Authors Books

Short story collections are famous for having a few dogs, but every single one in this collection proves wickedly wise, funny and FABULOUS. This is one of those bedside table books you'll keep handy just so you can re-read your favorites. And don't be surprised if you feel compelled to call your girlfriends at odd hours of the night to quote the clever Ms. O'connell. Fans of Lorrie Moore will love Living with Saints.

What a fine collection of stories, strung on an idea but brilliantly distinguished from each other. O'Connell has a great ear -- perfect pitch. I haven't seen a false note there. I hope we'll see more of her stories, soon.

The best debute I've ever read from a new writer. The stories are not only original, but moving, funny entertaining, etc..

If you love a good read of short stories, then this is a must for you.

I was initially ...[pulled] in by the fabulous cover (the Australian hardcover edition) and was even more impressed by these immensely satisfying stories. I was moved to laugh, cry, be surprised, but stilled by the gentleness of the stories. I suppose being raised as a Catholic, and having left that doctrine, has put me in a good position to enjoy the stories. Whilst some may feel shocked by the treatment of the saints I felt that I got to glimpse the humans behind the myths. I was also pleased by the variety of female characters that the author created. They all felt genuine.

If you're looking for intelligent, well-crafted short stories that sparkle with wit then look no further.

This is an inspired work, with a singular voice--O'Connell brings so much heart, poetry, grittiness and spirituality to her characters. There's a nearly supernatural energy in her prose, blessing every detail of the every day world with fresh perspective, whether she's describing a particular pain, a scent or the specific color of the shadows beneath the eyes of a neglectful mother. She has compassion for even her most hateful characters, making them that much more believable. This is more than a collection of stories--it's a transformative fable, telling tales of ultimate redemption with humanity and fine wit. Hope she gets the attention she deserves!

Lord Chesterfield's writings are by far the best guidelines for an up-and-coming, savvy gentleman to learn the ways of the society. Stanhope's many gems of advice are learned painfully by most through experience, or sometimes not at all. This book is truly a classic and one I will insist my future sons read before making their way in the world.

Lord Chesterfield is the 18th-century English father I never had. In these letters to his son, he gives stern but fair lessons in how to conduct oneself as a gentleman in society. Chesterfield, with his classical learning and lifelong service to the monarchy, is superbly qualified to give such social advice. His dry wit, strong-mindedness, and discerning eye make him entertaining to read, and, though repetitive ("the graces, boy, remember the graces!"), much of his advice is still very apt today. Taking us through the prime of his career to the twilight of his life, these letters show Chesterfield as the ultimate politician--keenly aware of humanity's selfishness, and always ready to use that selfishness to his own benefit. There is something endearing in this open devilishness.

"All you learn, and all you can read, will be of little use, if you don't think and reason upon it yourself". This is merely one of the advices Lord Chesterfield gave to his natural son, Philip, in the many letters he wrote to him from 1737 onwards, and that this book compiles.

Chesterfield was an important stateman, who wrote these letters only for the eyes of his son, not for the general public, so he did express in stark terms what he truly thought about many controversial themes. It is, in my opinion, very interesting to read what he considered to be general truths, and to get to know his conception of life, society and politics. Whether you agree or not with his opinions, you cannot remain indifferent to this controversial book.

Lord Chesterfield places great value on appearances. He tells Philip that "If your air and address are vulgar, awkward, and gauche, you may be esteemed indeed, if you have great intrinsic merit; but you will never please; and without pleasing you will rise but heavily". The author is, evidently, a cynic who doesn't believe that the world can be improved. He points out that "The world is taken by the outside of things, and we must take the world as it is". Chesterfields profession is fairly evident at all times, for example when he advises his son "...to be upon your own guard, and yet, by a seeming natural openness, to put people off theirs".

"Lord Chesterfield's Letters" has been considered a noteworthy classic by many, but it has also been strongly criticized. For example, Samuel Johnson said that it taught "the morals of a whore and the manners of a dancing-master". I really don't agree with Johnson: I happen to like this book, and a lot. It is not only very easy to read, but also informative. The reader feels as if he were talking with an old but very experienced person, who played an active part in an enormous number of significant events, and who wants to transmit his knowledge not only on diplomatic affairs, but also about life and education. He often displays great insight, for example when he says that "You must look into people, as well as at them. Almost all people are born with all the passions, to a certain degree; but almost every man has a prevailing one, to which the others are subordinate".

All in all, I strongly recommend this book. It includes a high number of subjects, and I think you are highly likely to find it very appealing. If more is needed to convince you, I'll just leave you with one of the phrases written by the author, and I'll let its excellence to speak for itself: "Mind, not only what people say, but how they say it; and, if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth by your eyes than by your ears. People can say what they will, but they cannot look just as they will; and their looks frequently discover, what their words are calculated to conceal". What else can I say?... Enjoy this book!.

Belen Alcat

The following, and my favorite, quote will no doubt provide a quick and definitive answer to the ageless question: are you upper class?

Dear Boy,
Having mentioned laughing, I must particularly warn you against it: and I could heartily wish that you may often be seen to smile, but never heard to laugh while you live. ... A man's going to sit down, in the supposition that he has a chair behind him, and falling down upon his breech for want of one, sets a whole company a laughing, when all the wit in the world would not do it; a plain proof, in my mind, how low and unbecoming a thing laughing is: not to mention the disagreeable noise that it makes, and the shocking distortion of the face that it occasions. Laughter is easily restrained by a very little reflection; but as it is generally connected with the idea of gaiety, people do not enough attend to its absurdity. I am neither of a melancholy nor a cynical disposition, and am as willing and as apt to be pleased as anybody; but I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has ever heard me laugh.

Lord Chesterfield was an influential politician, diplomat and cabinet minister during the reigns of George I and II, and this book is a collection of letters of advice, counsel, and sometimes genuine wisdom, written by Chesterfield, over many years, to his son, Philip Stanhope, for whom Chesterfield had the highest hopes of success in the world. What you may get out of this book depends on who you are as a reader: casual readers would do better to stay with mysteries and thrillers; inebriate undergraduates would do better to skip it altogether; but ambitous men and women, actually working in the real world, will find so much here to consider and reflect upon, that it will take several close readings to absorb all that may apply to your career. That one's knowlege of the World must be learned by experience in the World, not in an ivory tower; that one's skills and virtues are of little practical value, unless carefully presented in a pleasing and artful Image; that multitasking destroys all hope of success; these are a few of the ideas which Chesterfield presents in elegant and polished prose. But Chesterfield's personal life, as it unfolds through his letters to its tragic and sorrowful conclusion, presents the most powerful lesson of all about ambition, life, and failure, for those readers who can read beyond what is merely written.

Having read many of Howard's fantasy works (Conan the Barbarian, Kull the Conquerer, Solomon Kane), it's nice to read more hack n' slash works from him but with an actual historical backdrop.

Robert E. Howard is well known among readers of action/adventure as the creator of Conan of Cimmeria, the Puritan killer Solomon Kane, and Kull of Atlantis.

He is less known for his forays into historical fiction, but these bleak, savage (and action-packed) stories of the Crusades and the Mongols are phenomenal, and should be read by anyone who appreciates Howards immense descriptive skill.

A few examples, if I may:

"The Lion Of Tiberias"

The year 1124: One of the few survivors of a battle against the Caliph of Baghdad, Crusader John Norwald was enslaved in the galleys by "Zenghi esh Shami, Imad ed din, governor of Wasit and warden of Basorah, whom men called the Lion of Tiberias", after seeing Zenghi mercilessly murder a young boy... "the only person who had ever shown Norwald kindness"...If it took a lifetime, John Norwald would have his revenge.


"Sowers Of The Thunder"

A historically detailed and exciting tale of the real life conqueror Baibars, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, the fictional Red Cahal who opposes him, and the actual slaughter by Tartars of Moslem and Christian alike in the sack of Jerusalem in 1243.

"Shadow of The Vulture"

The story of Suleiman the Great and his attack on the City of Vienna in 1529, (and the lengthy siege that followed). Howard, as is his wont, works in some excellent fictional characters: Red Sonya, in her first appearance in print, and the drunken (yet ferocious and formidable) Gottfried von Kalmbach (whose head Suleiman wants on a platter).

These stories, as well as the many others (including the title story, a brutal yet excellent tale of Timour The Lame, (and fictional Donald , a Frank who rises to fame as his chief killer) make this book well worth owning for any fan of Robert E. Howard, or those who appreciate historical fiction in the tradition of Harold Lamb (but a little more graphically violent, as we expect from R.E.H.).

I also recommend the desert tales of another Howard slayer, Kirby O'Donnell, an American adventurer in the guise of a Kurdish outlaw, "Swords of Shahrazar".
Swords of Shahrazar

Harold Lamb wrote historical fiction and was one of Howard's favorite writers. This most likely inspired Howard to write some historical fiction of his own. If you like REH, check out Harold Lamb. The two of them are probably my favorite writers. But I like REH for his violent sword and sorcery, whereas my favorite stuff from Lamb are his historical works such as Hannibal and Genghis Khan (2 books that are must-reads by anybody interested in these two generals). Harold Lamb's famous Cossack stories are now being re-released. I have not yet read them but am looking forward to them, so check them out as well.

Also, if anybody has Lord of Samarcand and Others, please provide a list of the stories within this book (I think I have them all, but I want to be sure). I would be very thankful.

This is a must read and great to add to any book collection. I thoroughly enjoyed it! REH was a genius! Anytime I can find a REH story it's a great day! Lord of Samarcand - Gottfried von Kalmbach in The Shadow of the Vulture. REH wrote: "A more dissolute vagabond than Gottfried never weaved his drunken way across the pages of a popular magazine: wastrel, drunkard, gambler, whore-monger, renegade, mercenary, plunderer, thief, rogue, rascal-I never created a character whose creation I enjoyed more. They may not seem real to the readers; but Gottfried and his mistress Red Sonya seem more real to me than any other chracter I've ever drawn." Collected in this book is the entirety of Howard's historical Oriental fiction-including some fragments. These tales are probably among the most somber ever written by REH; among his best, too. Prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other in the field of historical fiction. The place is Outremer, the time the early thirteenth centery... Must Reads of REH (1906-1936): Blood and Thunder, The Life & Art of REH by Mark Finn, Two Gun Bob, One Who Walked Alone by Novalyne Ellis REH's girlfried, The Last of the Trunk-Paul Herman, Crimson Shadows-The Best of REH I & II, Conan, Kull, Solomon Kane, Cormac Mac Art, The Black Stranger and Other American Tales has the scariest story ever called Pigeons From Hell, Bran Mak Morn, all of the Weird Tales issues, etc. Get them all. If you can't locate them at your local bookstore try used bookstores and/or the internet. A special thanks to Glen Lord, Mark Finn, Paul Herman, Dark Horse, and everyone else that kept REH's legacy alive and well.

I've been collecting the works of REH for a few years now, and have found this book to be an excellent collection. The stories in here are unique, containing none one of REH's 'big' heroes (Conan, Solomon Kane, Kull). Rather is about the later Crusades. Think if REH had written Kingdom of Heaven and you'll have a good idea as to what these stories are like. This isn't quite Sword and Sorcery... there are none of the monsters or magic found in many of REH's writings, but it is still worth reading for any true REH fan.

Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe is a wonderful and warm addition to the world of women's fiction. The picture of espresso on the cover says it all: it is inviting and comfortable, but a little bitter: there may be some realizations within that you don't necessarily want to have.

In my opinion, that's the best part of the book. Too often in books such as this, there is a no-good husband and a saintly wife. Though the book seems to start off that way, it quickly evolves into something more. Mira has to rethink her entire marriage and make some hard realizations, not only about her husband, but about herself as well. The fault isn't one-sided, and understanding is needed on both sides.

It is also nice to see the evolution of Mira's character in this book. Though she is definitely the same person at the end of the book as she was at the start, much has changed. She seems more aware, more thoughtful; she realizes that she has been living in a state of denial, and not everything has to be picture perfect, as she had planned it. And indeed, the book doesn't end on a perfect note. There are still difficult decisions to be made and relationships that haven't been patched up; in other words, it is real life.

There are definitely difficult, and sometimes unpleasant, characters to deal with, from Mira's daughter Thea to Sequoia, a difficult coworker. And Mira doesn't always handle these obstacles perfectly - sometimes she prolongs her own unhappiness, which, of course, is frustrating for the reader. But in the end, Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe is a warming read that makes you realize what really is important in life, and that keeping yourself happy is just as important as everyone else being happy.

A tip of the espresso cup to Jennie Shortridge for writing this very enjoyable coming-of-middle-age novel. The story of Mira, who escapes small-town life in Oregon only to end up as a Seattle barista, is engaging, heartfelt and very funny. But I also loved the portrait of Mira's teenage daughter -- her mixed-up feelings seemed so true to life, and you get a great sense of her learning and developing her character. Also, the scenes between mother and daughter are quite moving.
The author's snapshots of espresso-crazed Seattle and of the small Oregon coastal town were full of nuance and color, and I enjoyed how they were woven into the story. This is high quality writing with attention to detail.
After reading this book, I bought it for my sister, my wife is reading it, and I'm recommending it to my bookstore-owner friend for her book group. A great summer read!

This is an honest and endearing look into the life of a 45 year old wife and mother who finds herself close to losing her husband and the love and respect of her only daughter.
Mirabella Serafino embarks on a desperate search for what is real and what is simply a fantasy when her hubby tells her he has been kissing a friend and is not happy with their marriage. He didn't come forward with this information; unfortunately Mira discovered that he had been calling a certain number over and over for more than an hour a day and she confronts him, only to hear that he has met a fantastic friend Jackie Anderson who understands him.
Bruised but not beaten Mira escapes her not so perfect marriage in search of a new beginning and ends up in Seattle working at a coffee place where she delivers warm and rich expresso shots to her whaky customers.
This book has deeply drawn characters with their seams and raw edges exposed, a clever dialogue, and a snappy pace that makes it terrific.
Join in and cheer for Mira who in no time will have met new friends and will be having sex with a handsome surfer all due to her parting from what she had always known and setting on her journey to the unknown. Thumbs up for Jennie Shortridge all her books are fabulous.

Okay, 1st confession - I am not a woman. 2nd confession - I am not middle-aged (although I can see it from here). What can I say, 40 is the new 20, right? One last confession - I have never had a husband cheat on me - which would be a great surprise to me and an even greater one to my wife. So, it is easy to see I am not the target market.
That being said, I truly enjoyed this book. Jennie has written characters so vibrant, so real and so familiar that I swear I have been to the Serafino Family Christmas party. The interactions between the characters are real. Reading this book brought up memories of my family and some of their antics - in a good way. By the way, if you do not have a friend like Lannie then go find one. Everyone deserves to have a 'Lannie' in their life.
Mira's coming-of-(middle)age struggles kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next - all the way to the last page. As the story unfolded, I found myself alternately saying "You go girl!" when Mira takes a step forward; and "Oh! Mira, Mira, Mira - what were you thinking?" when she finds herself going back a step.
Jennie's dialogue (both internal and external) are masterfully written and engaging. She has skillfully back-dropped the story in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Having visited the Oregon Coast on several occasions and being a resident of the Seattle area, I was able to visualize all the locations in the book easily. She uncannily brings out the legendary Seattle coffee fetish with good humor. I think we have all stood in line behind some of the customers we see at The Center of the Universe. Yet, Jennie does all this with a light touch. She weaves the world around the characters in such a way that it adds to the story rather than detract from it.
In short, you do not have to be a perimenopausal woman who has had a bad relationship to enjoy this book. A good story is still a good story.

In Love & Biology, Jennie Shortridge's talent and skill matures with the multi-layered story of a middle-aged woman who descends with the loss of what she thought was a "perfect" life, and re-emerges a better, truer person. With even more empathy than in her previous books, we enter Mira's soul and psyche, and yes her body when she attempts to "find the divine" through sexual experiences, and ultimately discovers that the most important thing, the thing that drives all else, is love. I don't think that's a spoiler, because that is the message at the heart of all of Jennie's books, and it is what makes us want to read them over and over again.

I'm making sure my book group does this one!

James Halon will tickle your adventure-bone with this novel! His characters have an incredible depth to them, and the premise of his story is unique and fast-paced. Halon's main character Jim Morgan has wit, intrigue and sex-appeal. Morgan is today's James Bond without all the gadgets and far-fetched scenarios. See what happens when a Field Engineer is thrown into a life of spys, danger, and romance! Even Halon's 'bad guy' has been done originally and is a refreshing departure from the norm. I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure with a twist of romance!! For Halon fans, be sure to check out his collection of poetry entitled "Poetry" by James Halon, too! You will glad that you did! This author is extremely versatile and has a firm grip on how to entertain a reader!

James Halon takes the spy thriller to a whole new level with his novel The Malagasy Tortoise. Engineer Jim Morgan has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and making the most of it. Fancy clothes, secret weapons, Bond girls, Morgan doesn't need them (well almost!)as he battles the forces of evil. Humor, witty dialogue, brilliant description, and imaginative situations keep this fast paced book clicking along.

James Halon has done an excellent job of mixing elements of intrigue, action packed adventure, and infatuation.Jim Morgan, like so many men, is carnially motivated by love - or lust (I'm not sure he knows the difference). His motto seems to be love the one your with. His overactive libido leads him into one disastrous scenario after another.
On his quest to find the rare Malagasy Tortoise in Madagascar, he finds himself torn between his recently reunited love, Eunice and the young, sultry, CIA agent, Sophie. Perhaps, the mysterious Tina Johnson would be a good distraction from this dilemma. What is a man capable accomplishing in the name of love? Jim Morgan, an engineer by trade, finds himself smack in the middle of a CIA covert operation. Car crashes, burning buildings, Russian prisons, is any woman worth the tortures he finds himself enduring?
This book is a great read for any audience. It's difficult to find characters portrayed so honestly. James Bond, he's not. Jim Morgan tries to be just as suave and sophisticated with the ladies. Instead, his charismatic wit and humor seem to be his strong point. In the end, like Bond, Morgan finds his share of love / lust.
This reader can't wait for the next, Jim Morgan Adventure!

If James Bond was an Engineer and wore sweatshirts instead of tuxedos his name would be Jim Morgan... Well, maybe not. Morgan is a refreshingly unique character unlike the typical male protagonist. James Halon has conjured many wonderful characters in this book that take the reader on a bizarre quest for a rare tortoise. A quest that reveals multiple lovers, deadly spies and plenty to laugh at along the way. I look forward to Jim's next adventure and future dreams.

Author Jim Halon has managed to create characters that enabled this reader to feel she knows them personally. A very well crafted story with laugh out loud writing. The humor the author displays throughout is refreshing and uplifting.

Halon has a wonderful ability to place the reader "there"...with exceptional description, one feels like they're partaking of the adventure right along with Morgan. The fresh prose delights throughout the story. "My steak disappeared so fast that David Copperfield, the infamous illusionist, would have been awestruck, and demanding that I eat another so he could pick up on my trick."

I was gravely mistaken when I initally thought this was a "man's" adventure story. Halon has combined adventure with a hefty amount of humor and romance. This reader was quite impressed with his choice of female characters...strong-willed, intelligent, competent, attractive and independent. Don't expect a damsel in distress in this novel. Halon's female characters makes this particular female reader exceptionally impressed with what he created. All of them, including Morgan himself, are realistic and believable. I sincerely give this novel a five star rating, only because six wasn't available. Order a copy, curl up in a comfortable spot and prepare to be highly entertained! This author has great promise and I look forward to the sequel.

Reading Malinche's Children was a very humbling experience for me; I grew up in one of the "jewels" next to Carmelas, and attended Ramona School through 8th grade. In fact, I think the home my dad bought in 1955 might have been the very home that served as the development office mentioned in one of the stories. I didn't live in Carmelas, but I played there with friends, visited some of their homes, attended their birthday parties, fell for their sisters, bought candy at the Mexican Store, and even pulled a little red wagon down those dusty streets selling newspapers on Sunday morning when I was five years old.

And still, I knew very little about their history, and their beliefs. Daniel Houston-Davila is a wonderful writer, and I thank him for each and every jewel he has written for this collection.

This is the sort of book whose characters you miss when you put it down. I found myself many months later thinking of people I'd met in this book and wondering about them. Houston-Davila has the gift of the well-turned phrase... the book doesn't feel so much "written" as it does "lived". The path of this book was obviously chosen by the characters themselves and not the author-- but it's the author makes them come alive on the page with such passion. An excellent read. I should be so lucky to find another book as engaging anytime soon.

Daniel Houston-Davila's "Malinche's Children" heralds the introduction of a wonderful new voice in Chicano literature. Spanning a hundred years of love, hate, work and struggle in the Southern Californa barrio of Carmelas, Houston-Davila paints in vivid colors the lives of people he certainly knows well. His language is muscular, poetic and vibrant. "Malinche's Children" marks the beginning of what I hope to be a long, productive writing life for Houston-Davila.

Yes, this book is a warmly written and detailed chronicle of Mexican Americans in southern California. But it is more: a richly imagined and compassionate exploration of human aspiration. Houston-Davila's characters want what all of us want: love, home, a sense of meaning. Seeking these things in a transplanted, impoverished environment, the odds would seem stacked against them.
But they succeed. Again and again, with humorous, bold and poignant leaps of faith. This book is a rare treat: enjoyable, yet good for you. It nourishes the soul, expands compassion and understanding of what it means to be human.
The author has a rare ability to paint characters who are in a profound sense innocent, yet never insipid. He helps us see, through them, what really matters.
While appreciating the author's unique insights into the culture and times of its characters, don't miss its deeper truths.
Expect a lot from this book. You won't be disappointed.

Yes, this book is a warmly written and detailed chronicle of Mexican Americans in southern California. But it is more: a richly imagined and compassionate exploration of human aspiration. Houston-Davila's characters want what all of us want: love, home, a sense of meaning. Seeking these things in a transplanted, impoverished environment, the odds would seem stacked against them.

But they succeed. Again and again, with humorous, bold and poignant leaps of faith. This book is a rare treat: enjoyable, yet good for you. It nourishes the soul, expands compassion and understanding of what it means to be human.

The author has a rare ability to paint characters who are in a profound sense innocent, yet never insipid. He helps us see, through them, what really matters.
While appreciating the author's unique insights into the culture and times of its characters, don't miss its deeper truths.

Expect a lot from this book. You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely amazing! Javan's poems are short and sweet and straight to the point. I found this book at a time that I didn't think anyone knew how I was feeling, but after reading this book, I found that I wasn't alone. I have suggested this book to many people and will continue doing so.

I've got to say the same as I did about some of the other Javan books. Wonderful, but just not up to the par with Something to Someone in my mind. Enjoyable, but just not as much as it could have been.

I've read, purchased again for gifts, given mine away and repurchased for myself. They are excellent bedtime reading and keep right on giving!

Javan writes soundly soul filled expressions on life. This book will stand the test of time and has universal appeal. Simple, direct and sparce use of words add to the ease of thoughtful expression. One of my favorite authors. Paper and print style add to the classic feel.

A beautiful collection of works...Javan writes with a simple, straight-forward style that aims for the soul. He transforms the hardest emotions and feelings into soft, caring words and makes it seem like it came straight from your own heart. I recommend his books to anyone that, like me, doesn't always have the right words to describe how you feel.

I had read another book, Alaska Twilight, written by this author. I doubted that "Midnight Sea" could be as terrific a book as the former. I was wrong! Colleen's way of telling a story couldn't be any better in keeping a reader glued to the pages. The story locale is Hawaii in the midst of the many coffee plantations. Leilani Tagama, known as Lani, is the featured girl in the book. Lani has a terrible accident that leaves her blind and prevents her memory from seeing who she had seen murder a good friend. Lani had always been a very active person and she could not imagine how she could live a decent life without her sight. In her previous years Lani had been very loose in her many romances with men. She had recently turned to God to get her life in gear and now could not understand why God allowed this blindness to occur.

Ben Mahoney had taken on training guide dogs to assist those that had lost their sight to live a much better life. At this time he was training a two-year old golden retriever and "Fisher" was doing quite well. He was almost ready to help those in need of his services. While in training, Ben and Fisher had run into Ben's former police partner, Yoshi Tagama, a cousin of Lani's. Yoshi requested the help of Ben and a guide dog for Lani. Ben wasn't sure that Fisher was ready for active work yet but finally gave in and told Yoshi he would take Fisher to Lani to see how it would work out. His hesitation was further enhanced knowing Lani's past reputation as being too free with the men but realized Lani needed help with her total blindness.

Ben's brother, Ethan and wife, Natalie, are almost always spaced out on alcohol, leaving their adorable daughter, Meg, without caring parents. A boating accident takes the lives of Ethan and Natalie but somehow Meg survived in her life vest. The accident also exposed criminal activity taking place in the area. Ben and Lani then cared for Meg.

The story continues as it brings Ben and Lani closer together through Meg and their feelings for each other even though they did not express those feelings to each other. Lani's life was at risk because the killer felt Lani had seen him before her sight was lost and would someday remember who he was. Lani and Fisher made a great team as they adjusted to life together and Lani grew so attached to him that she told Ben she could never give up Fisher even if she regained her sight, which she felt she would some day.

Yoshi stayed as close to Lani and Meg as he could but he had other police work to do and could not spend every hour protecting them. Lani had several attempts on her life and her senses had saved her along with her friends being on the alert constantly. She even got to the point where she could distinguish by feel the ripe coffee beans and helped in the picking with Meg sometimes at her side and other times with friends and family watching Meg. Meg loved gum and everyone knew that fact as she insisted loudly that she wanted some gum!

The Christian atmosphere all through the book stand out especially well as Lani sometimes wonders why God let all these thing happen but then realized that God had done so many good things for her too. Midnight Tea is a page-turner that is extremely hard to put down. The reading is easy but pleasant and certainly not boring. There are no slow sections to bog you down. I highly recommend it.

Midnight Sea transported me right away with the rich setting and tropical details. I enjoyed the tidbits about coffee production as well as the complex plot which kept me guessing. I am a mystery gal and I didn't guess the ending! Lani's relationship with Ben and Fisher the guide dog were interesting to watch as they evolved. A very enjoyable read! Dana Mentink

Colleen, you did it again. Every book in this Aloha Reef series just kept getting better and better. More mystery. More intrigue. More romance. Is this really the last book. I want to read more. Thanks for the series.

As a person who loves the Hawaiian Islands, this series of books from Colleen Coble has been a refreshing way to transport myself from the mainland to the islands by just picking up the books and begin reading. I love the fact that the places she references in the stories are real and accurate in her descriptions. I am able to actually visualize what she is speaking of through the characters. I am sad that when I finish Midnight Sea book #4 in the Aloha Reef Series that I am at the end! I hope Colleen writes a 5th book!

I enjoyed the first 3 books in this series, and this one is wonderful! The characters are people that I want to know more about, plus there is a connection to characters from the other books. Once I started reading, I had to keep going to find out what happened, so start this book when you have a good chunk of time to spend with it!

I don't know what else I can possibly say...Everyone else's reviews seem to nail it in the head. The thing I agree with most is how the characters in each story are so vivid - it really sucks you right into the book as if you were really there. I'm so glad these were short stories because I tend to have trouble putting down a really good book(as is the case here)...so I'd be up all night long trying to finish it!! These are just the right length to read a story a night (or if you're like me, several a night!!). I'm definitely looking forward to his next book!!

If you want a good read that will pull you into the story itself as if you were right there, than you have got to read Midnight Tableau. I have never been so into another book, especially to the point where I felt that I was right there, where I felt as though I was the character. It was very hard for me to put this book down because you wanted to know how the story ended or how, in some cases, didn't end, just left for suspense. It was awesome and I would definately reccommend it any one who loves to read and I have already.

What a book! What writing style! No predictable endings and the stories are short enough to enjoy in one go! I predict that Michael McCrann will go a far way and can't wait for his first novel. Others who have read the book agree. Its different and refreshing. Carry on writing MC - you have a couple of new fans here in SA and we can't wait for the novel!

I LOVED IT! I would and have recommended this book to anyone and everyone that enjoy's reading. I found the stories scary and compelling at the same time. Begging me to turn the next page. I am going to read it again and again! I am even sending a copy of it to my brother who is in iraq serving our country. Its THAT GOOD!!! You gotta buy this!

This was an excellent book. The stories were fantastic. Mr. McCrann does a fine job of taking ordinary people and situations and turning them into something extraordinary. I look forward to reading him for years to come.

A fun Christmas story for children and adults. The students in my class really enjoyed this book. It is funny and it teaches a wonderful lesson. The illustrations were fun too!
Good holiday books are hard to find, but this one is GREAT!

Okay, so we don't have kids of our own so sue us. It is a delightful book and and as I was reading I thought to myself that if we had kids the husband here would probably be just like the dad in the book, because that is how he is with our 3 dogs. We could most definately see this being a big time holiday film, either for the big screen or even television since we really need to have more quality television for children. The wife is a teacher and we are thinking of ordering a whole bunch of copies for the kids as we get towards the holiday season. Many thanks to Mr. and Miss Casey.

What is it about Christmas that inspires the best bedtime stories for kids? Maybe it's simply snuggle factor. The crackle of the fire in the fireplace, the warmth of the blanket that dad tucked us in only the way dad can do it. Written by dad and illustrated by his young daughter, the book itself is a homage to the wonderful blessings of family. Reading this book to your children at bedtime will not only entertain but like most celebrated rhyming Christmas stories will teach them a wonderful lesson about appreciating what you have.

Sean Casey had a vision somewhat different than the father from Christmas favorite "T'was the Night Before Chistmas." Nonetheless, "My Dad Cancelled Christmas" offers a great plot line that relates to parents and kids alike. The book, which tells the story of a father who loses it on Christmas Eve and subsequently cancels his family's celebration of Christmas, is illustrated by Sean's daughter Quinn, age 10. She has a great deal of talent and captures her fathers imagination well.
This book definitely should be up there on everyone's shopping list. "My Dad Cancelled Christmas" is definitely a refreshing alternative to the traditional and mundane "T'was the Night Before Christmas." It would not be a bad read to the kids before settling them down for "their long winter's nap" on Christmas Eve next holiday season. This would also be an excellent read for teachers of all elementary grades looking to expand their bookshelves and their students' imaginations. Definitely a "must" on next year's Christmas list, but why wait? It can be read year round to keep everyone in the holiday mood and get a laugh in here or there.

This was a delightful book - with a moral to boot! Most families would benefit from reading this together and talking about it. Good lessons to learn for kids AND parents..