California Books

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2BQ4EWXI8X74C This book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musing and last but not the least, a moving love story.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! I am specially moved by his bitter-sweet love story at the end.

Here are some poster size photos and calendars from the book:

Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
Thonging At the Beach
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Nashville Tug Boat on Cumberland River Photo Poster
"Playing Guitar" Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
Beach Hotties Poster

This book combines elements from good humor, a memoir, a scenic travelogue, a touching love story, science fiction and philosophy.

Whether you ever wondered about meaning of it all, or you want to read something light amusing, or want to see places like Seattle, San Diego, Nashville from the eyes of the writer, or vicariously live the life of a
student at University of California, this book is for you!

The author, purportedly an Artificial Imagination computer program simualting a life/career journey through the Hi Tech and yet very sdcenic world of California and Washington (Settle) is witty still though down to earth and funny! The book is written in a very conversational style, as if you are reading a letter from a close friend!!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RH3902RKHGQYG reat book, will make you laugh, smile, giggle, chuckle, giggle, crack up, guffaw and generally have a good time. Extremely nice photos. And it is actually very thoughtful, one can quickly see through the pretended thoughtlessness. Here are some posters and calendars with the high resolution versions of the book:
Scenic City and Boat Photo Poster
University of Washington Photo Poster
Seattle Secenic Sunset Photograph
San Francisco Scenic Union Square Photo Poster
Nashville Tug Boat on Cumberland River Photo Poster
Pike Place Market Photo Print
"Playing Guitar" Photo Poster
San Diego Scenic Waterfront Poster

This book transcends genre -- it's a good collection of memoirs, entertaining style, nice splash of humor, an extremely detailed travelogue with beautiful photographs, a good description of technology, a touch of Science Fiction (since it is purportedly written by a Artificial Imagination program) and suffused with philosophical musings.

Even though it's obviously written by a Technologist, the book is very human. It is primarily about the immigrant experience, but Kalpanik is extremely observant and has an eye to look for the unusual, notice what stands out and build humorous side of people, places and his own life.

Wonderful! one can feel a touch of his bitter-sweet experiences but one is encouraged by his ability to find humor everywhere.

Great book, love it! It's hilarious! I could not stop giggling, I cracked up page after page. Really Nice!

And so many nice photographs. I was traveling with the author, feeling his ambitions, his surprise, excitement and pain. And what a brave soul! He (yes, despite its claims to have been written by an AI program, this book is written by a loving, feeling, breathing human for sure!)--He is able to maintain his sense of humor even as he moves from one place to another, faces one set back after another! He always comes back!

Wow! What a story!!

Oh, And the love story in the end is touching.

I have owned this series for many years, there are three altogether. You get a good basic understanding of how astrology works with this series. I would recommend them to anyone just beginning to learn and as a reference for a professional as well. They are true to form.

Frances Sakoian's The Astrology of Human Relationships is a must have for any Astrologer. She goes through all the planet/sign combinations with their aspects in the book, describing indepth, the good and the bad of compatibility between two charts. Of course you must have a basic understanding of the signs, planets and what conjunctions, trines, squares, etc., are. It puts a new spin on what "A's Mercury conjunct B's Uranus" means as well as well as what "A's Venus in B's fourth house" means. I would recommend this book to anyone studying Astrology. It is definitely a book for my library.

a must have for everyone tries to learn astrology. Easy to read/use

A comparison of the horoscopes of two people can yield much useful information about whether they will be attracted to each other and, if a relationship occurs, what the nature of that relationship is likely to be. This book is an excellent introduction to how to make such horoscope comparisons and contains the detailed information required for doing so. Incidentally, although horoscope comparisons are often done to see the potential for a successful romantic relationship or marriage, such comparisons are equally valid for any two people including siblings, coworkers, etc.

I bought this excellent reference book years ago and use it on a regular basis. Brief but well written descriptions of how planets in one persons chart affect the others persons life. Example: A's Sun in B's 4 house, as well as inter-planetary aspects. I'd quickly get another copy of this book if I lost mine. My library would not be complete without it.

This is one book every person dealing with mental health should read, I could not put this book down till I finished it. It tells of the horrors and treatment of the mentally ill in the late fifties and early sixties in Ohio. The book tells the awesome truth about this subject. I am currently working at this particular hospital, and have been since 1972, I have heard of some of the treatment. All of the stories are not just about the injustice to the mentally ill, it also tells of the programs that were established to help the mentaly ill. I highly recommend reading this book and the other in the series of, Some Die Mad.

I can't say enough. Some images keep me awake at night. This is literature.

This guy gets tossed into a real life garbage can and lets us root around with him and see all the funk. Here's a priceless work of art spun from one poor guy's actual agony. Don't miss this, it's a winner.

Auschwitz, Ohio which is Part II of the quatrain Some Die Mad is an amazing story and no doubt this work of art will become the definitive story about the tragic and bizarre mental health system of the Fifties. Whoever 44288 was, he does not deserve the anonymity his family has unnecessarily wrapped about him in its...ignorant shame. Auschwitz, Ohio and its three quatrain brothers, Gandy Dancing, Islands In Time and The Place To Wait are works of obvious genius and need to be celebrated. I cannot pass up an opportunity to tell prospective readers about this newly discovered classic, world-class piece of literature.

Auschwitz, Ohio couldn't be better... it absolutely is the finest work on Fifties Angst I''ve ever read. You can FEEL the suffocation....

Small heafty book feels good in your hand and is a total pleasure to read. I kept reading "jokes" and "wisdoms" from the book to my husband and couldn't wait to read the next little chapter. I hated the book to end. What a wit Bruce Bellingham is!

"Bellingham by the Bay" is relaxing reading -- and entertaining. It's something I keep by the bed. I'm a retired English Lit teacher and when the world grows too serious, I keep returning to "Bellingham" for its good writing and witty, irreverent insights. At my age, laughter is a great elixir. Try it!

I was overwhelmed by how engaging this book is. It is, indeed, staggeringly good -- the writing is casual and accessible but Bellingham maintains an endearing respect for both his subjects and his readers. I question why it is simply categorized "Humor." Though it drips with insurrmountable wit, it goes beyond being funny. It's a riveting memoir and passages, such as Bellingham's experience in the Bay Area earthquake of 1989 is downright excellent reporting. With all of the romance and literary history that come off the pages, I think a visit to San Francisco is in order this summer. I've bought several copies to donate to my high school library (Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, New Jersey, where I teach English, Journalism and Film) as well as a number of branches of the local public library.

WARNING: DO NOT BUY ONE COPY OF THIS BOOK! You will need at least two copies whether you buy it for yourself or for a gift. Don't think you can pick this up as a gift, browse through it to pick up the highlights and then pass it along, no, you're going to want your own copy. And if you do pick it up for yourself, you will undoubtedly add it to your Christmas gift list. It's a great book for anyone; they just have to have a sense of humor. What makes it a keepr, though, is Bellingham's jabs are as insightful as they are funny, his one-liners are as timeless as they are topical. His slice of life encounters with various celebrities give the reader a fun account of the media scene in everybody's favorite city by the Bay. I practically read this book in one sitting because I kept saying, "just one more chapter" (they're short). It's that kind of book, a pick up and read anywhere book, a great "airplane book", if you will. Check it out for chuckles.

It makes you laugh out loud. Hail the apostles Bellingham! From Nigel, the rabbit - to Susan, the estranged wife - Looking at life through rose coloured glasses indeed.Why hasn't a daily picked this guy up? Bellingham, a man in love with his adopted city of San Francisco. Not a bit of underdone potato - as saterical writers tend to be. Curmundgeons have a hero - a passionate one at that.

Strauss ambles through a fairly predictable first few pages, and
then revs up the motor and we're off on a very UNpredictable
read. Obviously lots of research -- and on the surface it would seem that, heck, everyone has a family tree. But if you don't get interested in your own family tree after reading this, then the problem is with you, not with Strauss' book. What drives her to do the search for her birth mother? And what does she find? And then what? And how do her kids in 2001 eerily but accurately reflect a Civil War vet she didn't know existed? Have fun. Great especially for those who know someone adopted, or are planning to adopt, which includes just about everyone!

I discovered this book quite by accident. I had already read Birthright by Jean Strauss. I was doing a search on Amazon for a review of that book for a friend when this title came up. When I finally got a copy, I couldn't put it down. Simply, it is an incredibly well written book on searching for one's roots. In the end, its both one's adoptive and biological ties that matter. I particularly appreciated the author's final family tree which included both her birth family and adoptive family. The insight I received from this book will be invaluable to my wife and I as we raise our 7 yo son and 2 yo daughter who were both adopted as infants. Many thanks to Jean Strauss.

Having recently been involved in a reunion with a sister that we did not know existed, this book (as well as other Jean Strauss books) gives valuable insight into the feelings of the adopted individual as well as some of the feelings of the other members of the family circle. Jean's struggle and sometimes blunt feelings toward her birth mother open up a new area of human feeling. How should we relate to this new person in our life and all these new relatives? All the details of the reunion and building a new relationship with siblings and her mother over the years gives valuable knowledge to others involved in their own reunion process. Jean shows us that a "blended" family can happen. She has not forgotten her adoptive family that raised her, but she also appreicates the family ties of her natural family. This book illustrates that you can have more than one mother/father. You can have many siblings and extended family and make it all work. We have done this in our family situation. This book is well worth the read. I highly recommend it to anyone in the reunion/adoption process.

If "beneath a tall tree" doesn't tug at your heart and bring tears to your eyes, go see your doctor for a checkup. Strauss bares her soul in this fascinating adventure about her life. Besides being enormously helpful to adoptees, it provides a deep, raw look into the mindset of an adoptee. Her fluid style makes this an easy read.

I am an adoptee and I'm currently in a stage of my life where I'm becoming more curious to find out about my birthmother and my background. I was kind of scared and didn't really know where to start, but this book really helped me to realize that I CAN do something about it and that it's really nothing to be scared of. It gave me the perspective of the birthmother as well, wanting to know about the daughter she gave up. I have a feeling that when the time comes to contact my birthmother, she'll be more receptive than not - something I was very unsure of before I read this book. Jean Strauss and her book have kind of helped me to get the ball rolling and start seriously thinking about contacting my birthmother.

Richard Schwartz paints a picture of Berkeley in words that transports you back in time. Interesting and lively, the stories show life around the turn of the 20th century. Even for people who don't live in the Berkeley area, the characters and pictures are fascinating. A must-read for anyone who wants a sense of how life really was around 1900.

This book really gave me a different perspective on Berkeley, the geography and the people. The way the information was delivered brought the book to life and added depth. It is not in any way a "typical" history book. The vignettes about the people made the time period approachable and real. A must read for anyone who has ever been to or lived in Berkeley.

Just a few words to tell you how much I enjoyed "Berkeley 1900." I saw
pictures about a past I never knew existed. It gave me an appreciation of
Berkeley I never thought I would have. Prior to seeing the book, I thought
Berkeley was just a bunch of pinkos.
jake

This compilation of hundreds of newspaper articles shows a small town at a point in its evolution. Berkeley, California is now a well known city throughout the USA, but it started out from humble beginnings. Each article reveals something different about its people, its society and movements and norms of the day.

I expecially enjoyed items such as these:

Chapter 18. Saloons and the Temparance Movement. "Scientists. . .reported that daily indulgence in beer would result in a mental state akin to criminal insanity. . ." Fascinating stuff.

Then dive into Chapter 19. Milk, the Problem. In a creamery's advertisement one can learn "Absolutely pure country milk and cream from healthy cows and fed in a well-ventilated and sanitary barn -- fed on only the best food obtainable."

Just slices of 100 year old life in Berkeley. . .

Some historians avoid the controversal events of history. Richard Schwartz's book paints a realistic view of of life in Berkeley, California at the turn of the century.

From articles condemning dairymen for not giving their milk cows the tuberculin test, to stories about organizations forming to discriminate against Asians in the city, Schwartz tells it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A great portion of the book is devoted to "human interest" articles. There are stories that deal with fires, ferries, and the conflicts between horses and the new automobiles.

Richard's book is filled with interesting articles, artwork, newspaper ads, and photo's. It makes a great coffee table book, one that can be picked up anytime for a few minutes of exceptional reading.

Perfect, new condition, shrink wrapped for protection.

Excellent Historical content. My husband was thrilled.

A fantastic work! Very detailed and full of fascinating photographs. Anyone with an interest in American narrow gauge will find this fascinating.

What to say more ....
Complete, full of drawings of rolling stocks, maps, the history of those brothers is so well written that seams a "romanze" not a real history.
Packed with informations, maps, and everithing you can expect from a "professional" writer.
An absolutely "must have" for any railroad fan and not. A piece of history.
Enzo Fortuna

As a researcher of Northern California local history, I use this book as a primary source document. I find the accuracy astounding, the book is easy to read, and the illustrations are first class. It is a model for anyone to follow -- study it, and cite it with confidence.

This massive volume charts the development of early California railroads, both narrow and standard gauge, by following the lives of two Irish immigrant brothers, Thomas and Martin Carter. It is much more than just a railroad history as it explores how they gained the skills and knowledge to build railroad cars, bridges, and even the railroads themselves, and how they used innovative leveraged financing (which in retrospect seems surprisingly modern) to build their company. The cars that they built some 100 years ago can still be found, still in San Francisco, Alaska, and in numerous railroad museums across the western United States.

As Mr. MacGregor develops the story of the Carter Brothers he is also telling the story of six individual early California Narrow gauge railroads which were built to fight the monopolistic Central Pacific system, called "the Octopus" by the newspapers of the time. Each of these lines will have a connection to the Carters, either through cars built by them, or through bridge and car designs which they provided under contract. Through side bars and supplemental chapters you gain insight into how these railroads operated, the locomotives they purchased, and which saloons were favored by their management.

Additionally, this is a wonderful example of the great American story, as the two brothers escape famine plagued Ireland, only to pass through the plague infested Canadian immigrant stations on the St. Lawrence River. 1862 finds Thomas operating his own business in upper New York state, which he abandons to come west to California to avoid the Civil War draft.

While Thomas finds work in the shops of California's first railroad, his younger brother Martin goes to work on the new state capital building. Thomas loses his leg in an industrial accident, and as a result has to find an alternative to physical labor. That alternative was railroad car drafting, which became design and eventually engineering. With these newfound skills he would form, with his brother a partnership to build railroad cars. That company would thrive for 30 years in a difficult economy.

The text is supplemented by a rich assortment of photo, drawings and contemporary color illustrations. The book even finds room for an amusing and insightful discussion of Thomas Carter's love life and his long standing affair with Molly Redmond, a refreshingly liberated Victorian woman.

This is a must have book for anyone interested in Western railroads, narrow gauge, or California History.

Author Eric Konigsberg grew up in a prosperous and socially conscious Midwestern Jewish family, descendants of east European immigrants who had settled and made their living and reputation in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Sometime during his young adulthood, the author is surprised to learn that his father's uncle, Harold Konigsberg (Koyo), is a violent and notorious Mafia hit man accused of some 20 murders. Not satisfied with simple murder, he is infamous for permanently disturbing the surviving family members.

While writing a magazine story on mob crime, despite his family's objections, Eric becomes acquainted with Koyo, who has spent the last 40 years in jail on a never-ending self-led legal battle. Soon the author is being manipulated by his uncle to aide his crusade for freedom. His association with the crime figure ends when his life is threatened.

This intriguing story is told through the uncovering of family denial and lore, historical facts, statistical data on Jewish immigrant culture, narrative from victims families, facts from FBI and court reports and commentary from Koyo himself.

It's hard to say whether Konigsberg (Uncle Heshy) is a brilliantly manipulative businessman, a remorseless criminal, a loyal family man or just plain psychotic.

Maybe the moral of the story is: There are some basic issues children should take advice from their parents about--and forging a relationship with family members connected to the mob might be one of them!

Armchair Interviews says: Intriguing story that was most interesting to read.

Having known a great deal about the people depicted in this book, I do have to say that the author did a superb job. The only thing I did not care for is that 1 of the "accused" mentioned in the book is still living. I happen to be a "blood relative" of that person mentioned in the book. Although it is all a matter of public record I have to say that it is very uncomfortable knowing that Mr. Konigsberg would write this book knowing that there are other families out there who are not familiar with the events that took place,like he was. Mr Konigsberg is digging up alot of skeletons for some of the other families mentioned.

Blood Relation is a superbly written account of one family's secret connection to Mob violence in America. The characters are as sinister, vivid, and intriguing as any fictionalized "good fella" novella, but more frightening because every fascinating detail is true. Immersed in discovering his uncle's horrible history, Eric Konigsberg confronts his own perceptions of himself and his family. Best of all, it is a page-turning adventure for the reader.

I knew that I'd buy Blood Relation after reading the excerpt in the New Yorker magazine, but I had no idea how much better the book would be. Konigsberg's voice is very subtle, almost plaintive and self-abnegating, and maybe it's because he's not a hard-seller with a typically annoying therapy issue to work out that his point gets across so poignantly: how weird would it be to have a mass murdering psycho's genes double-helixed alongside yours and those of your whole family? What is it like to deal with shame, to have your family shamed, to feel somehow (if irrationally) responsible for gruesome, venally, crudely performed acts of murder that you yourself had nothing to do with, but must somehow, however tangentially, live with for the rest of your life? The story itself is fascinating for anyone who's into the fifties and sixties and the whole mafia scene and great crime stories in general. I mean, the main subject here is a true and fascinating psycho. The murders and the glee with which he executes them is beyond compare. But I think the most interesting thing for me is the delicate and evolving relationship between the writer and his uncle, the mass murderer. As a story about family, as a story about a journalist, the depiction of what it must have been like to go visit this creepy guy in jail over and over again, this guy who's manipulating you, but desperate to get his story out, who at one point gets angry at you and threatens to kill you, then later on, berates you, "Hey, you jerk, why don't you come visit me more often?? Everyone ignores me!! Where's the love???" -- it's just too odd of a scenario and too well-written not to titillate and fascinate. I'd definitely give it a ten, whatever your background is. I think for anyone with any kind of immigrant backround, which is to say 99% of America, it's a fascinating story about how hard we all try to fit in and what happens when a real weirdo/loser enters into the picture. I loved it.

Konigsberg's book is a success on many levels--as a period piece, a crime drama, and most impressively, as a profound investigation into what it means to be related to someone, anyone. Konigsberg does not flinch as he looks into what his murderous great uncle means to his family, his religion, his aspirations, and himself. An elegant, courageous work of art.

Thoshinsky executes a beautiful photo essay. Gritty, funny and remarkably touching. A brief and privileged glimpse into a world rarely experienced or understood by those outside law enforcement.

"The truth is most people don't like the police. They need 'em. They just don't like 'em." Peter Thoshinsky examines the delicate and brutal world of the San Francisco Police Department in his book, Blue in Black and White, sharing pictures he has taken over his 25-year tenure as a cop. These stark, graphic images show San Franciscans from all walks of life, fighting, demonstrating, and pleading to be released from their handcuffs, and always close by is the officer who has to deal with the civilian's actions. Each subject is treated with respect, no matter the crime or event shown, and Thoshinsky writes free verse and prose poems next to the shots explaining the unseen or unknown, giving the reader a window into a world few rarely see.

The subject is San Francisco and the boys and girls in blue who walk her streets, but the book transcends location. Market Street, 200 Leavenworth, Broadway, Union Square, North Beach, Candlestick Park, and McAllister Street all make appearances to remind us where the pictures were taken, yet the reader gets a sense that these images are everywhere, in each skid row alley of every great American city, and these are the men and women who risk their lives for their job. Capturing the mixed emotions most officers feel protecting citizens who also despise them for who they are, the book humanizes the police force for those who have never understood the weight that goes with the occupation.

Peter Thoshinsky investigates the realities of homelessness, mental illness, drugs, and cops' use of force with the integrity of someone who is there firsthand, and he wrestles with the truth and justice each officer tries to bring to a workday while trapped under a hot Kevlar vest, badge, radio, belt, and ammunition somewhere below the San Francisco skyline. He tells us that the police remind themselves every day, "That could be your brother, sister. Given a change of fortune, that could have been you." Thoshinsky reserves judgment of the characters he meets on his beats, and instead captures their portrait with a sense of anticipation, the reader left curious what happens next in the scene. Blue in Black and White educates with cop lingo like "B Caper," "Four Boys," and "Hondels" and memorializes fallen officers with a picture and a line or two in their honor.
This pictorial set in San Francisco shows the heart of the city and the people who live in it and protect it. It is accessible and moving for both officer and civilian, honestly examining the lives of the police as they move from the academy to the streets. The reader comes away knowing more about what it means to be in the line of duty performing a job no one wants to give credit for.

Blue in Black and White is a photography book of San Francisco's law enforcement officers, by police sergeant, experienced photographer, and native San Franciscan Peter Thoshinsky. Each two-page spread features a black-and-white, larger-than-life photograph of people keeping the peace on San Francisco's streets on the right, and a brief poem, caption, or insight on the left. A moving and unforgettable visual tribute, as well as a window into the daily routine of a difficult yet rewarding public duty.

Ever been curious about what it's like?...

Have a friend or family member who is one of 'them'?...

Think you already know what this calling is all about?...

It often seems impossible to express just exactly what it's like. With simple, stark and poinet photographs, as well as sparse, direct and accurate words, Pete Thoshinsky's, Blue in Black and White, comes about as close as one can.

Short of donning armor, girding weapons, and riding thanklessly into harms way in defense of others everyday, this is as close as you are going to get.

Thank you Pete,
Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra!

One of the most interesting things about loving books is that one never gets to the end of ideas for them. While there are indeed mountains and continents of sameness that can be safely ignored, one should never get blasé because someone will always find some way of surprising you and giving you something fresh to look at. I am not saying that in the history of printing there has never been a book like this one, but it is a very fresh look at something I have not seen.

And what is that? You say that it is just another book of pictures of cops? Well, it is a book of pictures of cops, but there is a big difference. This is a book of pictures of cops TAKEN by a cop. What difference does that make? Because we see the police officers the way a man who knows them and knows their job sees them rather than the way we usually see them depicted on TV and in the movies. We learn which assignments the cops like, which they don't, what some of the problems are, and even the tedium of the job.

Peter Thoshinsky was on the "Tenderloin Task Force" of the San Francisco Police Department. He shows us cops on the job and provides captions that help us appreciate the pictures. Some of the captions are merely informative, some are insightful, some are funny or ironic, and some are touching. And they all enhance the photographs.

I was particularly struck by the caption for "The Good Son"

Cop: "When was the last time you spoke with your father?"
Son: "Well, I call him every Sunday, `ya know, just to make sure he's ok."
Cop" "OK"
Son: ... "and so when he didn't answer the phone on Sunday, I thought something might be wrong".
Cop: "Yeah."
Son: "Yeah, so I come over and I found him dead just like that."
Cop: "So, when you called your dad on Sunday he didn't answer?"
Son: "Right."
Cop: "You must have been worried?"
Son: "Uh-huh."
Cop: "Today is Thursday."
Son: "Uh-huh."

Or the next picture of a female arm with wrist tattoos in handcuffs entitled "Tattoos and Bracelets".

Or: "The first rule of police work, the very first rule. Everyone lies. "I ain't got nothing officer, I swear it". See rule number one.

There are dozens of more like this. Fresh, insightful, and even touching. Not only for the cops (one picture is of an old women in a wheel chair flipping the bird to a cop), but also for the lost souls who are so lost they see the cops as the enemy rather than someone trying to help them (few people see being taken into custody as a help).

Very much worth having and lingering over.

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.