Texas Books

Jane Archer retells ancient stories in a style that makes them great fun for adults and children alike. But while fun, the stories also give insights into the distinct cultures of the native people from whom the stories arose. The history sections that follow each set of stories convey further insights into the originating cultures and deepen the enjoyment of the stories when they are read a second time, then a third time and a fourth. In short, here is a book containing stories and histories you can reread and enjoy time and again and share often with others. I recommend it highly. It deserves MORE than five stars. Don't miss it!

TEXAS INDIANS transported me. As I read, I felt myself sliding into the past, sitting at a camp fire listening to an elder tell the stories as I walked in the old ways. The myths, legends and histories are told clearly and objectively, yet the cultures come alive. Ms. Archer gave me a window into a world past, yet still present, and I was a bit surprised how deeply connected I felt to both spans of time.

Jane Archer retells ancient stories for modern readers and makes them such fun to read! But while fun, the stories also provide insights into the native Texas people from whose cultures the stories arose. The short history sections that follow each group of stories give further insights into the various native Texas cultures and make rereading the stories even more meaningful and fun. This is a book you can enjoy more than once and in more than one way, and it is a book you will find yourself wanting to share often with others. Don't miss it!

The warmth of these characters drew me in from the start. I loved both the hero and heroine, and adored the secondary character, Miss Manie. I especially liked the heroine who was smart and sassy and very honest. Good book to relax with for an evening.

An unlikely heroine, a storybook hero, TEXAS MILLIONAIRE has all the elements I love in a romance. Glitz and glamour are only bit players. This is a character-driven story, one I think you'll enjoy if you like warm, witty stories told with a strong Southern accent.

Hank is an attractive Texas hero, and Callie is a refreshing young woman. Her Aunt Manie is a meddler of the most entertaining variety. This book has lots of surprises. I loved it.

Fancy Holleday a beautiful woman who has previously lived in a whorehouse and unfortunately knows the lifestyle robs a train for some U.S. minting plates to help her boyfriend, Diego, a man she feels she loves and is her only hope for marriage and finally a decent life. Federal marshal Cord Rawlins, on the train fails to stop the heist and later catches up with her and takes her into his custody. This is the focus of this story, a lawman and his prisoner traveling to Carson City, their final destination to have her placed in jail. Being in close proximity at all times makes them both feel things they don't want to feel. I understand this was Ms. deWolfe's first book... I'm very impressed. Texas Lover, the sequel is the story about Wes, Cord's younger brother.

Very good written love story and well developed characters. I'm very particular with my reading material. I found Texas Outlaw a few years ago and took a chance to buy it because my favorite authors' were not available. I'm hooked eversince, bought all her other books (Texas Lover and Texas Wildcat) but Texas Outlaw is the best of the three. Ms Dewolfe evenly went in depth with all her characters both protagonist and antagonist. Nothing is as black and white as bad man vs good guy. The most poignant is when the minor character Blisse is dying and she asked for a decent kiss from Cord, wow... both Cord and Fancy earned my admiration. I wish Ms DeWolfe wrote more than just the Rawlins Brothers series.

I thoroughly enjoyed Adrienne deWolfe's book, Texas Outlaw. After writing this, I'm ordering the other two available titles. Characters were truly likeable and believable. I am sorry Fancy had to have such a tough life before the story began. Usually, I prefer the hero of the story to "deflower" the heroine--but hey, it all worked out and made the story more realistic. Cheers to a new favorite

Michael Spradlin and Roxie Munro have paired to present an entertaining and informative story of the famous Texas Rangers and the state that shaped that organization.

Spradlin's story of the Texas Rangers progresses chronologically, from their origins as Texas "Minute Men," through the days of the Republic to the oil boom of the early 20th century through today. I did not know that the Texas state legislature mandates the number of Rangers serving, there are only about 120 at any given time. A single vacancy can attract over 100 applicants.

Much of the history of the Rangers is founded in the personalities who wore the badge. John B. Armstrong, Lone Wolf Gonzaullas, Frank Hamer were responsible for the capture of some of the most notorious outlaws in American history, including John Wesley Hardin and Bonnie and Clyde.

The picture book aspect might discourage junior high librarians from adding this title to their collections. Do not make that mistake. Spradlin's writing is concise but not simplistic.

Roxie Munro's clear, bright illustrations depict the daring-do of the Rangers. Her distinctive style commemorates the landscape and the personalities of the state.

Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 6) for Reader Views (7/08)


"Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen" by Michael P. Spradlin is a terrific book about the Texas Rangers, the first law enforcement officers in Texas. This book has a lot of really interesting information about the history of Texas and good stories about the battles fought by the Texas Rangers.

Texas Rangers first roamed the Texas plains in 1823 when Texas was still part of Mexico. They didn't have to wear uniforms. They just dressed however they liked. They supplied their own gun and horse. The government supplied them with ammunition and food.

In 1836 when Texas decided to secede from Mexico and become an independent country, Mexican President General Santa Anna sent a large army to punish the Texians. The Texians went to the Alamo, an old mission in San Antonio. Texas Rangers went to help them defend the Alamo. On their way there they were tricked and ended up in crossfire between the Texians and the Mexicans. Read the book to find out exactly what happened and if the Rangers survived.

This book also tells stories about some famous Texas Rangers like John Coffee Hays who fought off a large band of Comanche warriors. It also tells about "Big Foot" Wallace who got lost in the desert and had to eat bugs and snakes. He survived and became a captain.

There many more adventures of the Texas Rangers waiting for you in this book, along with some very good illustrations. I recommend "Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen" by Michael P. Spradlin to people from three-years-old to a hundred-years-old. I could read the book by myself, but I would not consider this an easy-reader book. I really liked this book a lot.

Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen is an amazing children's picturebook about the legendary Texas Rangers, lawmen who worked to protect fellow citizens from the hazards of frontier life in the 1820s. The Rangers were also present at key moments of Texas history, such as the defense of the Alamo along with heroes such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and their espionage of the Mexican army during the war for independence. The simple illustrations add life and color to this fascinating tribute, which offers a glimpse of what the life of an Old West lawman was really like."Ranger Gonzaullas eventually rose to the rank of captain. He believed in using scientific methods such as fingerprints to capture outlaws, and he started the first modern laboratory for crime detection in Texas. He went on to solve some of the most famous crimes in Texas history." Highly recommended.

Texas Sampler is a great cookbook filled with easy to prepare recipes that look like you really toiled over. The cookbook, produced by the Junior League of Richardson is a collection of the best recipes of a membership of over 500 members. The Texas Sampler won the Southwest Tabasco Cookbook award in its first year of publication and its recipes have been featured in Southern Living. A must for every kitchen. Try the Mushroom Baked Brie - a true crowd pleasing appetizer.

Texas Sampler is a great cookbook filled with easy to prepare recipes that look like you really toiled over. The cookbook, produced by the Junior League of Richardson is a collection of the best recipes of a membership of over 500 members. The Texas Sampler won the Southwest Tabasco Cookbook award in its first year of publication and its recipes have been featured in Southern Living. A must for every kitchen. Try the Mushroom Baked Brie - a true crowd pleasing appetizer.

Texas Sampler provides great recipes for the busy life in the 90s while still providing a "home cooked" feel. The recipes are easy to follow with bulleted directions, and many handy tips provided throughout. A great Kids section is provided in the back. Some of my favorites from Texas Sampler - Avocado Pico De Gallo, Fettucini with Grilled Chicken and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Ray's Poblano Shrimp, and Pecan Pie Squares. All simple, and everyone will love! Best of all, the proceeds benefit the community.

When I received this book as a gift and initially thumbed through the pages I was in awe. Though I was familiar with the work of Wyman Meinzer and was already a fan of his, I really didn't beleive that anyone would ever have the talent to put a book like this together. Truthfully, many of the photos made me swallow hard with emotion because the images elicited such special feelings. Though the photos could easily stand alone, the quotes are very well chosen and compliment each image well. John Graves is wonderful of course. When I escape to Texas Sky, I think about the pure exhiliration in being able to stand at each of the places in the precious few moments when the sky was so spectacular. Have you ever regretted not having your camera in your hand, or perhaps ran to get it but were too late, or even snapped the shot only to realize later that you didn't get it right? Well, all of our missed shots are captured flawlessly by Wyman Meinzer in Texas Sky. The only disappointment was that Mr. Meinzer didn't write more. Just read the preface, page 61 or the acknowledgment, you'll want more too. In my opinion he is the photographer by whom all others should be judged and the writer all writers should strive to be like. I will forever be envious. Everyone should own this book. PS I just got Texas Seasons...one of his most recent books....awesome again, Wyman.

I bought this book for my father, who is a friend and fan of the photographer. Now I have to go buy one for myself! The pictures in this book are incredible, and truly capture our magnificent Texas sky. Way to go Wyman!

Texas is my home. One doesn't have a home somewhere in Texas. Once you claim it the entire state is home. I wasn't certain exactly why that was true, until I received this book as a gift today. The Texas state of mind has as it's roof the Texas Sky. Wyman Meinzer has captured through his impeccable lenses the beauty that makes us hurry home. It is a book with a catch in it's throat on every page. I'm purchasing a new easel to do it honor.

I'm more and more impressed with each cook book I receive from this series. The recipe directions are easy to follow, the food is great and the pictures are almost National Geographic like. I really liked this one because I'm more familiar with the types of recipes, being that I'm a resident in the U.S. I'm looking forward to more cooking with this wonderful book!

I now own four books from the "Beautiful Cookbook" series. This is by far my favorite. The food stylists and photographers for this particular book have raised the bar to a dizzying height. This melange of simple and upscale recipes is presented as down-to-earth...Texas-style. You can almost smell and taste the beautiful food. The stylish photos are works of art.

The recipes range from the traditional basics to "new Texas cuisine." Try to imagine a chilled "Cream of Tomatillo Soup" served in a bowl of ice...with edible flowers and herbs encased in the ice. (The ice bowl is easy to make!)

Does "Hot Crackered Texas Crab with Pecans" sound good? Or "Chili-and-Cheese Corn Husk Muffins with Pumpkin-Seed Topping"? What about "Chorizo-Stuffed Poblanos with Mango Salsa" or "Texas Hot-Pepper Shrimp with Avocado Salsa"? And for dessert, how about "Churros with Cinnamon-Pecan Ice Cream" or "Blueberry Creme Brulee with Rose Geranium"?

I could go on and on about the food and the presentation. These tempting and colorful dishes can all be made by the novice cook who enjoys the preparation.

I LOVE this book! Highly recommended. Great pictures and food. Very authentic to the region. Great for the home or professional chef. A nice addition to anyone's collection.

Favorite scene with Vida-
The whole scene of caring for Taylor when he's ill.

Favorite scene with Taylor-
His first meeting with Honor.

Together-
Before their wedding, realizing they belonged there, willing to give up the new job.

What did you like about Vida-
Her strength and stubborness. Never giving up on Taylor. Telling him they won't be taking the detective job because they should stay where they are and be with family. I can't believe Buck survived. Yeh!!! Vida told Taylor family's more important than a job. Her easy goingness with the cowpokes at the saloon.

What didn't you like about Vida-
That she felt she didn't need to tell Taylor when she went back to New Orleans to get info. on Celeste. They're partners, and yet she felt like she could do what she wanted without his permission. She took risks-esp. with Pierre and Derek. It's not her per se, but sometimes her vulnerability and hurt feelings don't fit her tough cookie, detective persona. She wears her heart on her sleeve and shows her feelings and it doesn't quite fit.

What did you like about Taylor-
Loving Vida. Never giving up on his dad. Reconciling with Cal and Honor, although it was hard for him. Telling Celeste off. His mother-son affection with Doc Maggie. And his affection for the ranch hands.

What didn't you like about Taylor-
It's not him per se, but the drunk act. It made him look bad in people's eyes. He might not have been able to tell people the truth yet, but still- He was too stubborn about reconciling with Cal and Honor. Glad he did.

If I had to cast Vida, I'd cast Catherine Zeta-Jones.
If I had to cast Taylor, I'd cast Cameron Mathison.

In 1850 New Orleans, Buck Star seduced his friend's wife. She is willing to give up everything for Buck, but the handsome lothario deserts her leaving behind the broken Gannon family without a look back or feeling the slightest of remorse.

In 1869, an ailing Buck's past has come home to roost (see TEXAS STAR and TEXAS GLORY). Several people have the motive to want Buck dead for the havoc he caused and left behind two decades ago. His son Pinkerton Agent Taylor Star returns to the family spread to investigate a murder. He is accompanied by his partner Vida Malone, who Taylor quickly realizes is the only person he trusts to include blood relatives. As the two agents investigate and protect each other's back, the attraction they already have for one another but deny explodes into the open. While danger mounts from an avenging unknown culprit, Vida and Taylor fall in love, but first must uncover who wants anything remotely Star dead.

The last Texas Star tale is an enjoyable historical private investigative romance as the lead couple investigates who wants to destroy Buck even while falling in love. Taylor and Vida make a wonderful pairing as the Agents have avoided their growing attraction until the danger turns personal and they fear for their partner. The final of this fine trilogy is a triumph for fans of Reconstruction Era Texas romantic mysteries as Elaine Barbieri star will shine with glory.

Harriet Klausner

The best way to read this trilogy is from the beginning. While 'texas triumph' is the best of the 3 because it wraps up all the loose ends and has all the characters together, it is much more enjoyable having read the story of Cal, Honor and then Taylor. If u only pick one of the trilogy, this would be the one to choose. Story itself is as reviewed by HK.

Being an avid paddler, I was initially dissappointed to move from Georgia to Texas and leave behind the whitewahter rivers of the southeast. I was happy to find that there are some credible paddle spots in the Lone Star state and this book helped me to find them. It is well organized and easy to read and the information provided is very thorough.

If you like Texas Whitewater, this book is a must

This book has identified all the information you need to locate true whitewater in the state of Texas.

Writer Davis is a master of humor and no one can beat illustrator Stacey at funny facial expressions---just look at the longhorn. These two have created a great book!

My daughter and I read this book over the weekend and thouroughly enjoyed it. She was really taken with the humorous story and "funny" animals. Zeke and the Longhorn are quite the characters. The ending is very satisfying.I am looking forward to rereading this one.

David Davis has done it again: a laugh a second picture book with amazing art by Alan Stacy. This is a Texas-flavor retelling of The Old Woman and her Pig. And, Boy Howdy, this book will steer you right--An Absolute Award-Winner and Bestseller!