Women Books

Awesome read for women who want to 'update' their fashion ideas. A must for anyone over 45. Fun, informative, interesting and helpful. Delivery right on time.

The book is wonderful! Very informative. It helped me choose my body type as well as think when shopping about the rules.

Staging Your Comeback: Beauty Revival for Women Over 45; Christopher Hopkins.

I thought this book was very well done, and had some great before and after pictures for all body types (could have been better with more photos). The women featured looked wonderful after the makeovers, but the clothing selections could have been improved. Great tips on choosing the right clothing styles, hair styles, makeup etc.

If as a 45++ woman, looking your best is important to you, I would recommend this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting, witty, and well written. I enjoyed it very much even though it did contain much information I had read before in other sources, and it was aimed toward women of middle age, and I am way-way-way past middle age. Another plus--the book arrived promptly.

I have been having so much fun with this book! I especially appreciate the very specific tools he presents here for determining your body type, proportions, and what clothing types are most flattering to you, rather than vague generalities found in many other style/beauty books. Mr. Hopkins' approach is not so much to teach you to hide signs of aging or try to hide your age, but to look your best at your true age, and emphasize your best features, which even those of us who are 45 and over still have, darn it! This is an important distinction, in my opinion, and sets his book apart from others aimed at older women, particularly Ms. Krupp's "How Not To Look Old" , which just comes across as desperate to me. Leg makeup and botox? No thanks!

Since I bought this book, I've purged my cosmetics drawer and my closet, gotten professional advice on a new skin care regimen and makeup application, and am looking for a new hair stylist.

I do agree with another poster who said that tailoring some of the fashion advice to specific body types would be helpful if there are future editions/updates. Overall, there is no other beauty/style book out there like this one, and I heartily recommend it.

STill Alice is an intellectual and emotional journey into a disease that devastates too many in our society! Through the eyes of Alice Howland and her family, Lisa Genova has created a sensitive, moving story of the physical, emotional and spiritual toll of Alzheimer's disease on both the victim and her loved ones. She illustrates how frighteningly fast AD can rob a person of their own existence. The harsh realities of being a victim of AD are apparent as Alice experiences an unimaginable separation from her career and her family. Lisa expertly ties in the struggles of Alice's family, and how their feelings and lives are affected to create a realistic picture of the heartache caused by this insidious process. Furthermore, Lisa's extensive knowledge, research, and passion for finding treatments and a cure for this devastating disease are evident throughout the story. The science behind AD (symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and current research) is apparent and creatively entertwined into the storyline to lend authenticity to the fears, hopes and dreams of Alice and her family.

This is an engaging, must-read that has the potential to clarify the AD experience for those who have been touched by it, as well as to promote an awareness as to how this crippling disease can affect our loved ones and society as a whole.

Those touched by Alzheimer's, as well as those interested in the disease stand to gain a great deal from reading this one!

I heard about Still Alice through a friend and, I have to say, I was not all that excited to read the novel because of the subject matter. I knew it would be a sad ending. But it was a moving story that unfolded beautifully!

I've always thought of Alzheimer's as a disease that affects people in the later stages of their lives. Although this book educates the public on early onset Alzheimer's and some of the initial signs of the disease, it does much more than that. The author portrays a moving story of a middle aged woman with a lovingly dysfunctional family at the height of her career. The book is told from the vantage point of Alice, the main character who has the disease. The first person perspective was incredibly realistic, and I found myself emotionally attached to the character. Her courage, perseverance, and creativity in living with the disease were brilliantly portrayed.

It's one of those books that you cannot put down and when you finish, you do not forget the story or its characters. Still Alice remains in my heart.

I have thought for days about words to use to describe Lisa Genova's book, Still Alice. But words just weren't coming to me. Finally I realized the reason is because this wonderful book transcends thoughts and words. It meets us on a deeper level, by opening the hearts of the readers to the plight of Alice and her family as they live through the process and the progress of early-onset Alzheimer's. Very few authors have the capacity to create fictional characters who seem so real and to elicit such deep emotions from their readers - using only words! Lisa Genova has masterfully created a masterpiece, that I - like many other reviewers and everyone I know who has read this book - literally could not put down. I was thrilled to have it with me for a day of air travel, and very sad to say goodbye to Alice and her family when I read the last page. Yes, it's very sad to say goodbye.

Alice Howland taught cognitive psychology courses at Harvard for over twenty-five years. Alice and her husband, John authored Molecules to Mind, she published papers, and lectured around the world. Her three children were grown and on their own paths (not that she was very happy about Lydia's choice of acting, but she hadn't given up trying to influence her to go back to real school). Her son Tom was doing well in school, daughter Annie and her husband, Charlie are attorneys trying to conceive a first grandchild.

Facing a busy schedule and travel and everyday stress, Alice isn't concerned when she begins to forget little things, where the keys are, names of acquaintances or a momentary sense of disorientation. After all she is fifty and that is part of menopause. .

A trip to her family doctor to get some suggestions for cognitive memory reinforcement and to see if medication is available does not help. Alice is stunned to learn that she has Early Onset Alzheimer's and that there is not very much available for treatment. Telling her husband and children is even harder to face. Eventually she has to face the loss of her teaching and life's work.

"Still Alice" is Alice's voice as she struggles with the advancement of Alzheimer's. As the disease advances, she is living more in the now, and often hurt by her interpretations of family members words and actions. She reacts with anger and confusion as her world shifts and becomes more unfamiliar and frightening. Her family also has to deal with their emotions. The realization that their funny, loving accomplished mother and wife is slowly disappearing before their eyes are devastating, and they each react differently. Alice tries to stay aware of what is happening, but has the disease advances her voice becomes quieter and briefer. Lisa Genova has a Ph.D in Neuroscience from Harvard University and works with several Alzheimer's organizations as well as serving as the online columnist for the national Alzheimer's Association. Although "Still Alice" is a work of fiction, it is apparent there is much drawn from real life experiences and observations. Genova has given a voice to a population not usually listened to. The characters are facing uncertainty and struggling with Alice's decent into unknowing. There are moments of hilarity as well as heartbreak. This book will touch anyone who works with dementia patients, or who has a friend or loved one with Alzheimer's.

Life hands us surprises, and Alice and her family receive a devastating one. When Alice is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers, the entire family, as well as colleagues and friends, are affected. Like any crisis, there are positive as well as negative outcomes. Just think about it: you are at the pinnacle of your career, and you know that your mind will deteriorate quickly--anyone's nightmare.

What I was so impressed with was Lisa Genova's understanding of what it means to be in a long-term and loving marriage, and how adult children wrestle with the impending loss of their mother's mind and memories of them. That must be heart-breaking at any age. Alice's husband, John, is endearing and frustrating as he tries to deal with his wife's disease.

I enjoy selling this book at Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore because it's intelligent, educational, and thoughtful. I had no idea that this disease could strike at a "young" age, in Alice's case 50 years young. I found myself taking the "tests" along with Alice and cheering Alice on when she prepares for the future Alice to commit suicide. Without giving anything away, I was not prepared for the ending. I will be making donations to the Alzheimers' Association (Ms. Genova does as well--$3.00 from every book).

Without a doubt, one of my top five books for this year. There are so many incredible reads; make this one of yours.

Wonderful! Age appropiate. My horse loving pre-teen is really enjoying them. She started with the #1 series. We are ordering 5 series at a time.

Bought this for my 15 year old daughter. She loved it and actually read it. Which is always nice to have a teenager read!

Amy has decided to take in a horse named Spartan, which is the horse that they went to save in the big storm. Spartan was in the same car wreck that Amy and her mom were in. Spartan is still scarred from the wreck. When he comes to Heartland he remembers Amy, and he doesn't like her because he remembers her from the wreck. Amy has to start working with Spartan, but it is dangerous because he keeps trying to hurt her because he is scared. At first Amy didn't want to work with Spartan, but then after a couple of weeks she decides that she will work with him. She goes into his stall and he starts kicking and raring up at her, but Amy doesn't get hurt. Amy's sister and grandpa just happened to see it all happen. They don't think that Spartan is a safe horse and they want to put him to sleep. Amy doesn't want that though, because she knows that Spartan will get better. Amy's Grandpa and Amy's sister decide to go to the movies and invite Amy to come. Instead Amy acts like she is sick and stays home so she can join up with Spartan, which means she is going to try to get him to trust her again. When they leave to the movies Amy goes to Spartans stall and takes him out to the round pin. She starts lunging him. Then she takes the lunge line off and Spartan doesn't do anything and he doesn't try to hurt Amy. When her grandpa and sister got home she showed them that Spartan wouldn't hurt her. That changed their mind about putting him to sleep. Amy started working with Spartan more and started taking him to some shows. At one show Amy finds Spartans old owner, Larry Boswell. Larry see's how good Spartan is doing and decides that he would like to buy Spartan for his grandaughter Hannah to show. And he did, and Hannah ended up showing Spartan after he was healed at Heartland by Amy.

Attention all Heartland Lovers! I have made a website dedicated to everything about Heartland. It is filled with info on all the books and the author. You also may review a book and log into the chat room. There is also a weekly poll that changes every week. I also have a little section for Chestnut Hill. The URL is http://www.freewebs.com/horse_lvr13/ . Come check it out.

This book is a very good but I think it could of had a better ending because it would be so sad to see someone read this amazing bookand end not finshing it because it is so sad and such a bad ending. Most people like a ending where the person who really wants something it better when they get it.So if you ever read this book you should finsh it to the end because there is no story better than a sad story because it exspress you r true emotions

but unlike the passage from 1 Corinthians, Eleanor Cooney's perception and view of Alzheimer's disease is clear, unmuddied and unlike any that I've ever read. As the disease clouds the memory and behavior of her mother, the range of emotions that I felt as a reader and witness were sometimes too much to bear.

This is a book that I first read when a condensed version appeared in a Harper's magazine article in 2001. I purchased the book shortly thereafter since my own mother had been diagnosed with the disease a year earlier at the age of 58.

I still pick up Death, in Slow Motion every few weeks. I can't tell you what a comfort it has been to me as I journey through the dark and twisted tunnel of care for my own mother. Although our circumstances are different, and the case of every Alzheimer's patient is truly unique, I felt and still feel as if I have met someone who is willing to hold up that mirror and tell me what I am in store for - but in a comforting, compassionate and very honest manner.

Eleanor Cooney has written the most eye-opening and honest account of Alzheimer's that I have ever read! I was a caretaker to my Mother who also had Alzheimer's and much of this mirrored our experience. It felt like someone was finally telling my story: I'm broke, I'm exhausted, I can't take it, I'm abusing substances, I love her, I sometimes wish she'd die, I miss her....I hate myself!

I don't always find authors or experts that have her down to earth way of relaying the real nitty-gritty experience of caring for someone with Alzheimer's. She's an intellegent, strong woman who jumped head-first into the role of caretaker of her Mother, Mary who was beginning the long decline of Alzheimer's. This is a task many children take on and barely survive. Eleanor Cooney is definately a survivor and a brilliant, funny, brutally honest author.

But Eleanor Cooney is also a wonderful storyteller. I feel like I have been in these Connecticut neighborhoods and homes, and have met this cast of characters that tell the exciting story of Mary Durant's life. I especially feel like I've met someone special, Mary. It's hard to remember the person that's inside that Alzheimer's shell. Eleanor has done her Mother proud and left a loving memory of a very beautiful, creative and unusual person.

As the author remarks of Alzheimer's: "you will never be the same once it's paid you a visit." I have not been the same since I've read this book! Do yourself a favor and take this journey!

I bought this book because I had to for a Psycology class report. I read this in 1 day and was pulled in by the true, raw emotion described in this real story about the author and her mother. It is the kind of book you want to read about a subject you want to look away from. I recommend this for anyone who has a loved one suffering with Alzheimers, in the medical feild, or just someone who wants a gripping, powerful read.

p.s. I bought this book used.....wonderful condition...used is the way to go for any college student! low $$$$

This superbly interesting book reads like a story. She has done something major for anyone taking care of a person with Alzheimer's Disease. Her amazing honesty is like a breath of fresh air, and the book helped me more than any other book or support group.

This book is required reading for Alzheimer's caregivers and anyone else who wants to understand what Alzheimer's truly does to the patient and the family. Ms. Cooney gives voice to the myriad emotions the Alzheimer's caregiver experiences. Her down-to-earth style draws you into her harrowing world. This book is a valuable addition to the Alzheimer's genre!

First of all this is a teen book and I'm 28. That being said, I loved the book. For advanced readers it's a fast read, but thouroughly enjoyable. I could picture the places the author was describing and picture Æthelflæd easily. With so few historical fiction novels being directed toward great women, this was a welcome read, and the author stayed true to the history of the time.

"Surprise, stealth, unbalancing her enemy, these were the ways her guardian had taught her to save herself, and to win," are the words that are featured on the back of the book, The Edge on the Sword, because the things her guardian taught her is a crucial point. Making history come alive, Rebecca Tingle mixed magnificent facts and fiction together to make an unforgettable story, where any girl can escape. In 2001, it was published by Penguin Putnam Books. Beautifully, remarkably, and magnificently done, the front cover illustration of The Edge on the Sword was drawn by Karen Savary, a memorable artist.

At the end of the ninth century, Flæd was now on her fifteenth year of living. Living in the burgh, staying with family, and learning her languages were all she knew, since she had done that for all her life. Her father was King Alfred of Wessex. He had a passive kingdom. As Flæd grew up, her main companion was her brother, Edward. They enjoyed their ambitious adventures among the forests around the burgh. Eventually, these trips got slim because Flæd began her education in writing, Latin, and Greek under her instructor, (w) Bishop Asser. Little did she know that soon her life would dramatically alter.

As instructed, Flæd headed toward her father's private chamber. Inside the small room she entered, sat King Alfred, who had been waiting. He gestured for her to sit. Alfred looked at her for a second then said gently, "Æthelflæd, as women grow they obtain more responsibilities. Now, that you are almost sixteen, it is time for you to be married. At the end of the summer you will travel to Lundon, Mercia, to be married to my friend and partner, Æthelred." Being the daughter of a very powerful man, Flæd had known this was coming, but it still shocked her. Soon, she would leave everything. She would lose her family. Permanently, she would leave home. Immediately the next morning, a warrior and envoy from Lundon came to be her guardian and warder. His name was Red. Flæd had always had a strong, enduring friendship with her brother, but as that last summer came and went, that friendship was almost lost, but that friendship lasted. No longer could they go on their private adventures in the woods, because of Red, Flæd guardian, who followed her everywhere.

At the end of the summer, Flæd equipped herself, packed up, and prepared her gifts for Æthelred in preparation for her departure to Mercia, because it would be several days before they would arrive in Lundon. As her protection, she had been trained in the arts of the sword and had a minute band of warriors with her. Leading them, Red rode at the front, followed by two wagons and a small amount men on horse back. They followed the river. Surprisingly, they were attacked and many of the men fell in battle, leaving Flæd with a few desperate men and little hope. Could they arrive safely after this tragedy?

This book has a fantastic twist of history and adventure, as if the excitement is literally bounding off the pages. As a great source of entertainment and much more, every pre-teen and early teen girl should read this book. Over all, The Edge on the Sword is an astounding masterpiece, because of the unforgettable story and amazing use of words, which is a charismatic combination.

A teenager named Aethelflaed, is the daughter of the king. That means he picks the husband for her! Her dad picks a man that's about his age (which is about in his fourties!), which she's never met. She sadly can't refuse her dad on this, and is now tortured by the thought of what he looks likeand who he is.

Her dad hire's a protecter for her, since there is a big deal of raiding in the area. Aethelfaed is annoyed by the man who watches her because he follows her everywhere(she is very independant!) She eventually befriends the man, and he teaches her to defend herself, and she teaches him a few tricks as well.

There is a lot of stuff that occurs that I don't want to give away, so you'll have to read it! I'll warn you that there is a sad part, but a happy one fills it in! This book has a slow begining, but gets you hooked!

This was a awesome book, and if you read it you'll enjoy it as much as I did, and I enjoyed it a lot!

I absolutly loved this book. I think Aethelflaed is an amazing heroine. It was sad in some parts, happy in others, with a great plot. Aethelflaed seems so real, and sort of like me. I hope other people can relate to this book as well as I can.

This is definetly one of my favorite books! I've read it countless times and I also love the sequel 'Far Traveler'. The characters are all lovable and the plot is excellent. Another great thing about this book is it is partially a historical fiction novel. The author Rebecca Tingle wrote this book wrote this looking at historical notes. AEthelflaed was a real person and did many great things. Enough great things to be known as Lady of the Mercians.

Flaed is a girl that's only lived fifteen winters but her father King Alfred is making her marry a man named Ethelred of Mercia...a man that she's never met... He's also many years older than her. But Flaed must agree and her father tells her that she cannot be left alone any longer. She must have a bodyguard...a man named Red.

While Flaed and Red are together Red teachers her many things on how to defend herself. She learns how to ride faster and better (which will let her show off to her future husband soon), she uses the sword and many other things. But little does Flaed know that when she leaves for her new home trouble will follow.

My 81 year old mother is an avid fan of all Jan Karon's novels including the Mitford Cookbook & Patches of Godlight (all purchased from Amazon). I purchased "Miss Fannie's Hat" from Amazon to give her even though it is really a children's book. The message the book contains is ageless and worth a read, no matter how young or old you are! It is a beautifully illustrated book and one we intend giving to the first great-granddaughter to be born into the family. Regards Glenda from South Australia.

The theme of this book - that we are truly happiest when we give away that which we value most in order to help others, and that we get back what we give away ten times over - touches me each time I read this!

This is an adorable book that is a must for every little girl. It is my daughter's favorite. We have given it as a gift several times. The story is so personal and beautiful. We love to give voices to all the people which makes it even more real. The story is so lovely and the ending is a delight that makes us smile and cry with joy everytime we read it. A perfect story. Thank you!

My granddaughter loved the story and especially following it up with the reuseable stickers and storyboard. She still talks about Miss Fanny every time she puts on a hat for dress-ups.

My grandkids love this book. It teaches the spirit of giving.

This book hit home. One of my best friends gifted me with this book and it has been one of the best gifts ever. I work full time and have a 10 month old daughter. After reading just a chapter I felt relieved to know I am not the only one feeling stressed with all there is to do everyday while maintaining a home, work, relationships,etc. This book gives permission to slow down, and it says it's okay to stop and listen and not do the big birthday parties and attend all the holiday parties and events. Just being and listening and not doing anything together is time well spent.

As others have noted, this book is a series of reflections about motherhood and the importance of slowing down to savor daily life with loved ones.

This book energized me to make several changes in my own life. Part of my motivation for homeschooling this year was a desire to have a more conscious, contemplative, and purposeful life rather than a frantic-mad-dashing here and there life.

In fact, as the holidays approach, many of my friends are feeling "swamped", "overwhelmed", "stressed" - feelings I remember all too well from previous years. While I still have my moments, overall I am much less stressed than last year. The overall tenor of the holidays is much happier and calmer. I have done my best to pare the holidays down to the essentials, to keep things simple and personal, rather than grandly extravagant. Extravagance has its place, but when children are young, I think simplicity makes so much more sense.

I loved this book so much I chose it for my book club of busy suburban SAHMs. I was quite surprised to find only two (out of nine) loved it as I did! Three thought the book had "some good ideas", but they clearly didn't connect with the author.

The other four were quite negative about Mitten Strings. They felt it was too preachy and perfect and Pollyanna-ish, that "real" people couldn't live like the Kenisons without lots of money. But it's not a financial lifestyle she is talking about, it's an internal one, it is simply making a conscious effort to notice, appreciate, prioritize and streamline.

In trying to figure out the mixed response to this book in my book club, I came up with a couple of ideas. I think the crux of liking the book has to do with the following:

First, it depends on whether you are at a point in your life where you actually consider rushing madly to be a negative thing, rather than proof you are productive. Some people feel empowered and energized by rushing and being busy!

Second, it depends on how contemplative you are feeling when you read the book. The more contemplative you feel, the more likely you might enjoy the book.

Finally, it depends on whether you enjoy visual and poetic language. The author writes with a heartfelt, genuine sentimentality that, while I enjoyed it tremendously, can apparently be off-putting to people with more pragmatic sensibilities.

One reviewer said they would not give this book to a parent of an autistic child, or one with Down's Syndrome. I actually think this book has considerable merit for families with special needs children - the key is knowing WHEN to give the book. I have a child who was diagnosed with autism at 3, and when he was younger and we were rushing around madly from therapy to therapy, ransacking our home to make it an engaging learning environment, etc..., I would not have been in the frame of mind to appreciate it.

In fact, according to my three criteria above: the mad rushing was proof I was doing everything I could to help him; who has time to be contemplative when you are trying to save your child from autism; and poetic musings about the wonderful lives of families with typically developing children would have been quite upsetting.

NOW I see things differently. I think the ideas in the book have even MORE relevance for children with special needs, who often thrive in calm, centered environments. I think children with special needs deserve to have their progress, however slow or small, deeply savored and appreciated.

Well anyway. This is not a book that EVERYONE is necessarily going to love, in spite of the steady parade of 5 star reviews. Nevertheless, I join the parade and give this book 5 stars based on my own incredibly positive experience reading it.

I truly enjoyed this book. It is not a religious book (despite the title) nor a parenting guide; it is a deeply spiritual look at what it means to be a family.

Mitten Strings touched me in such a way that I felt like I was reading a letter from a good friend. There was a sense of peace reading it and imagining my family in her book. Her basic premise is to slow down, notice the details of your children's lives and be present with your family. But the book goes so much further than that. We all know to slow down...but to be reminded how magical it can be, with illustrations that are so tender is even better. I highly recommend this book and in fact purchased seven more to give to my friends as a special gift. I'd love to meet the author (Katrina) and sit over a cup of something on the front porch while our children run circles around the house!

It is rare to say but so true. It was given to me by an older woman and it truely changed the way I parent my two boys, see life and helped me create a summer that I will treasure. A must read for those who want to slow down and get off the "treadmill" of life.

This book was just awful. There was not one character that I had sympathy for. Natalie was a brat and then she learned about the cancer and became even a bigger one. All the chracters were either one dimensional or stereotypical, and you saw what was coming with them a mile away. The token black woman in the book, I cannot believe the dialogue that was coming out of her mouth, and this woman was to be a lawyer. The only one of the trio of girlfriend that knew of any real work or independence was Merritt and she was the only one that and person can relate to. I guess when you are from an affluent, religious upper middle class family that is how you are suppose to act. This book deserved no stars at all.

I am not obsessed with breasts. Well, I have a pair, you know. Have for almost 39 years, though they have changed over the years. From small, to perky, to, let's just say, larger, to sagging to my knees after 4 pregnancies, 48 months of breast feeding (12 per child ONLY...), and let's just call a spade a spade - a few too many pounds added on here and there.

On the up side, I have not named them, my breasts that is, I have indeed named my kids. And I do not ever refer to them in the third person, again, my breasts.

I have also been blessed not to have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. At least not yet, though none of us ever know what path lies ahead of us.

So I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Laura Jensen Walker's latest fiction book Reconstructing Natalie since it was about a main character, Natalie, who is diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoes a mastectomy.

Let me just say outright that THIS IS TRULY ONE OF THE MOST UPLIFTING, HUMOROUS, AND ROMANTIC STPRIES I HAVE READ.

Reconstructing Natalie is full of humor and honesty, friendship and faith, and yes, even romance.

This pink book packs a punch of joy - and you should get your hands on Reconstructing Natalie and see for yourself what Cherries boobilee!

Trish Berg
Author, Book Reviewer, Mother, and most days, Sanity Seeker!
www.trishberg.com


The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool

Natalie has never really paid much attention to boobs before until she finds out that she may lose her own. Only 27 years old, she hears the dreaded words from her doctor that she has breast cancer. Determined to not let this get the best of her, Natalie prepares for what will be a life changing journey. Along with the support of her friends and family, she goes through the process of having to adapt to a world where survival means everything.

I have been extremely fortunate that I have not lost anyone close to me to breast cancer. However I know that there are thousands of people in the world who are affected by this and are suffering. This book perfectly balances the seriousness of the issue with lightheartedness to not make the story a downer. The writing is fun with lots of pop trivia sprinkled in, and is written in a chick lit tone of voice. I loved Natalie as a character. I admired her strength and her courage to be able to handle her situation with such grace and dignity. Some people would have seen how this affected her at such a young age as a death wish and given up hope for survival. She however, with her friends, is able to take everything one day at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. I loved the party her friends gave her before the surgery, especially the boob-cake. I was thinking this may be the one and only time I've read a Christian book that used the words boobs and breasts on every other page! I think it might also be one of the very few books where the main character gets topless of her own free will! This book showed how breast cancer affects not just the person with the cancer but everyone around them as well. I learned a lot from reading this book. I enjoyed the support group that Natalie attended especially the "show" she got from her first meeting! I was glad to read the information that men are also candidates for breast cancer as many people are unaware of this. This book is a book I would recommend every women to read. Not only is it informative but the story is engaging as well. This could happen to anyone and it's best to be aware and be knowledgeable in case the unthinkable happens.

I love the way Ms. Walker intertwined Natalie's physical reconstruction with her emotional and spiritual reconstruction. It was a fabulous story. I loved the ending where . . . What! Did you think I was going to ruin it for you? Nah, I wouldn't do that to you. If you've read any of Ms. Walker's other novels you'll like "Reconstructing Natalie"

I picked this up one day because I had recently read "Miss Invisible," also by Laura Jensen Walker. I really liked "Miss Invisible"...I just absolutely loved "Reconstructing Natalie." I really would recommend both books.

Laura does an incredible job of bringing the reader on this life-altering journey with Natalie. I felt moved and encouraged and inspired. I laughed and cried and when I finished, I just felt like running around and cheering for my new friend, Natalie, for all she did and went through. Trust me...this one's a great read...and perfect to pass on to friends.

I purchased this book based on its recommendations, and I'm not sorry I did. It's been 25+ years since I touched a sewing machine, and this book definitely helped take the fright away. Perfect for new seamstresses of all ages.

I have the Rip It! book and love it. I just got this book for my niece for christmas. She wants to learn how to sew and I know this is the best book out there for her. It's very easy to understand and comes with patterns for her to learn with. I'm also getting her a sewing machine from www.sewfastseweasy.com
I love giving! She is going to be so thrilled!

I bought this book for my daughter and she has taken to sewing extremely fast. She's so proud of what she makes. Her enthusiasm for sewing now is almost too much for me to keep up with. This book was was easy for her to understand and the illustrations were very clear. She's been playing around with reconstructing her clothes so I'm thinking of getting her the Rip It book as well. I'm happy to see her involved in a positive hobby that she truly enjoys and gets satisfaction from.

I just bought this book because I wanted to freshen up my sewing. I knew how to home sew from my mother but I didn't know much about sewing techniques or terms or sewing notions and how to use them. This book was very easy to understand and explains everything I need to know about sewing and using notions and patterns. It's now my sewing bible! If I get stuck on something I grab my sew fast sew easy book.

The book is great it even comes with patterns. The book is easy to understand and has lots of detail. I would definatly recommend it.

Reading a Victoria Laurie book is like taking a mental vacation from the usual stress that we all deal with on a day to day basis. The characters make me laugh sometimes and that alone is worth the read. I didn't think I was a fan of "chick" books, but VL books, the Abby Cooper series in particular, are just plain fun to follow. I just bought the "Ghouls" book and hope to enjoy that series as much as the Psychic Eye plots.

The more I read this series, the more I like it and want more! If you're just finding this author, start from the beginning and buy them all. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I loved this book so much-I am usually so good at guessing the endings to books but this one has me so entertained I don't even try to guess the ending. I just relax and enjoy the read.

A Vision of Murder is book 3 in the Psychic Eye series by Victoria Laurie. In this one, Abby, Cat, and Dave end up investing in a haunted house. Of course they didn't know it was haunted at the time, or two of them would have hightailed it immediately.

I picked up on the overall gist of where the story would go right away in this one. I find that most stories that involve WWII and hidden treasures tend to deal with items being stolen from Holocaust victims. However, Laurie does put her own Abby style spin on things that makes for an interesting mystery nonetheless. I found that enjoyable...watching her piece together things. I was more frustrated watching her this time though since if there is a trap for her to walk into, she most assuredly will.

Dolt, *cough* I mean Dutch continued to grate on my nerves in this book. Abby really has odd taste in men. He's a bit too controlling. Sure, she's a spaz and waltzes into trouble, but he often acted like she was an object he owned...one who should drop everything to baby him, and remain locked up in whatever cage he deems fitting. Bleh.

Overall I am still enjoying the pace and the writing style of these stories and most of the characters. Dave and his reaction to the haunted house just tickled me. I would have liked to see some resolution to Cat's issues at the end. The author left us hanging there. Maybe the next book will cover that. Or perhaps we were meant to assume it would all work itself out. I really don't know.

On the new age side of things, I was fascinated with seeing her relate to a ghostly experience. I liked thinking about the idea that some people have different energies that in fact attract ghosts. Dealing with that aspect of things seems pretty intense. I think I'll stick with working with my rocks thank you very much. :P

On to the next book. :)

The third installment of the Abby Cooper series is another hit! The Abby Cooper series is the perfect mystery series with an added mix of supernatural!! This novel even intorduces M.J. Holliday, Laurie's lead character in her new Ghost Hunter Series!

In A Vision of Murder, Abby, her sister Cat and Dave buy a rundown house together in order to fix it up and sell it to make a profit. But the downside is that the house is haunted and Dave refuses to work on the house as that the ghost attacked him on his first day. Thus leading Abby to contact M.J. Abby begins to work on the case of the haunted house along with Dutch and Milo, that leads to a cover up murder and many family secrets of that of a jeweler.

Abby is determined to solve the case no matter what, but there is someone trying to stop her and he will go to any means to stop her, by ranscaking her house, office, and attacking her. Which ultimately leads to problems with Abby and Dutch and trust issues. But Abby will be able to save the day and still make everyone happy!

Overall it is a great read just as all of the Psychic Eye mysteries are! They read so fast and grip you in that it seems that reality doesn't exist!

This installment is my favorite in the Psychic Eye series. It's a good, old fashioned haunted house mystery and also introduces us to M. J. Holliday of the new Ghost Hunter series. I enjoyed the depth added to Abby's relationships with Cat and Dutch. The supporting cast of characters is delightful and has followed Abby throughout the series.