American Books

This is a great one! The descriptions for hand movement are fantastic, give excellent instructions, and "memory aids" for remembering the words. The book is a convenient size and fits in the diaper bag without adding weight, so it's a great companion to take out and about with you.

I HIGHLY recommend this book, especially for parents who have NEED to teach thier children to sign (deaf or otherwise non-verbal kids). The book teaches Americal Sign Language, as opposed to modified sign the way a lot of "baby" or "toddler" videos and books teach, so it's good for life-long communication.

This is one that has already gotten lots of use in our house, and it's my first go-to reference when I need to understand what my toddler is trying to communicate with me!

I love this book. My son's learning center teaches a new sign language word every week and this has been an excellent resource for me to continue (& keep up) his learning. There are arrowed pictures to ensure that you are signing properly, along with a helpful memory hint. It's amazing how quickly kids pick up sign language!

I like this guide. It is in alphabetical order and contains just about every word you would want to use to communicate with a child. My older son is also having fun learning the signs and using them with the baby. I started using this book with my son at about 8 months.

Very thorough guide. Works like a dictionary. Excellent listing of signs you can use daily. mb

This book is so helpful I carry it in our "Diaper" bag. (We actually use elimination communication so our baby hasn't used diapers since 11 weeks, but we still call it our diaper bag. See Potty Whispering: The Gentle Art of Infant Potty Training) I frequently pull this book out when my son needs a word. He is 19 months and knows about 70 signs. He even signs in his sleep (I wonder what he was dreaming the night he was signing "paper.") This is the most comprehensive signing book I have found. Lots of good kid words--like yogurt and cracker--that I couldn't find anywhere else. My biggest complaint about this book (and why only 4 stars) is the food words. It mainly has sweet based foods (and even signs for McDonald's.) There are limited fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods. So I also carry Fruits & Vegetables (Beginning Sign Language Series)Also, despite the great number of words in here, it is not totally comprehensive. It doesn't have the word "key." Every toddler loves keys so I'm not sure why that's missing. I'd love it if there was a website where I could recommend words for future editions.

For those of you uncertain about using sign as much as we do, it has really made having a toddler much simpler. He can tell stories about the time the dog had the bird in its mouth and we got the bird from the dog and took the bird outside. When he dropped his toy into a hole in the floorboards, his signing conveyed to me what had happened (since I didn't witness it.) When he got cactus thorns in his hands and was, naturally, screaming as I took them out, he signed "water." I got him a drink of water and he calmed down. Without the ability to make that request, he would have kept screaming (I never would have thought to give him water.) Some people have questioned if sign language at our level will delay speech. I asked a developmental pediatrician about that. She considers children who sign bi-lingual. Bi-lingual children often do have slight delays in their speech. However, the brain development that occurs is so beneficial that it is better for the children. At 19 months our son has his 70 signed words and about 20 spoken words. He spends much of each day repeating a verbal word he is just now learning (dishes is one of his favorites.)

I received this cookbook for a gift and I love it. So many cookbooks you get have obscure items in the ingredient lists that cost a fortune once you find them. This cookbook has easy to follow recipes that my family will eat and I can find the ingredients at my local grocery store. I have bought this book as a gift four four friends and I am getting another one today.

I love this book! I've collected Junior League and other cookbooks for the last ten years, and this one is a gem! The recipes are easy to follow and use ingrediants I can find at my grocery store. My family especially loves the "comfort foods" section. The margin notes and stories make it interesting and personal. I'm enjoying my copy and have given many as housewarming and hostess gifts.

Texas Ties is incredible! It has a unique recipe for every occasion and draws compliments no matter what the dish. Whether cooking for friends, family, holidays or a week-night dinner, you and your guests will be delighted by the delectable treasures I have found in the Texas Ties cookbook!

I am a huge cookbook fan and love to cook. Texas Ties is my favorite cookbook. I received it as a gift and was pleasantly surprised to see that the recipes are easy to make, unique, and delicious. My all-time favorite recipe is the caramel oatmeal bars. I make these often (especially during the holidays) and will give them to family and friends. Everyone seems to always love what I make from this cookbook! I would definitely recommend this book!!

My daughter, Ali May, recently gave me Texas Ties as a gift. Shortly after that I had a small dinner party and decided to try some recipes from Texas Ties, keeping in mind I shouldn't try new recipes for a party, but I did anyway. These are the recipes I tried that day: White Texas Sheet Cake (a favorite of my entire family now), Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (my guests all took seconds on this one), Black Beans,Corn, and Tomatoes (a juicy marinated salad which is now one of my husband's favorites), and Sumptuous Raspberry and Spinach Salad (a delightful change from lettuce/tomatoes). Just this past week our family came for dinner and I made Best Banana Pudding. I did add 1 t. of vanilla to this one. My grandson, Trent, asked for the first bowl and it was all completely gone by early evening. I am a cookbook collector and Texas Ties is now one of my favorites! Happy Cooking to you!

This is the first book in the Ellie Haskell series. This book is no longer available in our local library system so I had to order it. I really enjoyed the book and definitely plan to continue making my way through the series. I'm glad that Amazon had the book available for purchase. I tried Barnesandnoble.com and Borders.com and neither site had this book available.

I wasn't particularly impressed with this book. It was good enough to keep reading, but it wasn't until the ending (don't worry I won't say what happens) that I really started to like it in spite of myself, hense the 3 stars. The characters are generally likeable. Ellie is a little too obsessive about her weight and too self-depreciating. It starts to get annoying. The plot also seems a little thin (no pun intended).

I hate to admit this, because it's nothing against the book at all. I absolutely love this book but for the life of me I can never remember the name. I know what it's about and about when I read it so I search my library for the name each time.
The story is so entertaining and fresh. What's funny is I have read other books in this series and for some reason never knew this was one of the first in it's series. Please don't think it's a bad part on the book because it's not it's my brain.

Ellie like many women in her same situation wants to impress her family because they kind of give that attitude of I'm better than you because she's plump and single. Ellie decides her best bet is to have someone attractive and male on her arm when she visits them this time around. So she calls on Eligibility Escorts and enter one Bentley Haskell. He's a bit abrasive, but he fits the bill as far as being nice to look at and perfect to play the single girls long time beau. Bentley is a trained chef, but has taken up writing an ADULT/Graphic novel.
Once cornered with her family though Ellie makes Bentley not just her Beau but her fiancée in a very humorous moment. So as the weekend ends Ellie goes home with confidence she's gotten away with her lie and can go about her business.
Then her uncle dies and he gets one over on the family by stipulating that he is leaving Ellie and Bentley his entire fortune and castle home if they both accomplish two things in the next 6 months. Ellie's supposed to lose weight and make herself over. Bentley is supposed to write a full length book, but it has to be free of blasphemy which is going to be difficult because the book he's been writing will not do at all.
The mystery begins as people disappear and Ellie and Bentley are being targeted by a mysterious person who wants them to fail and will do anything to make sure they do.
This story is funny and fresh. I love it.
The audio version is abridged but very well read by Amanda Donohoe. I'm glad I discovered this book was part of the series I had already come to love because it's a great beginning for it.

I read the Ellie Haskell series out of order so finally getting to read the first book was great! It was nice to see how it all began...how Ellie met Ben and how they all ended up at Merlin's Court. I'm a big fan of Dorothy Cannell. Her books have always kept my interest. I love the twists and turns of the mysteries. I can't wait to read more!

Ellie Simmons really wants to be thinner. But with her love of food, it wasn't going to happen any time soon. Then she gets an invitation to go see her family and is not sure what she should do. All she knows is that if she goes she must have a date. Ellie decides to hire an escort from an escort service but after meeting her date, Bently T. Haskell, she is about to regret it. They show up at Merlin's Court, only to have her cousin making eyes at Ben and her Uncle Merlin show up in odd places. An unexpected death and puzzle to solve is enough to put Ellie over the edge. She almost loses her appetite for food but Ben's cooking while they solve the puzzle helps her out. Can Ellie she trust anyone around her?

My favorite character was Ellie. I could really relate to her struggles to lose weight and how society looked at her. She didn't let it get her down. Ellie had to persevere through everything in order to help solve the puzzle. She really had to work hard and make things work or she would not get an inheritance. Ellie was a true fighter and I loved how things worked out for her in the end. Now, now that she needed it but she really wanted it . My other favorite character was Dorcas. She was there to help solve the puzzle. She may have come towards the end of the book but her part was important. Dorcas filled in bits and pieces to things at the end that made everything seem right.

The storyline and the characters of The Thin Woman were real to me. Ellie had to learn to change her habits towards food and embrace who she was becoming in order to earn her inheritance. The struggle that Ellie had with her family was interesting. I never knew families could be so dysfunctional. I could see that the struggle in this book had a purpose. It showed that life is a struggle but you need to keep going, the answer could be just around the corner.

I really loved this book. Dorothy Cannell is a wonderful writer and she makes things so real to life. I had a difficult time putting it down. The twist and turns in the book were unpredictable and made the plot interesting. The surprise towards the end was worth the entire book. Cannell had me on the edge of my seat in one part and the next laughing my head off. This author is one amazing writer. I really enjoyed what she had written and I look forward to reading more books by her in the future. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery and not knowing who committed all the crimes.

Reviewed by Krista
For BBW Reviews

Wonderfully written. The characters are very well drawn out, especially Graceanne and her mother. The story is told from Graceanne's brother's perspective. Although many people in her life see Graceanne as being a misbehaving "problem" child, it is clear from the way she treats her siblings and friends that Graceanne is one of the most loving characters I have ever met. I was sorry that the book ended. I want to know more about what happens in their lives. I highly recommend this book.

Very true to life story of a fractured family. You will have a hard time putting it down.

Once I began reading this book, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was anxious to get back to the story to find out what happened to these children, always hoping that some drastic event would change their lives for the better. The writing is so vivid that you can easily picture the settings and feel their pain. The ending leaves you haunted and wishing to go back and make it right for them. I highly recommend this book as one of the best that I have read.

The minute I finished this book I wanted to talk about it with someone. I wanted to explore the rich Missouri setting, the strong characters that are authentic and interesting, and the issues of racisim and child abuse that rage through this novel like the river that floods Graceanne's home town.

In a nutshell, Graceanne is a spirited highly intelligent child who is the sole recipient of her mother's violent abuse. She remains strong, witty and true to herself throughout the entire novel. I strongly disagree with a fellow reviewer who believes that Graceanne "got what she deserved" because she was such a willful and devilish child. I believe her antics, such as hiding out in the school's flooded basement for two days so that she could be "Champion for Eternity" in a game of hide-and-seek, was her way of not letting the abuse do her in. It was her way of preserving her soul.

At first I was really worried that the child-abuse scenes would be too vivid. I worried that they would be the central imagery of the story. They aren't. Whitney uses them just enough, and is detailed just enough, so that you know how sick the mother really is. The author often makes you laugh and smile at a small town childhood, and small town kids getting into small town mischief.

This is really a story of kids overcoming the hands that life has delt them. Charlie overcoming his club foot, Graceanne her abuse and Wanda the racism that plagued that era of American history. These kids perservere with such charm and such thoughtfulness. In the end you are cheering for them, and praying that happiness will follow them beyond the wire hanger beatings of their childhood.

This is a book that sticks with you. Read it.

What an amazing book! The soul-touching story, combined with some of the most incredibly natural, infectious humor since Mark Twain, makes this one of the most uplifting books I've read in recent years.

The main characters -- 9 year-old Charlie, the narrator, and 12 year-old Graceanne, his sister -- are immensely endearing and admirable. They are growing up -- along with their older sister, 16 year-old Kentucky -- living with their recently-divorced mother on the 'wrong side of the tracks' in a small town in northern Missouri in the early 1960s. Their dad isn't in the picture much -- an alcoholic soldier who beats their mother, he's sent packing early on in the story, and makes himself scarce after his exit.

The mother, Edie, would probably be diagnosed today as being neurotic or psychotic. In her never-ending struggle to 'keep up appearances', she constantly nags her kids about their manners, the company they keep, &c. On several occasions, she asks out loud 'What have I ever done to deserve such demon children?' She takes most of her frustrations with her life, along with her complete misunderstanding of her children, on the intelligent, precocious Graceanne. On several occasions, she beats her until she's bloody. It's easy to understand how the kids would come to see themselves as a burden to her -- if it weren't for their seemingly indestructable spirits.

Graceanne is a tough child with a reputation to match. Near the beginning of the book, Charlie (actually short for Charlemange, which should tell you MORE about their mother), who has a correctable club foot, is musing about being bullied by the other children in town. He dismisses worrying about the other kids with these thoughts about his sisters (from p.9): 'The two worst bullies in Cranepool's Landing were ALREADY exercising their license as family members to beat me silly -- "whale on you, young man" -- on a regular basis, leaving all other potential assailants the status of respectful, but backward, admirers of my sisters' originality and prowess.'

Graceanne has an IQ of 165 -- and Charlie's is a very respectable 139. The author gives these children -- especially Graceanne, acquired by Charlie possibly simply by being in her presence -- incredible voices. Graceanne's use of newly-absorbed vocabulary words doesn't come across as much as an attempt to show off as it does as a means of asserting her inteligence and individuality in an atmosphere that tends to crush it.

She is also a universally feared and respected softball player. Some of the parents of the other kids even suspect that she's a boy. From p.248: 'She could hit anything that came at her, and she'd slice the ball belt-high through the infield, so close to the player she was aiming at that most players couldn't possibly catch it. A couple of parents complained that Graceanne was trying to peel the skin off their kids; the ball would come so fast and so hard and so tight that the only sensible thing to do was to hit the dirt when they saw it coming...'

There are several notable events in the book -- which takes place over the course of a little over a single year, from April 1960 to July 1961. It is the time of the Kennedys and Camelot, of the boiling pot of race relations in American coming to a head, before Vietnam -- a time of innocence and discovery, tailor-made for an imagination and spirit like that possessed by this young heroine. After her parents' divorce, her mother is forced by economics to move her family to a 'bad' part of town. Graceanne becomes fast friends with Wanda, the young black girl who lives next door -- which brings out some revealing comments and feelings from her mother, showing her to be anything BUT the color-blind person she has professed to be.

There are some tender, poignant moments in the novel as well -- both between Graceanne and her friend Wanda and between the siblings. Little brothers at this age historically do not endear themselves to their sisters, or vice versa. Through the course of the book, Charlie wrestles with what he eventually recognizes as growing feelings of love for his sister. From p.275, he wonders about his feelings that are awakened by hearing Elvis' 'Love me tender': 'I wondered if I loved anyone tenderly. I knew I loved Mike the dog, who you couldn't sing an Elvis song to because he was an animal. And I looked around and saw Graceanne with her doll hair and her glasses and her soft skin and I thought maybe I loved her, who would laugh at me if I sang Elvis to her. It came as a big surprise to me that I loved my sister.'

The novel is filled with moments like these -- but the action sequences never become over-the-top or unbelievable, and the touching moments never become maudlin. The author transposes her vision of this story onto the page with an easy grace and eloquence, touched with humor and sympathy for these wonderful characters. This is a story that can be enjoyed by adult readers -- and indeed, I came away with the impression that it was written for them -- and intelligent young people as well. It's quite an achievement.

You know, this is not the sort of book I would normally read. But there it was, suddenly, on the coffee table one night. How it got there I have no idea. Just curious, I began to leaf through the pages, and the words began to resonate with me. Unable to sleep, I read it through in one sitting by candlelight. The next morning, I began to look at things around me differently. First, I removed several unessential appliances from the house in an effort to simplify my existence. Then it became time to de-clutter and I threw out several items I realized I had no more use for. Then, and this all seemed so logical in light of the things I'd read, I divorced the wife and sent her on her why. Sure, she cried a bit, but I knew I was doing the right thing. And I've never regretted it. This is, indeed, one of the best books I've read all year.

Please say this review is helpful to you. They told me that if I post another unhelpful review they're going to kill my ferret.

It was obvious to anyone who has known Peyser that something like this was bound to happen. I refer, of course, to Peyser's bout of aphasia during his freshman year at the College. Clearly this mysterious illness has returned in book-length, perhaps even a global, form. We may never really know what Peyser is up to in this book. Oh, for some Young and Champollion to decode this, the Rosetta Stone of post-modernism!

I don't usually tolerate so-called theory, but this was fun!

Don't let the title fool you--this is a down-to-earth, engaging work that deserves to be read by a much larger audience than the academic field it's probably relegated to.

This is a powerful, bleak book. None of the writers Peyser deals with is particularly optimistic. The possible exception is Howells but there is a dark undertow even to his work which Peyser makes sure we see. So a book about utopia is also a strangely, depressing read. 40 years or so after Brooke Farm, who would have thought things would have gotten so sad? Of course it was the turn the century and the best of the Western thinkers were thinking sad and pessimistic thoughts. And now here we are at the turn of another century and we have this powerful, bleak book. Have we come all that far after this century of bloodthirsty carnage? Is Utopia even further away than it was 100 years ago? Read Peyser's powerful, bleak book and see if you can answer some of these sad questions yourself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This book is in my top 5 favorite books ever - and I own a library. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message timeless - just go get your own copy and enjoy!

I think that my favorite part of this book were the illustrations. Then again, I hesitate to call the pictures in this book illustration; they step into the realm of artwork. Christensen's artwork is beautiful! The colors are vivid and alive, and sometimes I couldn't turn the page because I wanted to soak in every detail. They were so real, that I had a hard time looking at Medusa's eyes because it almost seemed that they would turn me into stone if I looked.

I loved the way the story and art went hand in hand to tell the voyage of the professor and his two daughters. If you love daydreaming about fantastical journeys, this is the story for you! Everything from Greek Mythology to Mideival Legend is found by sailing with the crew of the Basset.

What great story would be complete without having an equally great message! The message of this book is as beautiful as the story and its artwork. For fear of spoiling anything, here it is in the latin: "cresendo vides!"

If you love fairy tales then this book is for you! with an excellent story and beautiful pictures, I open my book at least once a week! I highly recommened this book to all ages! A true classic!

This is my favorite book. I have read it so many times. The drawings are beautiful. The story is so interesting that you almost feel like you are in the book, that you are Cassandra. There are so many mythical creatures discribed and drawn out for you on every page. My favorite part is when they meet the Manticore and the Sphynx falls in love with him. It is a very cute book that reads easy.

A story about a family coping with heartache and struggling to pick back up the pieces of their torn lives. Full of whimsical illustrations and imagination. For kids and the kid at heart, the only thing you will regret is not going on this fantastic voyage of distant shores and mythical creatures.

A little bit longer than some other books like this, so perhaps slightly more complex. This is a just post Pantheon Hulk, stuck in reverse, intelligent and green, or mindless savage and human.

A younger relative Major Talbot reforms the Hulkbusters and fails, the Banners are forced to move a couple of times. Betty gets pregnant.

Siamese twins, enter Dr Strange in a complicated surgical procedure to try and save them.

Enter the Maestro, taking one son.

The Hulk follows through the Crossroads and dimensions, to track him down. A planet with a stuffed Rick Jones, and an elite unit of Hulks, including WolvaDeathlok Hulk, Thing Hulk and Elric Hulk. The Hulk's son is now a grown half-Hulk, too. In a nasty twist, the name of this unit is also the Hulkbusters.

All in all, one of those crazy Hulk stories with the lot, tragedy, Hulkbusting and bashing.

The Hulk and Major Talbot discuss Les Miserables, and Banner and his son have an argument about Nietzsche! Didn't see those coming. Something here for everyone almost, and really, a 3.75 I'd say.

I've been a fan of the Hulk for almost two decades now, so I was very excited when I first heard he would be featured in a full-length book.

Having been ousted by his former Pantheon teammates, the Hulk is left with only one alternative: to keep a low-profile and try to lead a normal life with his beautiful and understanding wife, Betty. However, things have never been that simple for the Hulk, and soon he must deal with an endless array of obstacles including a single-minded army major, an unexpected pregnancy, and a bizarre new series of transformations.

Peter David, a magnificent writer of both comic books and novels, manages to blend the two distinct mediums together and produce a story that has an instant all-around appeal. The first chapter tells new readers everything they need to know, most notably how the Hulk changed from a raging child-like brute to an intelligent and self-confident genius.

David's descriptions of the characters and their surroundings are expressed with such vivid detail that it's easy to picture the workings of each scene in our minds. From a mundane suburban apartment to a mysterious otherworldly dimension, everything is always perfectly clear.

Also featuring illustrations by renowned comic book artist George Perez (Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect, Avengers/JLA), What Savage Beast is an action-packed, emotionally-gripping tale that more than lives up to its reputation. Strongest one there is!

While I enjoy stories about the Hulk, I've grown so very tired of 'evil army people' after the Hulk. Yes, I know that the military chasing and hunting the Hulk as been there since the beginning but I really wish they would do away with it. After all if the military chased down super-being because of the damage they coul dor have done they would be after everyone. It just isn't a story line that should be kept up. Aside from not liking the military involvement in the Hulk "What Savage Beast" was a decent read. It was a quick read (finished in 2 days) and you really don't have to strain yourself to follow along.

To have been a really good book the author should have delved into the relationship problems between Bruce and Betty. If there were ever a place to show the most powerful being in the world to be completly helpless it would be as he faced the wrath of his wife. That I would have payed extra to read. But alas the tension in the marriage was never used to full effect and only briefly touched on.

Again not a baad book but I would borrow it from a friend or library and spend my $ on something better.

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. Finally a novel worthy of its main character. You can tell that Peter David knows his stuff, and *GASP!!!* actually CARES about his characters instead of just writing about them. I was actually shocked by how much turmoil that the main characters (Bruce Bnner/Hulk, Betty Banner, Doc Samson)went through in this book, OUTSIDE of normal comic continuity. This is quite literally a "page turner" as the sotry is just, literally, all over the place. My only complaint is that the end conclusion feels abrupt and rushed. Maybe Mr. David was on a deadline, or maybe he just couldn't come up with a worthy enough conclusion to his fantastic story. Who knows, but it won't diminish the impact of what happened before. It's a shame that Mr. David didn't write another Hulk novel, as the Hulk novels are actually some of the better ones. Oh well, definately check this out!

The Incredible Hulk was my favourite marvel superhero ever since I was a kid ,that is why I purchased this book because I had hoped that it would bring me back to the childhood days of yesteryears,boy did I got more than what I bargained for!!I was stuck with the savage Hulk when last I read about him ,and when I read this book....it took me to new planes of where the Hulk is now,his multiple personality disorder and his temporary cure by Dr Leonard Samson,His relationship with Betty Thunderbolt Ross,the miraculous cure of the Hulks transformation dilemma was really a cool twist in this book ,and most of all,The Hulks/Bruce Banners sons!!!!!I shouldn't say anything more!this book kept me at the edge of my seat and made me beg for more.If you're a fan of the Hulk,this is an epic,if you're not a fan ,you'll become a fan !!!!!!

Having ten authors contributing to one book sounds strange at first, but when you think about it; it is one way in which to assure that the story remains fresh throughout the book. Sekou and his colleagues have created a novel which highlights each of the author's individual talents with words and yet keeps the story line flowing in one direction. I found this book after looking up T'kalla on the web, he was one of the spoken word Poets who moved me when I first got into the Poetry scene. I hadn't heard about him in a while so I googled his name and discovered he was a part of this project. I am glad I did and if you have not read this book,please go and do so right away.

The first African American serial novel written by ten authors detailing the erotic journey of a young man's quest for redemption. With different writing styles, this tapestry of fiction unfolds without a hitch. Each author wrote their own chapter with Sekou writing the first and last.

When Butterflies Kiss is loaded with redemption and desire. It is the story of a young man coming of age and finding his own place in the world. The first of ten authors begins the story with Dante, a poet who has more than one woman in his life and many desires.

Butterflies are very mysterious critters, imagining them kissing is tough. The correlation between Dante's struggle with life and the butterflies is truly a work of art.

A collective novel woven together by ten writers,
without any previous discussion of the story line.
Sekou starts the story and Kiini Ibura Salaam,
Elizabeth Clara Brown, T'Kalla, Natasha Tarpley,
Korby Marks, Shange, Kim Green, Leticia Benson
and Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie each contribute a
chapter. Sekou starts the story with Dante, a writer
who fears commitment and is tormented by his nightmares.
As the chapters unfold Dante falls in and out of relationships
with beautiful women, each woman gives him something he needs
but he searches for more. Unable to find peace within. After his
breakup with Sheron a beautiful exotic dancer, Dante finds out
how much of a friend Malik, his so called bestfriend is when he
comes boasting to him about how he is dating Sheron. Feeling
hurt and betrayed Dante heads to Jamaica for a writers workshop
where he finds more erotic adventure that leaves him tormented inside.
Treasure, who always seems to read his mind and know his needs had
given him a new journal as a gift and made Dante promise to write in it.
Dante discovers just how much a treasure this new journal is when he starts
to pen his soul, painting the pages with his emotions and finally after
releasing his hurt he finds redemption.
Each writer gives you their own spin on erotica, spirituality and love as
they move with Dante on his journey to self. The chapters flow sweetly from
one writer to the next. A wonderful collaboration from ten gifted writers.
The story is indeed well balanced, An arousing erotic adventure that keeps
you turning the pages.
We voted this novel Best Collective Story for 2003

reviewed by; Dawn
2/25/03

Honestly, it's been awhile since I read a book that fast, but this one kept me up one night until I finished it. The writers are all superb. I was inerested in every metaphor and detail. I just loved it and was so happy to read a book with this type of modern & relevant story PLUS the top notch writing. I'm a fan of Kate Chopin, Toni Morrison, Albert Camus and the like so I love an eloquent phrase, literary flourish and clear visualization as I read. I was inspired to write more myself, beginning that very night at 4am. The main character's story is also one that would appeal to anyone with a personal endeavour fueled by unrelenting passion, particularly artists. I would say, however, that part of the enjoyment was my familiarity with the social scene and personalities in the book. Well written is well written though, & although there are 10 writers, the journey is seamless. I highly recommend this book.

As sensuous and erotic as its classy cover, this beautiful and tantalizing novel will knock your socks off and make your toes curl... literally! So grab a glass of wine and some "honey and lime" and get ready to experience what happens WHEN BUTTERFLIES KISS.

One of the most intriguing and terrifying reads I've had in many a moon. This wonderfull thriller has it all. I happen to know it's written by NY Times best selling author Norman Bogner so its not a surprize that it's as good as it is. The protagonist is awesome in her obsession and would be a wonderful character for the big screen. I highly recommend it.

Which will become the Winterhaven "dissolution" is erected by a master architect of the text. It starts with one little simple note in Vienna and ends with the same tranquility in L. A. but what we find in between is a well edified "chaos".

Moreover, attention to the least details, the rainbow display of characters, the ongoing dry humour in the dialogues with such a sense of witty repartees make of this novel a rich scenario ready for the big reel.

Every character in this book is memorable. The bad guys (and there are many!) are evil but not one-sided. All the characters are complex, interesting personalities and you feel compelled to find out more abt them. Even the good guys are intriguingly flawed. The juxa-position of then (WWII) and now (Calif - USA)is fascinating and you are constantly aware of the backdrop of history and its possible impact on people, places and events today. The plot evolves with the characters in interesting ways and there are twists that give the reader many "ah-ha" moments - so much so, you can't put it down. Great read!

I almost missed this one but a friend insisted I read it. Wow! It's a great narrative of young, sensitive talent overcoming seemingly invincible ethnic hatred. I loved the lead, 22-year-old Rebecca Benjamin from the first as a beautiful, highly talented European pianist, and then adored her as she rose to the challenge of a cunning fight against neo-Nazis in California. In many ways an odyssey, Beth Asher's The Winterhaven Solution is also a morality saga and a tour-de-force of character growth in the face of mortal danger. Highly recommended for readers who are looking for enthralling, sophisticated story telling.

Winterhaven Solution is a rapidly moving tense story that culminates in a great finale. The book is a romantic adventure murder mystery with a significant undercurrent of religious hatred and fanaticism. It is suspenseful throughout and maintains interest at a high level. I highly recommend reading this contemporary and thought provoking novel.

Occasionlly I find a book I never want to end. James Byron Huggins is a new writer for me, but I'll be on the lookout for his books from now on. I was captivated by the bravery of Saul, King of the Hares, and Wingate, his friend. I was in awe of Aramus, the great silver wolf, as he overcame his fears and uncertainties to follow the Lightmaker even though it meant a battle to the death against the Dark Lord and the dark council.
A beautifully written story of the epic struggle between good and evil. Some books are to be treasured, savored, and read more than once. This is that kind of book. A Wolf Story is a keeper. Strongly recommended.

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In each life there comes a time when we must choose who we will follow. Will we stand up for what we believe in or blend into the crowd? A young wolf is forced to make the life-changing decision. A Wolf Story will remind readers of "White Fang," or works by CS Lewis. While the lead characters are animals, the reader will easily see human traits. The plot is powerful, filled with action and searing emotion. James Byron Huggins has captured the essence of sacrifice, love, and giving of one's self. Well written with strong Christian values, A Wolf Story will become a family favorite.

I read this when it first came out and it has continued to be one of my favorite books. I see it as an allegory, beautifully depicting the spiritual struggle between God & Satan in the form of the animal world.

Unforgettable characters make this book easy to read and keep you on the edge of your seat. They include the wise old hare king Saul and his colony; the brave Windgate, Saul's good friend who becomes king after Saul; young Aramus, the silver wolf still learning to live his faith who meets Saul under terrible circumstances yet that meeting changes him forever; the king of the gray wolves, Giavanel, Aramus's father, strong & wise; other brave creatures who all serve the Lightmaker and because of their faith are under constant attack from the evil Dark Council, servants of the Dark Lord.

This story captures you from the beginning and has you feeling & fighting with its characters along the way. Yet it is also laced with wisdom that can be applied to our own lives. We need more books like this. Harry Potter can't touch the life and death, good and evil struggles that Mr. Huggins has portrayed in "A Wolf Story".

Every family needs to read this book to their children!

Reminds me (in a good way) of a great many favorites: White Fang, Watership Down, Call it Courage, The Chronicles of Narnia, etc. Great characters that are well-drawn. Interesting dynamics between the different types of animals. Great spiritual element that doesn't overwhelm a fun adventure story. Wonderful themes that you want to share with your children - honor, courage, faith. Put down Harry Potter and read this to your kids tonight! You'll enjoy it as much as they do.

Huggins is one of those authors I discovered by chance a few years ago. I have read most of the books he has written, my favorites are Reckoning and A Wolf Story. Both are worth your time and effort.

A Wolf Story is an allegory in the style of Narnia or Lord of the Rings. In part it is a coming of age story, and part the story of good vs. evil. Long long ago, the inhabitants of the deep deep woods were given a choice. A choice that each of them in turn must make for themselves. Those who were about to make the choice would always face trials, temptations and fears. This difficult choice was either to follow the Silver Wolf and his lord, the Lightmaker or else they would join the dark Council and become part of the forces for evil.

The choice has become all the more difficult for the forces of light have been decimated, and the Dark Council is at he door of eternal victory. It is the story of a young wolf, who must choose and has been left alone to make that choice.

In this epic final battle between good and evil, the questions becomes is it really a battle of strength vs. strength, wits against wits, wills against wills. It is a path to the future but will that be a future in darkness and oppression or a path to peace, a peace won through sacrifice and pain. A peace hard won. Tis story is an allegory of the Christian life, told in a way that will captivate readers both young and old.

James Byron Huggins was born in 1959. He is a novelist, journalist, religious activist, and police officer; all these titles appear on his resume. A graduate of Morgan County High School, and Troy State University, Huggins began his career as a journalist with the Hartselle Enquirer. In the late 80's he smuggled Christian materials into Romania. He was a beat cop for 5 years before returning to writing fulltime. His first three novels Reckoning, A Wolf Story, Leviathan were Christian best sellers. Then he broke into the main stream science fiction with such books as Cain, Hunter, Rora, Nightbringer, The Scam, Sorcerer. Both Cain and Hunter have been optioned to be movies and are suppose to star Stallone and Willis respectively.