Windsor Books

This book is brilliantly constructed account of the 24 hours leading up to one of the maximum effort raids on Germany. Large cast of well portrayed character's recounts the incredible courage of the airmen of both sides and the appalling results on the ground.

Only one in three Bomber Command aircrew survived WWII and over 50,000 perished bringing the German war machine to it's knees. There has never been a battle like it. Fought in the middle of the night for 4 years with the prospect of a horrific death ever present night after night.

Imagine going "over the top" in WWI and surviving it, then being asked to do it again the next day. And the next.

Not only that but after the war being branded as murderer's by the very people whose lives you were protecting. The post war government quickly distanced themselves from what Bomber Command achieved, and no gratitude was ever publicly forthcoming for these boys sacrifice.

To this day it still beggars belief.

Though the title implies that this is the story of a single bomber crew over Germany in 1943, "Bomber" goes farther - much farther, only starting with the crew of the heavy bomber "Joe for King". Deighton proceeds to cover the families of the crew, other crew members and their superiors before cutting across the channel to the enemy - night-fighter pilots, their controllers in German air defense, various suspicious characters from across the spectrum of Germany's military - from "respectable" Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht personnel to shadowy types from the "Abwehr" and the SS. We also meet the civilian residents of Altgarten, a Ruhr-area town nobody would think of bombing, but which manages to get plastered all the same. It's mid-summer 1943, when "Joe for King" is sent into the Ruhr as part of a massive night-time raid against the industrial centers of Krefeld. Lacking night-vision goggles, RAF pilots drop their bombs on targets marked by flares left by directing aircraft - in this case, specially equipped Mosquitoe night-fighters. When the marking aircraft for the Krefeld raid is shot down too early, its flares are released over Altgarten. This error is compounded by inherent flaws in RAF tactics (like targeting bombs in the center of cities, where bombs are more likely to hit civilian homes than factories and military installations), and the town becomes the unintended target for the massive strike. "Bomber" is to RAF's wartime bomber command what "Traffic" is to the DEA - a story of massive scale borne by wide cast if characters that never stops growing. Deighton doesn't let something meaningless as nationality get in the way of determining who is good or evil (the Germans get the bombs here, but Nazi genocide also gets prominent mention, with plenty of nasty Waffen SS to remind us why people were fighting). On the British side, we see officers acting less like gentlemen than soldiers. Political correctness is the rule (this is the country that gave us "1984"; "Joe for King"'s commander is suspected of incipient Bolshevism - it's very name hints at Stalin). Those who won't fall in line risk being labeled as LMF (Lacking Moral Fiber) - officially branded as cowards. Though books with such a command of detail normally favor the efforts of those they depict, Deighton is uniformly negative on the subject, a tone reinforced by his many subplots. Lambert, "Joe for King's" rebel pilot, plays the best cricket in Bomber Command - leading his odious superior to compel his participation in an upcoming tournament on pain of getting LMF'd. (Worse - the commander puts pressure on Mrs. Lambert after her husband has departed for the big raid). The bombers fly from Warley Fen, a once verdant field seized from its original owners who now stare at the airfield, mourning for what they know they will never have again. In Germany, ADF is managed by August Bach, an aged warrior preparing to marry his young son's nanny, not knowing how her youthful looks have made her the target of vicious rumors through Altgarten. The pilots of a night-fighter squadron (nichtjagdeschwader), preparing for a feared RAF attack on the Ruhr, are thrown into turmoil when Abwehr and Gestapo appear in search of a stolen classifed memo. The memo, it turns out, details hypothermia experiments on concentration camp prisoners (this may be same memo mentioned early in Robert Harriss' superb "Fatherland"). The corrupt assistant to Altgarten's Burgomeister arranges for the downgrading of the town's remaining Jews (from 1/3rd to 2/3rd "Jewishness" - though these jews are even more likely to face deportation and certain death, they will have greater freedom to marry other jews). Altgarten itself is flooded with profiteers funneling goods looted from conquered parts of Russia and the Netherlands. It seems that war is the only thing keeping the world safe because it occupies all the amoral typed who have to fight it. The only morally just adults are the TENO - the civil safety personnel who dig people out of bombed buildings. Because they are stationed in Altgarten, they get the biggest break: when the raid comes, they have the shortest commute. With so much going on, you just know you're bound to miss something. This is the sort of book that speed-readers hate. You'll probably lose count of all the characters that Deighton throws at you, though this doesn't hurt the plot as much as make the book one you'll want to re-read. Be warned - once you pick up bomber, you'll probably be spoiled for any other novel on the war in the skies over Europe.

This is a superbly plotted panel book in which every story ends with some sort of twist or irony. I write only to correct one error made by an earlier reviewer. Lambert's plane is NOT 'Joe for King', but 'the Creaking Door'. The CO is so out of touch that he mistakes the planes, thereby indirectly saving Lambert's life, much to his young wife's relief. (The casualty rates were horrific for bomber crews.)

It is somewhat amusing that the reviewer made the same mistake.

Bomber follows the progress of an Allied air raid through a period of twenty-four hours in the summer of 1943. It is not for weak stomachs as it shows the brutality of war.

The best fictional account of the "Other Side's" (German) view of being the "attacked". Mr. Deighton obviously has done his homework in showing how one massive,confused attack on a German town in the Summer of 1943 devastates everyone involved from the British RAF planners and pilots, politicians, and even more the German civilian home front, not to mention just about everyone else on the German side,from the SS,Luftwaffe, to the totally innocent on the ground. When the air raid alarms go off in the ficticious German town to the inevitable,terrifying end, mistakes and all, you know you're reading from a master. The ending is as terrible as you can imagine...

Susan Howatch may be a woman with training in the law, but she gets inside the mindset of male priests in the Anglican Church (Episcopal Church in the U.S.) better than anyone else. This is a mystery, a suspense novel, a love story and a deeply psychological look at spiritual direction all rolled into one. The book begins with a man having a vision of a small country chantry (chapel). Outside the chapel is a unique suitcase. Is this god telling him to pack his bags and leave the monastary he has known for so many years? After intense spiritual direction, that I found riveting, he decides to leave. He goes on holiday, and while walking down the hall of the inn he is at, he see the suitcase of his vision! He has to meet the owner of the valise. She turns out to be a beautiful woman (much younger than himself). Will love ensue? What is god's will? This book will encourage you to consider the power of prayer and god's direction for your life. It will call you to wrestle with the possibility of healing and evil. This book began my love affair with each of the books in the "Starbridge" series. It could be the start of something special for you, too.

The second in the series of Starbridge books - Glamorous Powers - is the one I liked the best. IN this book we get to know Jon Darrow, who figured in the first volume Glittering Images as Charles Ashworth's spiritual director, more intimately. Whereas in Glamorous powers, seen through Charles Ashworth's eyes, he was the perfect super priest who knew everything, here we actually get under Jon's skin and see him as he sees himself: as a flawed, confused man with many problems, in particular concerning his relationship with women. Jon had spent several years in a monastery as a monk, but now, in his sixties, he receives a calling from God to leave the monastery and fulfil a mission in the world - but he doesn't know what. Nor is he certain if that mission includes marriage.
For anyone with an interest in Gnosticism and mysticism, this is a particularly interesting book - but such an interest is definitely not a pre-condition for reading and enjoying it! I'm not the only Howatch reader to have this as their favourite in the series. (...)

With the 2nd book in Howatch's Anglican trilogy, we explore the story of the monk who was the therapist in book #1. He is also 60 years old, a psychic and a vision from God sends him back into the world and out of the monastery. There is a great deal of counselling and angst in this novel as well. There isn't enough different about this novel to make it the same fascinating read as book #1 though. I've already bought book #3 and I hope we follow a different pattern with that one. He does find a new woman as part of his vision from God as her bag and her estate were specifically seen in it. The Anglicans must spend more time in analysis than Freud himself ever dreamed possible!

This review is for the first Ballantine Books paperback edition, November 1989, a volume of unknown origin found while cleaning out the bookcase. I decided to read it only because Amazon.com customers rated it five stars. Although I was raised as a Roman Catholic, and at age thirteen spent a year in the seminary, I soon became disenchanted with, and largely disinterested in, organized religion. Notwithstanding this bias, I'm glad that I read GLAMOROUS POWERS.

The plot opens in Grand Chester England at a quarter to six on Friday morning, May 17, 1940 in the cell of Jon Darrow, who for the past seventeen years has been a monk in the (fictional) Anglican Fordite Order of Saint Benedict and Saint Bernard. Jon is having a vision. He interprets this vision as God's instruction to leave the order and embark on a new, unspecified calling. Before Jon can leave, however, he must convince the Abbot General, Francis Ingram that his vision was a communication from the Holy Spirit and not an aberration of a disturbed psyche. There follows a fascinating mental dual between Jon and Francis.

This deep and literary exploration of psyches pervades the story. Before each chapter and section, the author liberally quotes from the works of W. R. Inge, particularly MYSTICISM IN RELIGION. Jon has mystical (glamorous) powers, healing powers, which Francis thinks are often nothing more than "parlour tricks." I thought of "Anglo-shamanism."

Although the story evolves within the institutions of religion, it does not tamper with faith or belief, so the reader need not worry about being upset by heresy or theological debate. The author confines polemic disputes between Anglo-Catholics and Roman Catholics, Low Church and High Church, to ritual, and treats these as external conflict rather than internal struggle. This story is not about religion, but about the psyche, with pervasive emphasis on the guilt and anger emanating from parental failures.

Jon Darrow has problems, "dis-ease" he would say. The larger than life character is Francis Ingram who unravels Jon's troubled psyche without revealing his own disturbances. At one point Jon shuns Francis and mires himself into a muck of troubles, and at page 296 I made a note that the story was getting a bit tedious. It revived, I thought, around page 339 with the return of my hero Francis. Indeed, the acerbic and witty letters written by Francis to Jon are splendid examples of writing at its very best.

One only gets small hints in 'Glittering Images' that there is a lot more to Jon Darrow than meets the eye, 'Glamourous Powers' is his story. After leaving his order after seeing a vision, Darrow tries to work out his vocation and in his attempt lets his ego and spiritual arrogance get the better of him which leads to tragedy, but also the offer of spiritual renewal afterwards. An excellent look at how spiritual leaders and mentors have their own failings and the fact that they also need to be helped and disiplined. It is an excellent argument against those who are completeley against charismatic renewal, but also against those who are totally for it without seeing the warning signs and the need to be answerable to someone who you trust but who who you also don't have a cosy relationship with.

Miss Read's novels capture the best aspects of the small town provincial novel--the sense of connection, the wry Austenisms--while leaving the sentimentality and pollyanna-ism sometimes afflicting the genre to her lesser imitators. A Peaceful Retirement brings us another step--perhaps a final step--nearer to the end of this series. I recommend this series, and this book within the series, to anyone who wishes that a novel might have both a 20th C. awareness and a somewhat 19th C. sense of perspective....Most people have not discovered Miss Read, and one somehow wonders if "most people" really ought to. But I am certainly glad that I did....

Miss Read has written over 40 titles, with this final tome describing how her headmistress heroine copes with her new-found life of leisure.

In an afterword, the author says she is laying down her pen "with a thankful heart". It is all the more surprising therefore that these final tales show no sign of staleness. In fact, "A Peaceful Retirement" is quite playful in tone as Miss Read copes valiantly with a series of unlooked-for marriage proposals.

Given that the school year is so regular the author manages to describe events such as Christmas celebrations and harvest festivals with no sense of repetition, and as ever captures the tensions between town and country living, children's and adult worlds and men and women beautifully.

With this book Dora Saint, the real-life Miss Read, can take her own retirement from authorship knowing that she has served her readers well.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I have all the other books written by Miss Read. The reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that it was like catching up with old friends and being transported back to the Village and all the surrounding scenery which captures my imagination. I recommend that you read not only this book but all those that Miss Read (Dora Saint) has written for anyone that enjoys people and a very descriptive story which includes the lovely countryside that one can only imagine. I will miss my friends very much. Thank You Dora Saint for giving me many hours of pleasure.

I just finished reading "A Peaceful Retirement". Just like her other books, it was excellent reading. I was sorry when the book ended because I wanted to read more. Few years ago I wrote Miss Read a letter stating I loved all her books. She was kind enough to write me a handwritten letter in reply. After a hetic day, I look forward to reading her books and revisit the loveable characters in the quiet town.

Cantrip is missing! Having been seconded to assist with the mysterious Daffodil settlement in the Tax Haven of the Channel Islands, he disappears, and there seem to be bodies all over the place, bodies and unlimited suspects who might well have been involved in murdering them - or then again might not. Even murder isn't necessarily on the cards here. Really, it is up to Professor Hilary Tamar to sort things out and find the culprits, and find Cantrip at the same time.

A while ago we were discussion (on a Jane Austen list) the art of the epistolary form of the novel - and perhaps this is the original idea behind Caudwell's form of mysteries - they are very reliant on letter writing. While the first mystery featured letters by Julia from Venice (Thus was Adonis murdered), and the second Serena from Corfu (The Shortest Way to Hades), this has Young barrister, Michael Cantrip, writing from..... well.... all over France - and using the handy mechanism of the Telex machine to send his messages back to the members of the nursery at 62 New Square (and the occassional less than flattering note to their Clerk, Henry).

A very funny, bouynat mystery with the usual Caudwell twist at the end - I guess the unexpected seems to occur every few pages really - The only thing I would mention is that I didn't feel like all the clues were quite at my grasp as they might have been - however, I didn't mind, it was such a rollicking good fun ride. Sometimes I wonder if I read these as mysteries or comedies - they are lovely as both. .

After the relatively disappointing second book in the series (The Shortest Way to Hades) I was enraptured to find The Sirens Sang of Murder on a par with the first Sarah Caudwell, the one that made me sing hosannas and rush out to buy everything she had written. One of the strengths and pleasures of Sirens, as with Thus Was Adonis Murdered, is that a large part of it takes the form of an epistolary novel, in this case through telexes in the hilarious voice of Cantrip. Surely Caudwell is a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, since the hapless Cantrip reminds me irresistibly of clueless Bertie Wooster, even down to his malapropisms and his dotty uncle (reminiscent of Uncle Fred). Having so many adventures related through his harried, well-intentioned, quirky voice ("pottle" is one of his favorite verbs) makes everything that much livelier. Another clever, enjoyable device is the use of hackneyed romance-novel cliches, which circulate due to Cantrip and Julia's collaboration on a would-be bestseller. Added to this heady mixture is the faintly dangerous, sexy whiff of witch lore and the supernatural.

If you enjoyed Thus Was Adonis Murdered, don't hesitate to heed the Sirens' seductive cry.

This is the third of Sarah Caudwell's sublimely funny murder mysteries narrated by Hilary Tamar, professor of legal history at Oxford, and featuring her young barrister friends. All four of these books are hilarious, and this is the funniest of the lot. Not many books in my life have made me cry with laughter, but this one reduced me to tears on several occasions. The adventures of young Michael Cantrip (educationaly disadvantaged, poor boy, he went to Cambridge)in the Channel Islands and in France and Monaco are full of wildly funny incidents. The poor boy has to suffer spending five hours shut in the boot of a car, being locked in a wine celler by a dotty waiter etc, meanwhile back in london his colleagues are having to cope with his barmy uncle. The plot is amazingly convoluted, and like all the books you may find yourself getting a bit lost in the complexity of the financial details, but who cares. Just enjoy the ingenious story, the wonderful characters, the witty dialogue, and Sarah Caudwell'smarvellous style. What a tragedy that there are only four of these marvellous books.

I was delighted with Cauldwell's third book in her too-short series. Much maligned Cantrip always makes me laugh, and you get plenty of him in this book.

The humor is elaborate and depends on convoluted witticisms couched in a pastiche of eighteenth century prose, alternating with sharp observations of contemporary British life and amazingly effective slapstick. This sort of thing has to be done superbly well or it falls flat. This is done superbly well. The plot seems completely fantastic until the murderer is revealed and you realise you should have thought of that person all along. The same setting as the other Caudwells - the London singles bar scene.

This is a great collection featuring the key early issues that developed Wolverine's character for decades to come. These are the issues - first appearance, original mini-series, and Weapon X - that set up Logan's hardcore persona and mysterious past. A GREAT read for a seasoned Wolverine fan, and a PERFECT starting point for someone unfamiliar but intrigued by the character.

The ONLY downside is the Captain America issue included - it seems a bit out of place. Cap and Wolverine fight a giant robot? It might have been better to include an issue where Wolverine works with the X-Men or something.

Now this is an excellent collection. Hulk, the great Claremont/Miller mini-series, and Weapon X. Top marks for putting this one together. A fun cover, and this work is from back in the day when they weren't using Wolverine to sell lunchboxes, undies, and every second series or mini-series that Marvel felt like putting out, so it was a bit more special for that, and for X-Men fans at the time.

The inclusion of the first Miller/Claremont Wolverine TPB and the Barry Windsor-Smith Weapon X series make this worthy of the price. The Miller/Claremont collaboration is seminal and lays the ground work for pretty much all of Wolverine's subsequent adventures in Japan. It's 5 star work.

The Weapon X storyline is good and reveals the epic adamantium bonding process that Logan went through that is mentioned throughout so much of his history and, in particular, the 80s "memory plugs" story line in his regular series. The only bad things I can say about this is I don't think Smith had quite hit his stride as an artist and my expectations for Weapon X were so huge that I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. Regardless, this is an excellent read.

Also included is Wolverine's first appearance in the Incredible Hulk 181 and a Wolverine solo X-Men adventure excellently drawn by Windsor-Smith, which features Lady Death Strike; I will say this is not the best story featuring Yuriko and it also features a Power Pack member, which is unfortunate, I think they were just trying to segue into the Weapon X story. There's also a Captain America annual which features Wolverine, which is ok, but feels like filler, which is why it loses a star.

This is it, the birth of the most awesome character in the marvel universe. It is amazing storytelling, great art inside and out, and a very excellent comic. Chris Claremont needs to go and slap the fools that are writing the works for the Wolverine comics today. This is the basis for which all others most follow and some are following it pretty poorly and with out dialog to explain their reasons.

Frank Miller did the Marvel Presents series who for you newbies did the graphic novel for the movie '300', so nuff said.

ALL in ALL:
I LOVE LOVE this series none better to my knowledge. A ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE to enjoy especially if you are new to the Marvel Universe and Wolverine in general. These are the stories that keep players like me in the game. OUTSTANDING!

You've heard it over the years how Wolverine is the coolest character in the world. You've seen the Hugh Jackman movies and now you're interested in the original comics that made Wolverine a legend. Well, then look no further than this hardcover volume. All the tales that made him the hottest darling of the comic-reading crowd in the 1980-90s are here.

The book starts off with Wolverine's first appearance in Incredible Hulk #181 (by creator Len Wein). Then we get the justly classic mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. After that we get a classic Wolverine-Captain America tale (that foreshadows a lot of what constitutes the duo's relationship now in "New Avengers" and "Wolverine: Origins") and a Wolverine-Lady Deathstrike tale. Finally, we have the entire "Weapon X" storyline by Barry Windsor-Smith. The book comes with a foreword by Chris Claremont explaining the creation and evolution of Wolverine over the years (with special emphasis on the now legendary car-ride he had with Frank Miller discussing how to revamp the character into a failed-samurai). Also included are all the covers and pin-ups related to the stories.

I love all the books in this set. They are wonderful. I do believe in the "borrowers". I bought the whole set for my 11 year old granddaughter. Hopes she loves them as much as I do.

Being 13, I'm pretty picky, but this book was awsome! It's so in my shopping cart! I love how the Clocks are so smart, they can make everything out of anything! This book really appeased me, because I love models and mineature things, an the thought of moving, living, mineature people is so thrilling! I really liked how they made a hot-air balloon out of a strawberry basket, a fountain pen, and a plastic (or toy, as it says in the book) balloon. Soooo coool! I'm SO reading the other books (I've already read the book and seen the movie "The Borrowers").

Again great reading in this series of books. Couldn't put it down. Great for children and adults alike

I liked this book a lot. I like to read about how resourceful the Borrowers are when they use stuff humans don't need or misplace. It had really nice pictures, too. I recommend this book to kids five years and older.

In this, the fourth book in the Borrowers series (after The Borrowers, The Borrowers Afield and The Borrowers Afloat), the Clocks have moved into Little Fordham, and are starting their new life. Unfortunately, unknown to them, the greedy Mr. Platter has built a rival model village. Having seen the Borrowers, he kidnaps them to add them to his own model. How can such small people escape from a prison built by such huge human "beans"?

Ah, Mary Norton (1903-92) was a genius! Her Borrower stories are an excellent combination of suspenseful adventure and heartwarming drama. My children and I love this book, and highly recommend it to you!

Linda Windsor is my hero. I don't know how she manages to put together a novel with all the emotions one can experience between the pages of a 295-page book. With wisdom and Linda's trademark humor. Linda deftly weaves in all the tension required between the hero and heroine, the 'other woman', an intriguing running sub-plot, the irresistible pull of a troubled boy--and a very wise dog.

Ellen's story in For Pete's Sake is #2 in the Piper Cove Chronicles. #1 was Alex's story, one of four long-standing friends from their high school days. I have a pretty good idea that the focus in book #3 will be Jan, the baker, who seems to be hooked up with the wrong man. Stay tuned for the next fun-filled tale from Piper Cove.

Ellen Brittingham was riding her Harley home when the Corvette in front of her ran off the road and ploughed through a field of corn. Of course she stopped to help, and that's when she met Adrian MacAllister Sinclair, her new neighbor. Since his car wasn't drivable, she took him home and met his young son, Pete. She also met Selena, Adrain's beautiful fiance, who was, in Ellen's opinion, all wrong for him. Anyone could see that Adrian needed someone more like...well, more like Ellen. Book two in the Piper Cove series is a captivating story of love, suspense, and faith, with delightful characters who think they have their lives all mapped out until God gets involved.

This book totally captured my attention and I did not put it down from beginning to the end. Linda Windsor is a talented author who literally makes the characters jump from the pages of the book. Ellen's personality makes you wish she was your best friend, she came to life as a person who lives their life to the fullest.In fact she makes you want to ride a Harley. I didnt read the first Piper Chronicles, but will be reading it soon, totally on the basis of this book. Pete and his life, living with Asperger's reaches out to you and helps you to understand the issue they deal with. This book is a must read!

This book is the second in Linda Windsor's Piper Cove Chronicles. If I hadn't already been a devout Windsor fan, this story would have won me over by itself. With the skill of an expert, Linda brings the characters to life and leads the reader on an emotional journey that will have you laughing, hurting and loving along the way.

Ellen Brittingham is a motorcycle riding landscape artist with a love for God and a heart for children. She is a confident, no-frills tomboy who often attracts disaster. Although I have a black thumb and would dare only to ride behind a skilled driver, I found myself able to relate to Brit, as she is called by her friends. She is real. She is believable. She will walk off the pages and into your heart.

Adrian Sinclair is one of those guys you just want to take home. A business success and millionaire, Adrian comes across as a confident, high society man. Upon closer look, you realize there is a lost soul lurking behind the expensive suit and you can't help aching as you watch the struggling relationship between him and his son, Peter.

And Peter. I can't remember when a child has so captured my heart, with the exception of my own, of course. Pete is hurting while he struggles with the difficulties of his condition. There is a loving boy locked behind the anger and formality he displays and it was pure joy to watch him slowly come out of his shell.

Now, this review wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention the musketeers. This group of four women - Alex, Jan, Sue Ann and Ellen - shares a lifetime of friendship, support and ice cream. It is amazing to watch the dynamics of these women as they laugh together, support each other and speak the truth, even the hard truth, in love. It had me longing to be a part of their group, and thanking God for the special friendships in my own life.

This book is packed with chemistry, emotion, action, laughter, fun, faith and love. It is truly one of a kind. There was not a boring moment among the pages and I found myself completely enthralled and drawn into the lives of these characters and the town of Piper Cove. I would suggest, however, that you pick up the first book in this series Wedding Bell Blues, as you won't want to miss a moment with this unique group of women.

Read this and other romance reviews here:
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For Pete's Sake by Linda Winsor is the second book in the Piper Cove Chronicles. It isn't at all necessary to read the first book to feel comfortable in this terrific romance. Ellen Brittingham works for her family's landscaping business, but her heart is working with children. Adrian Sinclair works in the cutthroat world of cyber security and trying to connect with his son Peter, who has Asperger's Syndrome. This doesn't sound like a match made in heaven, especially when you throw in Adrian's fiance Selena, a walking Barbie doll. Ellen is a down to earth, Harley-riding, T-shirt and jeans kind of gal, not at all Adrian's type. Windsor's character's are wonderful; no stereotypes, great dialogue, well-defined personalities. The story has everything: romance, suspense, faith, and drama. I read a lot of books, and this is the rare book that I actually can I say loved, wholeheartedly.

Move aside Captain Jack and make room for Gabe Avery! Okay, not really - Jack is my favorite. But boy-oh-boy, Gabe Avery is an amazing leading man. He's strong and roguish and has that soft side that he only shows to the leading lady.

Blue Moon is a treasure hunt of suspense and romance filed with entertaining characters and an exotic location. There's plenty of adventure and excitement in the hunt for a sunken ship and its treasure. Fans of Linda's other "Moonstruck" books will not be disappointed as she tells this tale of Jeanne Madison - the sister of the Madison men from the other books.

It was difficult, to say the least, but Jeanne Madison has finally pulled off the impossible. She has secured financial backing to find and excavate a treasure laden 18th century Caravel off the coast of Yucatan. God has smiled on her so far, so what could possibly go wrong. Well, for starters, she hires Gabriel Avery and his ship, The Fallen Angel. After seeing the run down boat, Jeanne feels that's an appropriate name. Gabe Avery is bronzed, muscled, has a tatoo, and a teasing glint in his eyes. He wears his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and isn't what she expected in a ship captain, but she has to admit he adds a certain something to the scenery.

Treasure hunting isn't for the timid, and soon a competitor who will do anything to succeed is trying to take over. Jeanne begins to think she is in over her head, both professionally and romantically. Suspense builds as they scramble to recover the treasure before it can be stolen from them. Nights spent on the beach with the moon working its magic on Gabe and Jeanne weaves a romantic spell, but can the lady PhD and the rough and ready ship captain find lasting happiness?

Blue Moon is the third book in LInda Windsor's Moonstruck series and it's just as much fun as the first two. Set in an exotic locale with a quirky cast of characters, lost treasure, romance and humor, it's a story you won't want to miss.

When archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Madison plans her "Blue Moon" expedition to look for the Luna Azul, and early 18th century Spanish galleon that sunk off the coast of Mexico, she has no choice but to hire the only captain her project can afford, Gabriel Avery. Her former professor and mentor, Dr. Remy Primston, accompanies her to Cancun to meet the captain of a charter fishing boat. The handsome, dark captain who sports a British accent is far from the crusty image she had. Far worse, he reminds her of a pirate and his blue eyes make Jeanne nervous. Worse, one look at his rusty ship, the "Fallen Angel", makes Jeanne wonder if it can even hold any artifacts they might find.

Jeanne returns to Cancun a few months later to start the expedition, along with students from Texas A&M University and a former classmate of Jeanne's who is now a photographer who will film their discovery, if any, for National Geographic. Accompanying Gabe on the expedition is his deck hand, Manolo, and Gabe's lab, Nemo. When Gabe's nemesis, Captain Marshall Arnauld of the "Prospect", suddenly shows up, Gabe fears Marshall will try to steal any discovery, just as he had stolen the rights to salvage a ship Gabe himself found several years earlier.

Excitement abounds when the first sign of the Luna Azul's contents are found near a coral reef, but it's nothing compared to the excitement that Gabe stirs within Jeanne when they share dinner, or when Gabe reveals his concern when she comes down with a fever. Then strange things begin to happen after their discovery: Gabe's ship suddenly develops problems, and a strange man keeps watching Jeanne and Gabe when they're on shore. And the excitement is only beginning...

Linda Windsor's BLUE MOON is an exciting novel filled with adventure and intrigue, deception and suspense. It is also a story of love, set in the exotic seas of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. BLUE MOON is a true treasure for any reader who loves a great romance, and one I highly recommend.

Twenty-six years old archeologist Dr. Jeanne Madison believes she knows where the eighteenth century Spanish galleon Luna Azul sunk off the Mexican coast during a storm. With her mentor Dr. Remy Primston they hire marine biologist Captain Gabe Avery to take the two marine archeologists to the locale. Though Gabe has strong references including those of her overly protective brothers, Jeanne has doubts that he knows what he is doing though she admits to herself he is quite a hunk.

Gabe has more doubts than Jeanne about the success of this sea venture. He has been betrayed before from so called friends plus the Pollyanna believer in God team leader looks too young to be a PH.D though he admits to himself he finds her fascinating and pretty. As they sail, Gabe realizes he wants her and not just for a sea cruise fling. He cannot abide her so called mentor who he feels holds her back. However, even worse in his eyes is her naive attitude towards a charming snake he once called pal; Gabe knows the rat is her rival who will steal the claim and the fame unless he and his crew give 200 % to the woman who inspires them to be more than they ever have been before.

The third Moonstruck tale (see FIESTA MOON and PAPER MOON) is an enjoyable inspirational tale starring an idealist and a cynic falling in love while on a high seas adventure. The story line is action-packed yet the key cast makes for a fun time as readers will appreciate the antics and competition between the three men now in Jeanne's life. As always Linda Windsor provides a strong thriller with interesting characters enhanced by an impervious belief in God.

Harriet Klausner

Dr. Jeanne Madison has secured limited funding to find and excavate the "Luna Azul" (translation: Blue Moon). It is a treasure-laden eighteenth century caravel off the Yucatan coast (Mexico). Along with Jeanne is the snobbish Dr. Remington "Remy" Primston who is documenting all for his future book, a few college students, and Ann Mills who is not only Jeanne's college classmate, but also a photographer with World Geographic magazine.

The tight budget forces Jeanne to hire the handsome Captain Gabriel "Gave" Avery. His boat may look ready to fall apart at any moment, but Jeanne knows that God will help her in her quest. Besides, Gave is the only skipper around that will agree to getting part of any treasure that they may find instead of a huge daily fee. Gabe and Jeanne are very attracted to each other, but Jeanne knows that a relationship between them is hopeless unless God helps Gabe see His light.

In the meantime, the American playboy Marshall Arnauld smells treasure. He has already stolen sunken site rights from others in the past, including from Gabe, and now he is after Jeanne's find.

**** This is the third in the Moonstruck series. The cover says it is the "new romantic comedy", however, I found very little comedy. Instead, I recommend this one as a Christian Modern Contemporary type of romance. A sweet read with lots of faith and a dab of suspense. Author Linda Windsor proves that you do not need a lot of steamy bedroom scenes and crude language to make a wonderful story. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

And that ain't no blarney! Hey, I couldn't resist. A delightful subject with talented writers!!

This anthology delves into the past to tell the story of different generations of a family, going back into the 900s. A very interesting and well written book by these four authors. All four of the stories reaches for your heart.

A Legend of Love: Linda Windsor
Ballymara, Present Day: Moyra Rose O'Cullen has her work cut out for her when a cynical American journalist arrives in Ballymara, Ireland, determined to debunk the legend of the pledging stone. Ballymara's tourism depends on the romance of the local legend, and Moyra meets this threatening challenge by digging deep into the past to uncover the roots of the legend. Not only does she have to prove the legend is authentic, but Moyra finds herself praying that the pledging stone can work its magic one more time-for her.

A Legend of Peace: Vickie McDonough
Ballymara, 1895: Jilted and hurt by an American cowboy, Keely O'Cullen has her defenses up when yet another one comes into her life. Touring Ireland as part of a Wild West sow, Nick Dalton is injured when Keely's carelessness causes his horse to throw him. He ends up in her home being cared for by Keely's doctor father. Keely tries to keep her walls up, but Nick is just as determined to tear them down.

A Legend of Mercy: Pamela Griffin
Ballymara, 1359: Breanda and orphaned Ardghal have loved each other since they were children when the injured Ardghal was taken into Ballymara castle. Yet English law may prevent them marrying because Breanda is Anglo, and Ardghal is pure Gaelic-an association forbidden by the Statutes of Killkenny. Then, Breanda is kidnapped and all evidence points to Ardghal and his clan. To rescue her could result in capture and death for him.

A Legend of Light: Tamela Hancock Murray
Ballymara, AD 500: Conn, a Christian, has arrived in the glen to find rest and quiet. Instead, he discovers he's landed in the midst of a druid society and ends up teaching them the word of God and about Jesus, and becomes known as the Holy Man. Word of the healing of one of their clan women piques the curiosity of Sorcha and she goes to hear him speak. Conn is very handsome and Sorcha is captivated. She determines to have him for her own, even if she has to resort to trapping him through lies and pretense to force a union between them.

This Barbour four-in-one is a bit different. We start out in contemporary Ireland with the O'Cullen clan and start the journey into the past to discover the roots of the legend of the pledging stone. Instead of starting at the earliest time, we go backwards each time. At the end of each period, we come back to today and learn more of how Moyra and her American journalist are faring.

This is fun reading, a unique blend of "now" and "then" that will keep you turning the pages to learn how the pledging stone influences each of the O'Cullens as their story unfolds. Get your copy now.

Peggy Phifer ©2005

This is a fun collection of stories-within-a-story, all centering around the fictional Irish town of Ballymara and its romantic local legend, spanning several generations from 500 AD, when Christianity first found the Irish people, to the present.

To be honest, I am not a huge fan of novellas and was most interested in this set because of Linda Windsor, a favorite Christian historical novelist. The three other stories, however, provided a wonderful surprise: well-written, engaging characters and the charm that makes me love nearly anything Irish. By the time I finished reading this volume--straight through, I might add, putting real life on hold as one should with a good book--I felt I'd truly visited the Emerald Isle myself, in four different time periods.

If you have not had the pleasure of reading a historical christian romance before you are in for a treat. This book takes place in Ireland in the present time of now. Moyra, lives and works in Ireland. She is involved with tourism and advertising. Jack comes to Ireland to write an article for a travel magazine. But right from the start he intends to write a negative article so he can save his job. Moyra has to show Jack around, she immediately doesn't like him and knows he could take away her job and livelihood, as well as a lot of other townspeople, with his article. She grows to dislike him even more when he challenges there sacred "Pledging stone" which means any promise made there has never been broken. Well on film Jack promised to love Moyra over the pledging stone. She was furious with him! Does the pledging stone work? Does Moyra and Jack fall in love?

Through the story there are flashbacks into the past. Which is great if you like history, like me! (1850, 1350, and 500) Jack and Moyra learn all about Moyra's family trhough three more fabulous romances! I couldn't put this book down. I recommend it for anybody who wants to read about Ireland, Faith, and Love. It was such a great and inspirational read.

I found this book and others by this author while searching for horse mysteries. I have read all the Francis books and have always enjoyed them and wished there were more books like them and now there are! An added bonus is that Stacey writes about various equestrian disciplines - this one covers show jumping - and I think would it be enjoyable for people without a horse backround as well as very entertaining for those of us that do know about equestrian pursuits. This book keeps you interested throughout and I was truly thrilled to discover this author's books.

I have devored every Dick Francis book ever written...and while glad to have him publishing again with his son...this author makes me ready to pass the torch. As well as a fast paced mystery this author has a feel for horses, similar to Bolt and Break-in. It's nice to read about industry horsemen who still actually love the animal. I highly recomend this author to anyone who enjoyed Dick Francis.

One of the best books I've ever read. I've been around horses since I was four years old, she knew the attitude, the people, the lingo. It was great. I never once got bored with the story line. The characters were real. The descriptions were great. I LOVED IT!!! You know it's a good book when you finish it and you're still thinking about it, and you want there to be more.

If you like Dick Francis, you'll love Cut Throat. Though Stacey's books are certainly different than Francis, her villans are very bad, her heroes are not without flaws and her plots are well thought out and well told. This one kept me guessing until the end. An added bonus is Stacey's obvious knowledge of horses and "horse people". A great read.

She's a good writer, knows horses (sadly lacking in so many horse topic writers) and keeps up suspense. She has very good bad guys and uses them well.

Find all 3 of her released mystery books, a great read!