult taking full responsibility for her mother.

Kate moves to London to become an actress and over the years, she has had some success in her chosen profession. At forty-three, she has lived with her significant other for several years, but the pair plan to marry soon. When her mother dies in Wales, she goes to the funeral alone because her lover is involved in a crisis with his ex-wife and their daughters. In the midst of the gloom, Kate meets her first cousin once removed and falls in love with him. The only problem is that he is a farmer tied not only to the land in Wales, but to his wife and three children with one more on the way. Just when she thinks her lot in life will never get any better, a miracle occurs that gives Kate a second chance at a new and different existence if she grabs it.

Sian James is a born storyteller who makes Wales come alive in the imaginations of her readers. All of the characters are very complex and realistically portrayed. The audience will empathize with them even though they might not agree with all the choices they made. SECOND CHANCE lives up to its title while inspiring the readers with hope for the future.

Harriet Klausner

The Thomson pastiches are very good, with cleaver plots.Get this one, youll have a very good time

Jane Aiken Hodge is a talented writer. This book follows Daphne as she finds her way to the island and her fears and problems that occur on the island. This book is suspenseful and is an excellent read.

Anything Dr. Kildare is so hard to find today. I was so happy to see that they actually have a new hard cover book edition. My mom is going to go nuts.

I recommend this for anyone who has searched for a reliable source of knowledge and experience on tantric sex...there is a whole new world of discovery and pleasure out there, and this booklet hold the key...

During World War I in Ireland, Sylvie and Gowry McCulloch know their marriage is not the best, but both cherish their beloved daughter, Maeve though not each other. Gunrunner Francis Hagarty comes to town and excites Sylvie with his passion. Gowry discovers a cache of guns hidden in the shamrock, but though angry is not sure what to do about it. Even worse his wife is having an affair with the smuggler of the weapons.

Unable to cope with his life's collapse, Gowry joins the fight on the continent. However, trench warfare in France is not an improvement. On the other hand back in Ireland, Sylvie is trapped in the Easter Uprising. In their separate hellholes, both know it will prove impossible to return to the lackluster life they once shared.

SHAMROCK GREEN is an engaging historical novel that brings to life the turmoil of a world gone mad. Though the book starts extremely slow setting up the key characters and the background, once in gear it shifts into a lively period piece. Fans of World war I dramas will appreciate this deep look at the times. One should watch the PBS video The Twentieth Century as the one on this era is frightening, fascinating and unforgettable.

Harriet Klausner

Book Description: Amelia and Tom had been engaged a long time -- too long! She was beginning to worry about why he was so reluctant to set a date. So when her father first suggested that the three of them should have a holiday in Norway, Amelia thought that in such relaxed surroundings she and Tom would finally be able to settle their future. Instead, Amelia found Gideon van der Tolck often at her side, and his company became increasingly appealing....

Another enjoyable Neels story. At times I found Amelia irritating and did not find her as kind or as selfless as may of Neels' heroines. Gideon was very patient and giving, far more then many would have been. Will she remain "frosty" or will she "thaw" before it's too late?

The Poor Relations series is truly a reader's treat. Not only are the plots intricate and well done, the characters are fascinating and the atmosphere of London in the Regency is real enough to touch--or so it seems.

The action centers around the fashionable hotel founded and run by a small group of people who have fallen from grace (i.e., funds), so to speak. One of the owners, Sir Philip, has brought his doxy to live amongst them, a grossly fat and lazy woman who does nothing but eat and bed the aging Sir Philip. As an aside, a very similar character appears in Lochdubh and is murdered in Ms. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series.

A second plot involves a nineteen-year old girl who is in wont of a husband, preferably the handsome earl who comes to reside at the hotel. The girl's widowed mother dresses her daughter like a school girl because the mother is in search of a new husband.

But somehow the plots, while interesting, are slightly overshadowed by London itself, along with the strange mores and ethos of England at the beginning of the 19th century. In this book the reader is introduced to the oddities of the theater, for example, and an actress who conspires with her husband to weasle money from smitten gentlemen.

The book is classified as a Regency Romance, a fact that will turn off many readers, especially men. But the books are far more that treacly love stories. They are social commentaries and examples of very good writing.