Texas Books

Shelia Wood Foard has created a great resource for middle-grade teachers to use in their classroom. What better way to reach students than with literature that speaks to them and tells a story--a Harvey Girl's story at that! Children love to learn about the past, and they love stories. Foard's book does a wonderful job of both. Harvey Girl would be a great read aloud or an even better literature circle discussion book. Check it out today!

I enjoyed "Harvey Girl" very much. Foard is a good writer. She obviously knows her history but she also knows the value of a good story. Through the skillful use of fiction and the development of Claire, the main character,the entire era comes alive. I particularly liked the way in which the early twentieth century Ozarks culture and dialect were so faithfully portrayed. You'll like this story and learn some new things as well. I guarantee!

Harvey Girl is as delicious as the gourmet food once served in Harvey Houses along the railways of the Southwest. Sheila Wood Foard sweeps readers into the past, in a story that both kids and adults will enjoy. Ride the rails with fourteen-year-old Clara Fern Massie as she runs away from her Ozark home to become a waitress in New Mexico and later at a Harvey House on the rim of the Grand Canyon. As she learns the "Harvey Way," Clara meets movie stars, famous suffragists, cowboys and Indians while secrets and lies threaten to send her home. I especially enjoyed watching Clara mature from a country girl to an independent, young woman. Harvey Girl is historical fiction at its best, a terrific read and ideal for classroom use.

I just love Joan Johnston's books so each time a new one comes out I can't wait to get it. She really gets into her characters. What I really liked about this book is how the second story picks up pieces from the first story and continues on. Only took me 4 hours to read the book and I was wishing I had another one of hers to read.

I klove Joan Johnston's books. she has a real knack for bringing people to life and making you want to jump into the pages with them. In The Cowboy and the Priness, Faron's story is very interesting because he meets his heroione ina an unusual way, at least an unusual relationship, and both of them are too afraid to believe this could be real because of past experiences. But you cheer for them every step of the way and clap your hands when you get to the Happily Ever After. In The Wrangler and the Rich Girl once again the reader is pulled right into the story. Although you want to slap Garth upside the head at least a hundred times for being such a rigid fool. You will love Candy, the "Rich Girl", and her determination a grit and again, the happy ending is just what the doctor ordered. For all of us collecting Johnston's wonderful Whitelaw series, you can't afford to miss this book.

These two stories are part of the "Hawk's Way" series of romantic, modern day westerns and adventures by Joan Johnston.The core family, the Whitelaws(don't ya just love that name) are 3 brothers and 1 sister who have lost their parents, but have managed on their own and are a close knit group. The first 4 stories begin with them. If you havn't read them yet, the first in the series is "Honey and the Hired Man"(Middle brother Jessie's story)and "The Rancher and the Runaway Bride"(Tate, the beautiful little sister's story)

"The Cowboy and the Princess" is the 3rd in the Hawk's Way series. It is Faron's story the youngest of the brothers and quite the ladies man. Faron's story unfolds into a love like a fairy tale(but not for kids!).

Faron gets the news. A letter from a woman claiming to be his step-mother. Seems Mom Whitelaw had herself a little affair, and Faron was the result. This was the first he heard that he was not a full blooded Whitelaw. He is quite upset by the news, and takes off for Wyoming to confront his horrid stepmother who says he is in the will. He's not a happy camper. While scouting across the land he is to inherit, he runs into the most gorgeous creature he has ever seen. A beautiful blonde who looks like a princess.And By the way, Faron is no slouch in the looks department as well. Johnston doesn't make us wait too long for the first scene of passion. As these two find something in each other's arms they both needed. He calls her his Princess, she calls him "Cowboy". And of course, neither knew at the time, that he was the stepson of this young and beautiful princess(Belinda Prescott), but when they do find out, the friction between them only adds more heat to their passion. They try(really hard) to stay away from each other, but Faron is there to help his father's wife fix up the ranch for sale, and it's awfully hard to keep them apart.Other new and wonderful characters are introduced that we hope to see in some future stories. Faron's new grandmother, is some fun and feisty old lady!

The story of Belinda Prescott's marriage to Faron's father, and the description of the Wyoming Ranch,"King's Castle" and it surroundings adds greatly, but the romance is one of the best. These two were made for each other, and you know it. The passion heats up. There is even a ride on horseback(with both on the same horse), that is like no other ride. The book kept me turning the pages all the way through.

The Wrangler and The Rich Girl" is 4th in the Series(there are many more to follow). Oldest brother Garth finally finds love in this sizzling romance. Garth's story is the last of the core family, before the series moves on to more branches of this passionate family tree.

Garth has been raising up his brothers and sister, since the death of his parents. They are a close knit and raucous bunch, and their wildness only adds to their passionate and steamy relationships. Garth is very different than his younger siblings. He was old enough at the time it happened, to witness the demise of his parent's marriage due to his mother's infidelity, resulting in the birth of Faron, youngest of the brothers. Any woman would love to fall into the arms(and bed) of this rugged and gorgeous wrangler. But Garth has a problem with trust and commitment.He cannot get passed what his mother did, and the women he sees and beds are just there for his pleasure. And they are the type who don't ask for more then that. Enter Candy Baylor. A girl he had known through his business dealings with her very wealthy father. She was young,and spoiled when they first met, and practically threw herself at this hunk of a man, only to be violently kisses, then tossed aside by Garth. Three years later, she is a woman, but only in age. Her desire now is to breed and train cutting horses, that specialize in separating cows from the herd for the ranchers. She's always gotten her way with her rich father, and now she won't have less then the number one guy in the field, Garth, teach her.

Garth remembers(as does she), their little encounter, and plans to have his way with her now that she is a woman. But that's all he wants from this beautiful rich girl. As the lessons progress,he has his way often, something Candy enjoys for the first time in her life. But their feelings for each other are growing as well. They can hardly be in the same room without the sparks flying. Candy knows that Garth cannot express his feeling, in any other way then to make love to her quite demonstratively. The storyline parallels the lessons Garth is giving her on taming a stubborn, wild stallion to stud. Candy takes each step slowly, knowing that Garth has issues from his past, that prevent him from trusting a woman enough to marry her.

In the meantime, their passion sizzles in nearly every chapter(sometimes even a couple of times per chapter), and if you are thinking that it's a story where the man just has his way whenever he wants...think about how Rhett Butler forcefully carried Scarlett up to the bedroom one night, and how she was happily singing the next morning! The story will have you turning the pages, as there is much more substance to this romance then just the hot love scenes.

The story runs parallel to Faron's story, as this romance takes place, during the same timespan while Faron is in Wyoming having his own complications. There are a couple of scenes, near the end, that are the exact scenes from "The Cowboy and the Princess", but this time it is played out from Candy's view point.

It's probably a good idea but not necessary to read them in order.Each stands on it's own and Ms. Johnston gives a pretty good background of the other siblings and their stories, in each book. The series goes on to branch out to other family members and generations, and there are several that come 2 or 3 together in one book. "Hawks Way Rouges" and "Hawk"s Way Bachelors"(which includes these two plus The Runaway Bride(Tate) are a couple of the books that include 3 of the novellas together. So you may want to check before buying any of the individual books. It saves on shipping costs as well.

It's a great series, and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Enjoy...Laurie

Outstanding story line, keeps your interest with every turn of the page! Attention Hollywood! The screenplay of the year is in this book!

Stevens really holds the reader in anticipation from chapter to chapter. It has the horror of Stephen King, suspense of Hitchcock, twist of Serling with a little Harlequin romance thrown in for good measure. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Horror/Fantasy, Science fiction. Can't wait to read the sequel!!

Well written book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wouldn't be surprised if this were to become a movie.

This story was well written and had some interesting twists to it. I felt like I knew the main characters Alex and Hannah. The love story starts out on an unusual twist but you feel compelled to keep reading to find out how the story ends. It leads in to the second book of the Texas Sheikhs series "His Arranged Marriage" by Tina Leonard. I highly recommend this book!

Kasey Michaels offers us another great read in this Harl. American series. Alex is a wonderful hero and his devotion to Hannah is well drawn out. The development of his character and the transformation of Hannah is enchanting. I read this book after reading the second in the series by Tina Leonard and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

If you like Texas books, a hunky prince in hiding, and a strong woman to tame him, you should definitely read this book! The first in a series of Texas Sheiks, Kasey's characters are magical and different--as usual! You will fall in love with Hannah-Banana . . . it's a very touching story. I picked this book up because I'd read other books of hers, and I was not disappointed.

You really have to read the other books to FULLY appreciate all the nuances of this book. Great job by Robin Hardy. If you are not familiar with her books, Padre and the Streiker series is a good place to start. She is an exceptional storyteller and gifted writer.

Up until this point, Robin's books have stayed out of each other's business, though three of them are based in or around Dallas. Dallas being a big place, this is believeable. But when she brought two people together from seperate series' (Paul from Padre and Fletcher from Streiker series), it was pure genius! I have not laughed so hard, or turned pages as fast as when I was reading this book. I finished it in roughly 5 hours. I think that's a record for me (for a book that size). I would suggest reading Padre again (or for the first time!), as you will note a reference to Streiker (annonymous, of course), and it will make both books much more enjoyable to read. And for me, it had been over 4 years since I read Padre, so it was nice to have a "refresher" read. Keep your eyes peeled for other "guest" appearances (hint: from Sammy) in this bold, witty book. Enjoy!

I had enjoyed Robin Hardy's book "Padre" when it came out years ago. I was thrilled to read the new edition of "Padre" and the sequel, "His Strange Ways." I always wanted to read more about Royce and her strong and sweet husband, Paul.

Like "Padre," "His Strange Ways" is a romantic adventure, but the sequel is almost like one of those computer games where you have no instructions, you're just in a room with different objects in it and you have to figure out what you need in order to do what you are supposed to do.

Kinda like life, huh?

More good stuff from Robin Hardy.

The Menger Hotel is my favorite place on earth. Some of the staff there was impressed that I know the history of the hotel. Sometimes I reread this book. I would like to meet Ms.Williams.And to stay in the King Ranch Suite.

No one writes about Texas' ghostly history like Docia Williams. Having visited the Menger, I was delighted to find Docia's fascinating account of the "life and times" of this venerable old hotel. After providing a short history of the Menger family and early construction, Docia jumps right into the personalities that make this 140-year-old hotel so unique. The Menger's guest list has included Ulysses S. Grant, Gen. Sam Houston, Bob Hope, John Wayne, and the list goes on and on. Read about Teddy Roosevelt's 1898 recruitment of the Rough Riders in the Menger Bar (and the ghostly recruitment that frightened a recent Menger employee). Enjoy the account of Captain Richard King, owner of the famed million-acre Texas King Ranch. A resident guest, the 60-year-old rancher died in his suite in 1885; apparently he liked the accomodations, because he still returns now and again for visits.

Of equal interest are the personal recollections of Asst. Gen. Mgr. Ernesto Malacaro who has dealt with some memorable guests in his 20+ years with the hotel. In a brief chapter titled "Specialties of the Past" the author serves up some interesting tidbits about long past dining experiences at the Menger. Mr. Menger raised his own hogs and was very proud of his cured bacon, pork chops, etc. One of his animals weighed over 1,000 pounds and was nearly seven feet long!

The final chapters cover ghostly manifestations including Sallie White (murdered in 1876), the Confederate officer on the patio, the portly apparition of a maitre d' in the Colonial Dining Room, phantom chambermaids, and others. Read about the woman who awoke to find a male ghost grinning at her from the foot of her bed; the woman and her husband moved to a newer section of the hotel after the ghost "got frisky and tried to pull the bedcovers off her."

In addition to the various stories, Docia Williams includes photographs taken of the hotel and its notable guests throughout the years. This book is a Texas treasure trove of historical fact and trivia from the mid-1850's to the present. It will be a valued part of your library.

My wife and I just spent a few days at the Menger Hotel and happened to run across this book. After being in awe of the hotel itself, this book provided us with a marvelous background of a hotel dating back almost 150 years. The author explains the history of the hotel in a very straight forward, easy to read format and left us wanting for more. As we sat outside in the gardens, we could just imagine the formal balls going on around us and the captivating personalities, written about in the book, strolling through the lobby. This is obviously a very throuroughly researched, well documented book encompassing the comings and goings of some very well known people, and some ghostly ones as well. We were just waiting to see Captain King stroll down the hallway, or see one of the various other spirits reliving their past life in this remarkable hotel. This book is a must read for those that love to read about Texas history, and the spirits that encompass it!

Great instructions and forms. Saved us thousands in attorney fees. I only wish it came with a CD that had text files of all the forms.

Very informative, easy to understand. A must if you are settling an estate in Texas.

We were able to settle my inlaws' estate without an attorney by using this book. A great help for anyone, especially those without a large estate who don't want to, or can't, spend thousands on legal advice.

Schmandt-Besserat is not only an acknowledged leader in epigraphy, she is one of the only linguists to study the slowly evolving history of the assyro-babylonian literary culture. This book, and any other by this author, is strongly reccommended for any library or archeological department.

This book will take you through the ruins of an ancient city in Mesopotamia and then will explain the meaning of certain tablets and clay coins found there. The author is very clear in her explanations, there are plenty of pictures and graphics which make your understanding of the text easier. This book is for those who like reading scholarly material because it is very concise and precise on the subject but it could seem dry reading to those who prefer the material to be presented in a more entertaining way.
I found it very interesting, and it helped me understand the transition from letters to numbers. I loved it!

Holy Moley! By Internet standards, the first (and only, until mine) review of this book is of a seemingly archaeological date, seven years ago, that is. Well, I suppose this review won't make much difference when (if) it's read seven years from now! This book is, obviously, a work by a scholar, which is an entirely different category of "being smart." We don't call upon scholars to fix our plugged-up toilets or change the flat tire on our car or restore the electricity, but, if you know just enough history to be grateful to live in our consumer-friendly epoch, you'll be grateful that some out there have dedicated their lives to recording and analyzing the long process of human growth, and the growth of civilization. You can have your Back To Nature fantasies--I'll take the hot shower and electric coffee maker, thank you very much. This particular work, apparently, is a condensation of a two-volume scholarly work, one which, I am sure, that I will never read. But the current volume (the second half of which I read last night, while eating fancy crackers and drinking humble red wine--giving me a connection, I felt, to the agrarian Past of Sumer and Uruk, etc.) is about as good as it gets for laymen (me). For me, it's almost like a religious text, transcending race, language, skin color, nationalism; it's like a Time Machine that takes you back within the range of a subtle sniff of our "egalitarian" prehistoric ancestors; "egalitarian" meaning a small-population culture where you pretty much fed yourself and participated in the group without the framework of authority other than myth and ritutal. A fun read for those who have exhausted the cultural potentialities of SIMPSONS reruns. I wholeheartedly agree with the author's thesis that counting preceded writing. In fact, it was my hunch--from my own reading and thinking--that this was so that prompted me to search for a book with this theory. It just makes sense. I highly doubt that any early resident of a city started the road to high civilization talking about "ennui" or "existentialism." They talked about, "Hey! I paid you this much last month. And you owe me this much tomorrow." Makes sense to me. Just the evidence-supported argument alone that breaking the counting-beyond-three barrier took thousands of years was worth the cover price to me. The single concept (and revelation) that in no way is the faculty of counting beyond three inate to brain function and hence, inate to our modern minds, is simply stunning to me, and adds a dose of gratitude to my daily life, a realization that makes it easier to laugh off the troubles of modern life. We owe so much to the hundreds of generations of men and women who have gone before us, most just living day to day. A good read, especially when enjoyed with fancy crackers and red wine...and about forty years' worth of reading, living and reflecting. So far as what the next review will address: I ain't holding my breath--and that is a very archaelogical attitude.

I've checked this book out from the library twice. Both times I returned it late because I didn't want to give it up. I finally realized that I needed to buy one for myself. It is an excellent resource for beginners and experts. Howard Garrett teaches us that working with nature is easier, more effective, and safer for our planet than trying to master it. Nature cannot be controlled. This book helps you learn how to work in harmony with your natural surroundings. Also included is a handy month-by-month guide to organic gardening.

Howard Garret has provided an easy reading, informative view aimed toward those of us in Texas that prefer the natural, organic methods of gardening. The subjects flow smoothly from basics of soil preparation and maintenance, through dealing with pests in environmentally freindly ways.

Much of the information strikes familiar chords for Texas gardeners, like dealing with our perverse soils, doing battle with our average (?) weather conditions, and deciphering seed catalogs mostly from nothern climates that don't provide satisfactory choices for out USDA zones.

I enjoyed this book so much that I ordered his Texas Organic Vegetable Gardening : The Total Guide to Growing Vegetables, Fruits,Herbs, and Other Edible Plants the Natural Way - I,m sure it will be just as good.

If you garden in Texas you need this book! The book offers solutions to many of the unique problems of Texas gardeners: The best plants for your area, organic ways to improve your soil, get rid of pests, plants to avoid, this book is great!

I loved all of these stories and can't wait for the full length stories that will come out soon. Even though each story is not very long they have lots of depth and feeling. If you want stories of healing emotionally bruised women so they can love again. These stories are for you. Also these stories are not for the faint of heart.

If you like seductive vampire heroes, you're going to love this book, because it's full of them. There's Don Raphael, once a medieval Spanish knight, now the leader of a band of vampires; Ethan Templeton, his handsome protegee who falls in love with a modern female cop; Jean Marie, a gorgeous Frenchman; and all the other wonderful heroes who populate these stories.

If you're a little wary of gore, don't be. Diane's vampires are lovers, not killers. I, personally, would hapily trade a pint of AB positive for a little of the Don's time! -- Angela Knight

Diane Whiteside has written a wonderfully erotic collection of stories about 3 vampires. I love Vampire stories anyway, but these were so well written and the stories flowed very well. These are very erotic, steamy & hot stories. I couldn't get enough! I loved the story of Don Rafael and Ethan (two of the vamps) and their first encounter with a young maiden. Lets just say they had their way with her and she wanted more! LOL I won't give away the story lines, but I do highly recommend this ebook. It is a wonderful read and one that you will pull out again and again. Ms Whiteside, if you read this, when is the next book coming out? I want more of these fine, sexy, erotic vamps!!