Clubs Books

Kathy Patrick's book was a quick read but one which kept me coming back to re-read it. It is an entertaining and inspirational account of how to change directions in life and make the most of it. Kathy invites us into her life, then sits us down and gives us a make-over. It is sprinkled with notable quotes from the famous and not-so-famous, and lots of book recommendations. It is a springboard book, because now I have another stack of books to read! It is also a springboard book because it inspired me to start my own book club and to spread some literacy. Oh, and it contains some good recipes too!

Kathy Patrick is a force of nature. She's generous, funny, and life affirming. She created the Pulpwood Queens, the largest book club in America and she's a definitely the head queen. If you don't know about her you'll want to. Her book is a must read. So what are you waiting for?

Kathy Patrick is one of the great souls of Texas--an inspired writer and personality. This is a great book--a true celebration of life and literature--and I can't think of a better way to spend the day than by reading it!

The book is written as if I was having a private conversation with Kathy and she was my best friend. I became captivated from the beginning to the end and wanted more. She drew me into her life-her hopes, dreams, joys, and sorrows. The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life.(Book review): An article from: MBR BookwatchI am looking forward to Kathy's next book.

Kathy Patrick has written a wonderful excerpt of her life and times. This book was a walk down memory lane for me in a lot of the chapters. I really feel like this book underlines where we as women get our strength in good times and in bad. Support of each other, and I read it loud and clear in the pages of Kathy's book. Women share their sisterhood and support with their family and friends and then most of us will reach out to anyone we see in need. Faith, family, friends is what it is all about but said in such a warm and humorous way!

Writing The Right Word by writer, editor, and educator Dave Dowling (President of Write On Course, LLC, a company specializing in business and technical writing seminars...) is an excellent practical resource for writers of all skill and experience levels and backgrounds. Featuring entries in a lexicographic order, Writing The Right Word teaches aspiring writers the proper definitions of easily misused or confused words, such as levee versus levy, lightening versus lightning, spoor versus spore, and much, much more. A useful 235-page reference tool for avoiding common errors that computerized spelling-checkers will not detect, Writing The Right Word is a highly recommended and much appreciated addition to any personal or professional writing reference collection.

This is one reference book that won't languish on your shelf. Once one starts using it, it becomes second nature to double check your accuracy. My initial thought was that it was a bit slim (230+ pages), with largish type, but this is only a plus. Access becomes very quick and straightforward. The examples are clear and concise...it obviously de-fogs the memory banks (re proper word usage). ANY writer will use it and the book should be mandatory for any high school freshman (and your college student would thank you forever for the gift). Indeed, Dowling has presented us with a book that makes it much easier for writers--at the very least--to appear to be smarter...and that's a bargain. No regrets on this purchase. ((On second thought, it will help you with spoken english as well...ever use the wrong word at a meeting and feel like a schmuck?))

As a college-level instructor, I am often struck by how poorly most students use the English language. 'Writing the Right Word' is a unique and indispensible tool that can help anyone, from high school student to professional writer, learn how to write what he (or she) really means. In today's complex world, the importance of using the correct word cannot be overemphasized. This book explains the most common word confusions in a clear, concise, and 'user-friendly' format, complete with thought-provoking quotes at the beginning of each section. I found myself reading it for the sheer pleasure. Personally, I think this book should be required reading in the schools, and is definitely a 'must have' for anyone who makes his or her living as a writer. Dowling's descriptions are clear and understandable, his examples vivid and sometimes amusing. The sections on 'affect versus effect', 'that versus which' and 'who versus whom', words that rank among the most notorious for confounding the average writer, are themselves worth the price of the book.

The book is very useful and to the point. It is an excellent
resource for my business correspondence. Since people still
judge you on your ability to communicate in writing, it will
be very helpful. Will be using it frequently.

This concise guide is an excellent reference tool for any writer: published, aspiring to publish, business professional, or student. It contains most of the common word pairs that are likely to cause confusion, and provides clear definitions and examples for each. Equally importantly, this guide fills a gap that other reference texts fail to address. No writer should be without a copy!

I love this book, it has to be my favorite book of all time. Abby is the new girl in town and she moved her from Long Island with her mom and twin sis, Anna.

Anyways Abby is made to write a bio about her life for English. I seriously think this is the best one out of the Portrait Collection. Abby is so down to earth, humorous, and down right honest it's hard not to like her.

There are painful siturations in the book such as the details of her father's death, and the way she and her family handled it. It was with such honestly, you felt for Abby really bad espeically if you lost someone you truly and honestly love.

The hightlights of the book were whenever her family decided to go to Florida for Winter Break, and they althrough started out in seperate ways, but ended up retelling their favorite holiday stories, and creating new ways to celebrate the holidays together as a new family.

If you haven't read this book you should have. You will not be dissappointed. The way the book was written you find it hard not to like Abby especially after all the tragic situration her and her family had to endure, makes her a winner in all levels.

This book was so sad, it went into alot of detail about Abby's dad's death and how her mum never really gets over it (well, thats my impression) and how and how she went through everything. You really start to feel bad for Abby in the end! Read it if you like serious books, but not if you dont!

This book is the best, since Abby's the best baby-sitter! I really miss her in the new series, Friends Forever! I wish that there was a real person like Abby, so I could meet her! Please write some more regular BSC books, Ann, I really miss Abby!

Abby is, without question, my favorite member of the BSC series. (Yes, folks, the BSC has a following of ALL ages). Abby is smart, funny, wonderfully clever and gifted with natural expression. She's great! I like the way she tells her story in a tone of unflinching honesty and the part about the deep bond she and her dad have is classic. I also loved the way Abby's twin, Anna used musical terms to name the chapters of her version of their lives together. The sisters balance one another well. Abby is a very distinct personality and she is sorely missed in the new series. I wish Ann M. Martin would bring her back. Abby rocks!

The book has some parts which are funny and sad. Abby tells us how she was born and how she lived on Long Island.

bang BANG is a really hot little story about how women might use sex
to change the world. As the victim of a street crime, Paula Sherman
organizes a bunch of women to fight against the guns on the streets
of Philadelphia. You'll have to read the book to get her tactics, but
the whole thing is hilarious while it asks a very serious question.
The other thing that I liked about this story was the dead-pan spoof
of the media. In the beginning, Paula is worked over by the local
media. Later on, she works over the national media (Oprah. Clint.) big
time.
bang BANG is action-packed and funny and the writing's great---
entertaining, intelligent, and definitely worth a read.

I mostly read modern novels. I like writers who really care about the language and write beautiful stuff without getting so in love with their words that you can't understand them.
I like guys like Chuck Palahniuk, Peter Clenott Hunting the King, and Martin Amis and Richard Price, George Martin A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3), Milan Kundera and Derek Armstrong, especially for The Last Troubadour: Song of Montsegur and MADicine. Now I have a new favorite writer to love. Lynn Hoffman weaves a magic spell. You start this book and you're completely lost in from the beginning to the end. During the action scenes I didn't take a breath until they were over.
She is a very special writer and I look forward to her next book.

One of the most briliant novels in the last few years. A tragic story interspersed with lots of humor, frizzy copy and nimble dialogs. A must-read.

Edgy, sparse, witty, this novel grabbed me from the very first page. I read it overnight. Thoroughly recommend it if you're after something out of the ordinary. Five stars.

Everybody talks about guns, the right and the wrong about having them, but nobody does anything about it. (So to speak.) Nobody except this author. His ingenious novel tells how one woman deals with guns. And the way she deals with it carries you through the pages with the greatest of ease. I can imagine novelists saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" Five shots. I mean 5 stars.

I got really frustrated with this book because it did'nt say who had Stevie for secret santa! I liked it when they went caroling, but I wish Carol or Lisa would ride the Prancer rather than lead it. I think that would draw more attention. Over all. I would recomend all saddle Clubs to any one! There great!!!

this book is great it brings the special and giving side out of any person. what Caroles " secret santa " does for her is remarkably special! I love this book and I think you will too!

Another rare SADDLE CLUB great. When the girls draw names for Secret Santa's, Max tells them they have to DO something, not give something! Lisa and Carole are fine with who they draw, but Stevie draws...Veronica! Also, the girls are shocked when toys are stolen from Carole's dad's Marine Corps toy drive and they invent an exciting, equine way to raise money for more toys. But will they finish in time? And what will Stevie do for--not TO--Veronica? This is harder than anyone imagined. I loved this SUPER EDITION and I think everyone who loves horses and has friends should read it.

Hey everyone! I really liked this book, but I had a question for the people who've read it. What happened to the Starlight Ride this year? Why don't the Saddle Club girls go on it? That part really confused me. Thanx.

First of all I want to say that Bonnie Bryant is a really good author, I think the Saddle Club and Pine Hollow Books are brilliant! This book was very good, so much happened in it. At Pine Hollow Max held a secret santa but instead of buying something for the person you got you had to do something for them. Stevie got Veronica, Carole got Lisa and Lisa got Max. What Caroles secret santa does for her is really something special! Lisa's realatives, the Rosses from Scotland are over spending Christmas with the Atwoods, although she thinks there great she feels like shes no space to breath, this inspires what she is going to do for Max as his secret santa! Stevie is busy getting voice lessons to prepare for an audition for a solo part in her schools Christmas play..................While all this is happening Carole is busy helping her Dad and the marines collect toys as Christmas presents for needy children...Until!?! I would really recoment this book. It was very enjoyable to read!

this book was amazing.Because"claudia and the terrible truth"is about when claudia is baby-sitting Nate and Joey Nicholls and she found out that Mr.Nicholls has been abusing them.This book touched really my heart and I recommend it to all of you out there!

I really liked CLAUIDA AND THE TERRIBLE TRUTH. I felt really sorry for Nate and Joey because they get abused by their father. It is a very good book so defenetely read it! I gave it 5 stars because it dealt with a very big issue in the world and not many books do that.
Keep up the good work Ann and you will have even more readers in the UK!!!

Hi! My name is Sadira Jewelsten! Iýve read BSC books since I was eight until I was seventeen. I really enjoyed ýClaudia and the Terrible Truthý. It brought about a very sensitive subject in a way that kids and teens alike would be able to understand it.

It all begins when the BSC receives a new client who isnýt all he seems.
Claudia finds this out when she is assigned to baby-sit Joey and Nate and discovers a horrible secret about their home life-Nate and Joey are being abused by their father.
The boys first lie to Claudia about where theyýve gotten some of the bruises that Claudia is able to see, but later, Claudia-unseen by the father-witnesses it from a hiding place on the stairs. She doesnýtý know what to do at first, but then she does the right thing and tells her mother.
Ann m. Martin definitely has a way of bringing her readers into the story. I felt like I was right there with Claudia, feeling exactly as nervous and confused as she stood on the stairs and heard the loud slap of the boys being hit. Thatýs how powerful it was.
For anyone who is looking for a book that brings up a the subject of abusie in a way that really opens your eyes to it, I highly recommend ýClaudia and the Terrible Truthý.

When Claudia baby sits for the new clients, Nate and Joey are nice, well behaved boys but Mr. Nicholls yells at his two childrens and also yells at Mr. Nicholls. Then later, Mr. Nicholls will tell a story to why he's been like that it's so sad!

I enjoyed Claudia and the Terrible Truth. She starts sitting for new clients, the Nicholls. Nate and Joey are nice, well behaved boys, but they seem too jumpy and nervous. Claudia doesn't like the way Mr. Nicholls yell at the boys and his wife. He seems to have harsh rules like no talking at the dinnertable and no stuffed animals and bedtime stories. He says stuffed animals are childish and the boys are 8 and 5. Nate admitted to Claudia that their father threw away their stuffed animals given by their mother! He even threw a huge fit over a peanut butter jar left by Claudia on the counter. BIG DEAL! It's nothing to make war about, it's not like Claudia and the boys trashed the kitchen. Claudia notices that he verbally abuses Nate, Joey, and Mrs. Nicholls. The boys got all nervous about grass stains and paint stains at a parade meeting. I mean, they're kids and they deserve to play. Your childhood is short and that's what washing machines are for! The boys even got severly punished because Joey touched his father's briefcase! He didn't break it or mess up the stuff in it. Even though Nate didn't do anything, he was punished along with Joey and they had to scrub down the house while Claudia supervised and were banned from the parade meeting, tv, snack, and friends. Then Claudia heard Mr. Nicholls holler about his paper being in the recycle bin and smacked Joey hard. She decided to tell her mom about it and the boys and mother were removed from the house and went to live with relatives. At least they were safe from that evil jerk. I disagree with the reader from Maryland. Claudia never mentioned about never being smacked by her parents. She mentioned that she and her sister were never raised hell at by their parents like Mr. Nicholls did with his boys. It's okay to be firm with your kids and discipline them when they do something wrong, but abuse is not okay. Mr. Nicholls was very dominating and abusive. He reminded me of a Nazi. He took inventory of every crumb of food in the house and wanted everything obsessively neat and perfect in the house. Only robots could be perfectly neat.Anyways, I give this book a 10.

I had the privilege of meeting Kim Vogel Sawyer in 2007 at the ACFW conference in Texas. She is a best selling author of both CBA & CBD. As a pre-published novel writer I was a little intimidated. Okay, who am I kidding? I was a lot intimidated. But I found Kim to be a very gracious, non-intimidating author. And I give the credit to the fact that she truly writes for God.

The story has many threads, and the blurb on the back of the book and on Kim's website doesn't mention the thread that struck me the most. What touched me, was the thread about how much we need the love of our earthly father. I followed along with the bittersweet moments as some in the community embrace Marie, but her Father holds back his welcome. And her mother is a Godly wife who follows her husbands lead, even when it breaks her own heart. The conclusion to this thread was very healing for me.

This is a great read from a proven excellent writer. I end each book with a desire for the next book to be ready to read. I did have the pleasure of being able to purchase both Bygones and Beginnings from Amazon at the same time. Then Amazon had a prepurchase deal on the final series, Blessings. I have yet to finish it, but know it will be just as great as the other two. I highly recommend all three books, and all others Kim Vogel Sawyer has written. Thank You

I liked this book.I think she is a very good writer and will enjoy reading more of her books.Nadia Rehmani author of Sharper Than A Two Edged Sword.-my true story

It's been over two decades since Marie Koeppler married Jep Quinn. Jep's world offered the young Mennonite girl an exciting new life - until his death left her a very young widow and a single mother.

Shunned by her Old Order Mennonite family and friends, Marie makes a life for herself and her daughter in the "outside" world. In the twenty-three years since she left Sommerfeld, Kansas, she has all but forgotten her roots. But then her old Mennonite beau shows up with shocking news: A beloved aunt has died, leaving her house and café to Marie's daughter, Beth. The stipulation: Beth must live three months in Sommerfeld in order to claim the inheritance.

When Marie reluctantly accompanies her daughter back to her childhood home, she's unprepared for the onslaught of emotions and memories that await her there. Before long, she's yearning for and finding the faith she lost so long ago, and - much to her daughter's dismay - reclaiming old habits, lifestyles, and maybe even an old love.

But then someone starts stealing from the Mennonites, and suspicion falls at the outsiders' door. Even Henry, who never quite healed from Marie's abandonment of their budding relationship so long ago, turns an accusing eye on her and Beth.

Sommerfeld is a community built on strict biblical principles and rigid tenets. It's populated by good people with preconceived and often misplaced suspicions of outsiders. Marie despairs of proving her innocence, and her sincerity in returning to the Mennonite faith. Can she and Henry overcome the obstacles and rekindle the embers of love? Can they all find a way to let bygones be bygones?

Kim Vogel Sawyer's Bygones is a fascinating look into the Mennonite world, seamlessly woven into a fascinating, completely believable storyline. It's a well-written tale of faith and hope, of forgiveness and love, and of human frailty and strength, all portrayed in characters so real they move and breathe. Definitely a winner!

Marie is a former Mennonite girl who fell in love with a truck driver and left. In the interim, he died shortly, and she gave birth to his little daughter. Excited, Marie took her two week old back home where she was promptly rejected by her father and told to get out of his life, forever.
She did, keeping in touch with only one friend, her dear Aunt.

The aunt passed, leaving her little home and cafe to Marie's daughter with provisions they live there three months. Almost an impossibility, Marie accompanies her 20 yr old daughter Beth back to the Mennonite communtiy where they stand out in a negative way and make no friends.

Henry, who has remained single for 20 years, torn over his lost love, welcomes them to the community and makes things as easy as possible. One sister accepts them, but Marie's mother and father and several siblings do not.

Beth has a hard time living for three months without television, electricity, or modern conveniences, but Marie feels the pull of familiar days and she is happy. She actually turns back to the faith and culture of her youth. It is only when a mystery crime spree spoils her stay that she knows she must return to Wyoming.

The most painful paragraph is when sweet, loyal Henry believes that Marie is the culprit of the crimes. I am ready for book 2

Quite possibly the most charming cat stories ever written. Jenny the cat is filled with wonderful emotions that everyone can relate to...nervous about making new friends, afraid that she's not good enough, she proves herself through all sorts of wonderful adventures. Highly recommended!

Friends gave us this one for a birthday present for our six year old. Have since ordered the whole series!
Nice to have children friendly, wholesome story...our children can't hear it enough!

I loved these stories when I was a little girl and its been a joy to pass them along to my own daughters. I love how Jenny realizes her own worth even though she feels so small and shy sometimes. Friends, loyalty, and fun adventures makes these stories timeless

I love Jenny Linsky. I love her gentle nature, her kindness, her shyness. I loved her from the moment I opened the book and read the first paragraphs to my (then) 5 year old daughter. I loved her as I made red pom-poms to tie onto a red scarf so my daughter could dress up as Jenny for Halloween. But five years later, she's my second favorite Linsky. My most favorite is my three year old daughter, Zoe Linsky, whom her big sister lovingly named after the nicest person she could think of, a little black cat named Jenny.

I am so glad they re-released this book--my mother was thrilled to receieve it. Seller sent the book in great condition and it arrived very quickly.

I stumbled upon the reviews for this book while looking for another novel. I am glad that I took the time to order it and read it. This is my first time reading anything by this author, but I definitely enjoyed it.

This is the story of Noelle and Joel. It is told in both of their voices which I really liked. I like being able to see what both characters are thinking of the same situation. Noelle and Joel are exploring a relationship, one that started out as friendship, turned into something more and then because of circumstances and timing, kept on going as friendship. They never really get out of one another's systems though and they continue their relationship, a platonic one, through cards and letters. That is until Joel writes Noelle and tells her that they have to stop all contact. Here is where their story begins.

I enjoyed this journey through friendship, love and loss.

This is a story of attraction, missed opportunities, indecision, and clinging to the past that evolved over nearly thirty years involving two high school and college friends, Noelle Moncada and Joel Rolland. Though Noelle, low-keyed, smart, and a striking beauty, intrigued Joel, for various reasons he was unable to establish a genuine romance with her, despite repeated chances. They both moved on to marriage with others, yet wanted to remain friends.

Certainly a key component of the book is an exploration of that possibility - can past loves be part of one's life as friends. Naturally circumstances and the individuals involved, especially spouses, are key to that possibility as is reinforced in this story.

The book is more broadly a keen look at the social complexities and positioning in transitioning from high school to college. Though set in the late 1970s, the same challenges exist today. The book is of modest length, yet the main characters are well-drawn. However, perhaps the one scene between Noelle and Joel that would most interest readers is merely suggested and not described - too bad. This is a very good first novel; however, since this one was autobiographical, it will be interesting to see if more are forthcoming.

It's the excellent, descriptive writing and realistic dialogue that pulled me through this story very quickly. It was appropriately recommended by a female friend of mine, who has been my friend forever. A Line Between Friends is the story of a relationship between a man and a woman that over the years becomes challenged by marriage to other people. The woman, Noelle, thinks it's working until she received a short note from the man, Joel, telling her they can no longer be friends. Together, they go back in time and show how their relationship got to that point.

The author gives equal voice to both characters, alternating chapters between them. It asks the question, "can a man and a woman remain friends after each marries someone else?" but the book doesn't necessarily answer this question. When I closed the book, I was left deliberating about this couple and it also made me think of my own relationships. I look forward to talking about it with my friend . . . and my wife.

Anyone who has ever googled an old flame will relate to this book.

Michele Cozzens' A Line Between Friends captures--in heart-wrenching detail--the bittersweet passage of time, the memory of teenage love, and the necessity of growing up and accepting the choices we've made. I found myself cheering for Joel and Noelle, but I also wanted to slap some sense into them. "Look," I felt like shouting, "You're perfect for each other! Wake up! Get it together!" But Joel's and Noelle's family obligations, jobs, and other relationships get in the way, causing them to miss obvious opportunities to express their love for each other. Ultimately, in an ending that's both satisfying and sad, they learn to accept the meaning of their friendship.

Cozzens has sprinkled her very real characters with a healthy dose of charm, and planted them in an era and environment that will strike a chord with anyone who came of age in the late seventies and eighties. I recognized myself and my friends in many of Cozzens' wacky and lovable college kids. At one point, I swear I could smell the marijuana.

Cozzens has a knack for writing about balance and choice. Her memoir-- I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner-- reveals the tightwire act performed by women who decide to combine motherhood with a career. Although I'm not considering dragging out the bell-bottom jeans and the bong, A Line Between Friends made me long for a time and place that I miss, just a little, when the doors in my life seem to creak shut. Oh, to go back, to sort it out differently, to take the chances I wish I had taken! Cozzens points out, with skill, humor, and a clever plot, that the road away from true love can sometimes help us discover ourselves.

Robin Meloy Goldsby is the author of Piano Girl: A Memoir and the solo piano artist featured on Songs from the Castle and Twilight.

I have read Michele Cozzens' I'M LIVING YOUR DREAM LIFE and THE THINGS I WISH I'D SAID, so I was a big fan to begin with. But this was something I was not ready for...one of the most brilliantly written works of fiction I've read in years. I can see why it won an award. The book contains some extraordinary writing, with humourous and insightful details sprinkled throughout. I cannot say enough good things about this book. And now I'm hearing that publishers around the world are buying the rights to this book for their countries. Way to go Michele!

From the publisher of Two Dozen Lessons from an Editor

Galen's images are inspiring, but the real value of this book is the wealth of topics, inspiration, and creative thinking presented in the articles.
This is NOT a coffee-table book. It is one you should take the time to read and digest. If you're an outdoor photographer you will appreciate the energizing effect of Galen's writing. A rare gem among countless other "pretty pictures but not much substance" offerings.

This is a must read for anyone who likes to shoot landscape photography. This book doesn't go into a lot of technical details, and the author assumes the readers have a basic knowledge of how SLRs operate, but rather it deals more with the "why" of photography and "when", which I found to be very interesting and thought provoking. Galen Rowell shares his insights about mountain light and how his mind works when he is out with a camera along with what photography meant for him, and it changed my approach to landscape photography. He also shares his unsuccessful stories, which is not very usual for these types of books, and it's good to see that even for photographers of his level things have never come easy. Luck is a big part of it all, and he has a great essay there on how to be in a better position for its appearance. In addition, this book is full of his outstanding landscape art, and that alone is worth whatever the price you will pay for it.

It's a great book ! you'll find all you need about photographing up in the mountains ! Galan Rowell was a great person ! A book worth reading by anybody who enjoys photography at high altitude.

This is a beautiful book..full of amazing photos and will inspire you to take pictures like Galen.

This is a book about making meaningful landscape photographs. This is not a book about which f/stop to use or how to adjust your depth of field or exposure. There are a ton of those types of books on the market. This book is about vision, learning to see and connecting personally with your images.

If you're comfortable with the mechanical aspects of your camera and are struggling with "technically well executed but lifeless images" this is your guide.

I highly recommend it.