A Books

Just read this book (yet another great page turner) and i enjoyed the fact that Kendra uses everyday real life things in her books..i was so into this one i gotten upset every time my boyfriend called, i'd let him know he was interuppting me and Grace and nem...LoL. someone else said that it was a romantic and wholesome book....I have to agree! i pray that God continue's to use Kendra as a great author and continued her success...her books also have a way of having a person beleive that God still has some nice man or female out her and that all is not lost as far as a God ordained relationship goes...God Bless ya!

I've read A Love So Strong, Crossing Jhordan's River,and One Prayer Away. LOVED ALL THREE. I found the first two Grace books, and FLAG and BOG were letdowns. I realized they came first, and KNB was probably fine tuning her flow, but I just could not get into these. I ended up skimming them on the train. Not terrible books, but definitely not repeats like her others for me.

I loved this book it had elements of drama, humour (the two mothers were funny but I felt there as a bit of overkill with those two it started to get annoying to read) and romance. Yes there is a fairy tale aspect to the story - the hero and heroine seem too perfect to be true- they have the perfect courtship with no drama whatsoever maybe cos Grace spent most of the time in a coma- lol. Anyway this is a good start to a lovely series. However an element of realism is there in regards to Derrick's response to his mother's death. It does makee one think this is where one's faith really is tested and how most of us probably would truly behave if we were in his shoes.

I really enjoyed this novel by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. She is an extrodinary writer when it comes to Christain books. It was soft and sincere. Also emotional. All I can say to sum this book up is 'You Go Girl'. Because this is truly every Christain as well as non-christian dream come true. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book was so GOOD!This was one of the best books I have read,my first christian fiction book was COVER GIRLS,but this book ,FOR LOVE AND GRACE takes the cake! As a young women who one day wants to get married, this book shows what to look for in a good saved man. Thank you soooooooo much for writing this book kendra norman-bellamy!This book was so good,I was almost done reading it in less then two days!Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing it right! GOD BLESS.

Beautiful Deck of cards. Very colorful. Osho Zen Tarot: The Transcendental Game Of Zen

I've never had any Tarot cards myself, tho i must say that this deck really appeals to me. Its much more current day then many other decks and perhaps the biggest plus are the quotes from osho himself which are in the explanatory book.
Best example why you should buy this deck if your into tarot or any other kind of spirituality is the fact that when i did a reading for some of my friends (who are into regular tarot themselves) they where so impressed by the art, truth and texts that they wanted to know where i bought it so they could get a copy for themselves.

I bought the cards and book basically as a guide for focusing and meditation, which works quite well. They are based on the same concept as the traditional tarot cards, so I figure that anyone the uses the tarot cards will find these quite easy to work with. I had read a couple of books by Osho before I came across these cards, so it makes sense that he would incorporate his philosophy into these zen tarot cards.

Everytime I asked this tarot for an answer or guidance, it always gave me exactly what I needed to hear at the moment. Quite amazing. I love the messages that Osho has given on each card - not just a woodoo kinda thing like any other tarot I used in the past. Try to quiet your mind before you enter the reading. It somehow helps me queit my mind as well - very powerful and helpful.

Ullasini Khwan
www.urbanyogis.com

Beautiful set of tarots and a masterful art of getting you to look within for the answers to what is puzzeling you. I have enjoyed the tarot readings and have begun my journey.

Advanced Water Distribution Modeling and Management is not only a complete and current reference for professionals involved in water distribution systems but also an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses. In fact, what makes this book different is that it contains from basic hydraulic concepts up to the most recent researches and experiences in a comprehensive language.

Thank-You Haestad Mdthods for developing such a wonderful program. I use this book as a guide almost everyday.

This texttbook, that I recently reviewed, was for me a great experience. This is a must have book for any Civil consultant involved in hydraulics. It is both a guide to water modeling and a practical reference to water distribution operation and management. Thanks Haestad Methods.

This reference has given us an edge in satisfying client needs from the simplest capacity study to the most complex model. It has helped make our competent modelers more efficient and the up-and coming modeler function like a pro. Many common questions and problems are anticipated and clearly answered. Because the book so thoroughly covers system management issues, I believe many parts should be required reading for water resources engineers.

I wish I knew of this book's existence years ago. For too many years, I have been using several other reference books to "answer" my never ending questions and doubts on modeling and related subjects.

It even has reference on non-concontinuous flow condition. A great book with lots of "weight." The price was right, too, I received this gem free as a bonus for signing up to attend a wwebcast sponsored by Haestad.

This is one of the first Holocaust survival stories that I read. It is by far one that has stayed with me in the most detail.

What a strong girl Gerda is. she was told to never give up her boots and in the end it is one thing that saved her life after marching in a blizzard half frozen to death. How she survived is nothing short of a miracle.

Reading this when you are in a hard time reminds you that you do have the inner strength to survive. If she can do that then I can face my problems. It is quite graphic and tells the truth of really happened in the holocaust.

I'm not going to give the story away I'm just going to say you will cry and rejoyce in this story. It will touch you to core of your very being.

I must read for EVERYONE!

I have read many of the holocaust books out there but this is the one I pass on to friends to read. Especially moving is the liberation of the prisoners at the end of the book. I wish all schools made this mandatory reading. What a way to learn history! This author is quite an incredible woman.

This book was gripping and I could not put it down until I finished it. It's so hard to believe the hardships so many endured for being Jewish. A must read. Beautifully written with rich detail.

I read this book a long time ago and just got done listening to the book on tape for the second time. It is the most powerful representation of the Holocaust I have found. Please read this book if you want to learn about the Holocaust from a gifted author and survivor.

Despite the horrors around her, and fellow prisoners dying and becoming mentally unbalanced every day, young Gerda Weissman managed to survive several Nazi camps from the late 1930s through the grisly end of World War II.

Imagine being a teenager, wrenched away from your beloved parents, older brother and home -- and never seeing any of them ever again. It would be enough to make anyone unstable, not to mention bitter. Yet somehow, Gerda emerges from her horrifying ordeal stronger than she began. As her body heals in a hospital run by the Allies during the spring of 1945, Gerda begins a relationship with Kurt Klein -- a young soldier who urges her to tell her story.

Now an elderly woman living in Arizona, Gerda Weissman Klein is able to see just how far she's come from the young Jewish girl living a priviledged life in Poland. Yet at the same time, her writing style allows readers to see clearly just how that same persona has managed to live such a rich, eventful life to the fullest all of these years.

I've read many Holocaust memoirs, though I must say that Gerda's story is beautifully and distinctly told.

The writing style was a bit tedious at the beginning, but it improved and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It is a good story of not about the dog only, but also how you can turn your life around to what you want it to be by simply not giving up and putting in whatever it takes to get it. And, let us not forget the fact that it took a dog to do it. Animals are truly great partners because they need us and inspire us with their unconditional love.

The books came in and it was like brand new....in fact if I hadn't known I ordered it used I would never have known. It was a great gift and the seller is another I would use again. The book came sooner than promised and was in even better shape than described.

This is another wonderful story told with a lot of love. Right up there with Marley and Me and Merle's Door. You can read this more than once. I just wish the book was longer because there were so many great tales of this dog and her owners. They really loved their dog.

Great story about Gracie and her "family"! Having a German Shepherd who is partially deaf, blind in one eye, and dumped in a trash can at 10 weeks old, I can certainly relate to Dan (and Mark) and their quest to raise a "special needs" dog. It's a wonderful [true] story for anyone who is a dog lover!

This book is a really great tribute to Gracie. It also gives me tons of respect for these guys and the lengths they went thru to make her life better.
I am also impressed by Three Dog Bakery and think it was such a great idea, the American dream for dog lovers. :)

Let the reader of this review be aware that the reason I wrote it is because it was written by a former local Boston author that was also a neighbor of mine for a while and we share a lot of friends and acquaintances. I like my readers to know if I have a personal bias about a book I'm reviewing. It doesn't usually affect my reviews other than influencing me to do review the book in the first place.
While the young medical student and researcher who was doing a study on safe sex practices at one of Nevada's legal brothels (called ranches) she realized there was enough interest in this subject that she should also write a book about her experiences while doing the research project at the Harvard University School of Public Health. This ranch was later seized by the IRS for non-payment of taxes by the owners and at one time was going to be turned into a museum and park for the namesake wild horses that inhabit the area. It's since been literally moved to another location.
Alexa Albert spent three years trying to get permission to do her study on the use of condoms at The Mustang Ranch. She was finally given permission since she was an accredited medical expert on the subject from Harvard School of Public Health. Since the state regulators and the ranch managers insist that only sex with a condom is allowed, they already knew what the medical research study would confirm and weren't worried about any additional adverse publicity that would have the public up in arms to shut down Nevada's legal brothels. The author was most surprised at the reaction her study produced from the 100 plus working prostitutes at the ranch. They were dying to tell their stories. They individually confirmed that they never, ever practiced unsafe sex at the brothel. They knew such an action would not only endanger their lives, but would also get them fired from a job that annually paid many of them more than the President of the United States gets in a year. The women at Mustang were neither poor nor unwilling to be sex workers and were drop-dead beautiful. Most of them were supporting other family members.
The author had previously worked with and studied street prostitutes in NYC and found that they better fit the stereotypical mold of battered women, druggies, and were often working against their will. While they preferred practicing safe sex, their customers didn't want to cooperate and even their own pimps would not provide them with condoms even though they could be gotten from medical authorities at no cost. Many of those pimps and boy friends used drugs and violence to control their posse of "whores."
Albert discovered the difference in the unregulated and licensed brothels was like night and day. The experience convinced her that regulating prostitution was by far the best for the prostitutes, their customers and society in general.
The book is full of interviews and personal stories and even a few unbelievable sex practices which probably weren't necessary to fulfill the book's main purpose but that make it infinitely more interesting to read. Some things are just plain hard to believe and are weird enough to be included in the "Guinness Book of World Records."
The reader of this tome won't be bored, but will learn much that they didn't expect when they started reading about the almost legendary Mustang Ranch that is only miles from Virginia City fabulous "Comstock Silver Mnes" and the world Mark Twain wrote about as a young news reporter. Brothels and prostitution have always been an institution in Nevada, The Silver State.
Albert also wrote a brief forward for "Brothels of Nevada: Candid Views of America's Legal Sex Industry." This book of fine art photography will provide the curious reader with a good look at the inside of the Mustang Ranch as well of most of Nevada's other Legal Brothels. The reader won't find any pictures of the girls themselves in that architectural study by award winning photographer Timothy Hursley. The book is published by the Princeton Architectural Press, which should provide a good clue as to the subject matter. (See my review).

It's too bad this isn't required reading for "I've got my mind made up, don't confuse me with the facts," anti-prostitution people. Alexa Albert is a graduate from the Harvard school of medicine, and she brings a balanced, non-emotional, non-judgmental perspective to the topic of legal prostitution in Nevada (which is pretty rare for this topic). This book adds a candid, human dimension to the lives of sex workers. Highly recommended reading for anyone who wants the real story.

This book is a very powerful, moving, and professionally written look into the workings of what was once one of the largest legal brothels in the country. The author is essentially sympathetic to the concept of legalized prostitution, but conveys very clearly her own ambiguity, and makes no effort to gloss over the admitted negatives associated with the trade. This is a very balanced look at a subject that it is very hard to be evenhanded with, and gives very clear insights into the lives that legalized prostitution touches.

I'm a sucker for books that take me into a subculture I know nothing about and have no intention of visiting, and this exploration of legalized prostitution in Nevada certainly fits the bill. The author originally approached the Nevada Brothel Association in the early 1990s with the aim of conducting surveys of prostitutes as part of a public health study looking at condom use and efficacy in preventing STDs. However, when she finally did gain access, it turned into a larger anthropological study of Nevada brothel life, focusing on the largest and most well-known of these, the Mustang Ranch.

The author was a live-in guest there off and on, from 1993 until the brothel's closure in 1999, and the portrait she emerged with is an invaluable one for anyone seeking to understand prostitution as a legal, moral, political, and personal issue. She conducted formal and informal interviews with dozens of the women working there, the staff, and others on the outside involved in pro or anti-brothel lobbying, all the while struggling with her own assumptions and attitudes. The only thing more impressive than her fieldwork is her keen synthesis of everything she heard into a compelling straightforward account that is both fair-minded and likely to challenge most reader's assumptions.

The range of topics covered is vast, including: brothel pricing and business strategies, internal cliques and feuds among the prostitutes, attitudes of customers, attitudes toward customers, feelings of kinship among prostitute, the debate among prostitutes as to whether or not "enjoying" their work is acceptable, online "customer" forums, and much more. Perhaps the most surprising (and depressing) aspect to me was the extent to which many of the women interviewed were emotionally blackmailed or coerced into prostitution by family members (usually husbands, but at least one mother and one mother-in-law were mentioned). Indeed, the extent to which informal pimps exist in legalized prostitution is rather a shock. Throughout it all, she presents what she is told in clear, concise, and compassionate prose that raise the veil on a shadowy world and will likely challenge many readers assumptions.

Note: Academy Award winners Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren are starring in Academy Award winning director Taylor Hackford's (Ray) 2009 film, "Love Ranch," which is about the rise and fall of the Mustang Ranch.

Overall, this is an easy read, nothing too filthy, nothing too disturbing, and most definitely a window into a world most of us know nothing of. But make no mistake, this is very adult content.

I found the narrative simple and straightforward, basically a story following the Mustang Ranch until its demise in the summer of 1999.

Author Albert approaches the Mustang Ranch and its women, and her initial research project from a solidly anti-prostitution perspective, viewing it--without the benefit of truly knowing the subject--clearly as the manipulation, subjugation, and entrapment of vulnerable women. But quite interestingly, by the end of the book, having seen the business and its commodity up close and personal, she has had what appears to me to be an almost total change of heart, now seeing prostitution, at least in the context of a legally constituted and regulated industry, as an empowering profession lived by real people who more or less choose their involvement within it.

So, this is not necessarily an objective study on legalized prostitution. For a woman with the kind of medical and research credentials which author Albert professes to have, the book is remarkably devoid of research language, descriptions of her research methodologies, her trials, observations, etc. The book is virtually sanitized of just about any trace of her research, its methods, and its outcome. The entire reason for her to be at Mustang in the first place was for her to conduct research, but that issue and story is quickly left behind for the clearly far more interesting and compelling story of the Mustang Ranch, its ladies, and the business.

If you're looking for graphic descriptions of sexual encounters, this book will not deliver. There are a couple of passages in which she describes sexual acts and encounters, but the descriptions are not titillating. Thankfully, she also dispenses with any kind of medical or clinical descriptions of the acts as well. Yes, the f-word does creep in a couple of times, and there are some passages containing graphic language, although these are usually not from the author, but her quotations of her brothel-mates.

No, author Albert does not become one of the girls, although she is accepted as one by the ladies of the ranch. I was very much reminded of Patpong Sisters: An American Woman's View of the Bangkok Sex World, which I think would be a great companion-read to this book.

As a male reader, it was very refreshing to read the passage in which Albert actually buys a set of hooker lingerie to bring home as a gift to her husband. Now that's education in action.

More than anything in this book, I was heartened to see this story of an author with an established set of beliefs who set out to confirm them, only to have them changed almost completely, all because she kept an open mind and listened to her subjects.

I loved this series in middle school and would highly recommend it as a fun leisure read for children in that age bracket.

The last book of the enchanted forest chronicles, it is as funny. It is a sequel to Calling on Dragons and the end of the story is a happily ever after for a lot of characters and a not so happy ending for others. It is a book that should not be missed.

My daughters often read the four books from the Enchanted Forest series by Patricia C. Wrede. They came across the books a couple years back. They seem to check out the books and audio tapes every couple months. Over the last year I have listened to bits and pieces of the series.

Talking to Dragons is was the first book published, but it is really the fourth in the series. The hero of the story is a 16 year old boy by the name of Daystar. For the first 16 years of his life he lived on the edge of the Enchanted Forest with his mother. Then one day his mother gives him a sword and sends him out into Enchanted Forest. His mother tells him he has a mission, but won't tell him what the mission is.

Fairly quickly Daystar bumps into a fire-witch. They are both in trouble with wizards, and decide to stick together. Daystar was taught to always be polite to dragons. They come across a young dragon. Daystar is very polite and the dragon joins the group. Near the end of the book Daystar finally figures out his mission and helps save the day.

This is a fun book. It moves along well. I stayed up till midnight to finish it. If your children like fantasy, you might have them try this book.

Talking To Dragons Jane Yolen Books,
Patricia C. Wrede ISBN 0-15-284247-0

Talking to Dragons is a great book about kings, princes, princesses, dragons, and wizards by Patricia C. Wrede. It takes place in Enchanted Forest. The narrator of the book is the main character, Daystar.
One day Daystar's mom tells him to go on a quest that he knows nothing about. He started out on a quest and meets new creatures and people, some of them become his companions and some his enemies.
His companions, a young fire witch named Shiara and a young dragon, become really good friends with him. They help him on his quest. After a while he started to figure out that the sword his mom gave him was important because everybody wanted it. People called it "The Sword of the Sleeping King." All he knew is that he needed to go through a cave to be where he was supposed to.
At the end he found the Sleeping King and everybody was reunited. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and also a happy ending. I recommend reading the first three books Dealing With Dragons, Searching For Dragons and Calling for Dragons.

PR28

All the Enchanted Forest Chronicles are so much fun! Definitely at my top of Harry Potter fan recommendations. They're just such an amusing read; I even teach with them. Don't forget to read "The Frying Pan of Doom."

Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern NutritionExcellent reference material. Easy to understand, you don't have to have a PHD.

It is the best book on nutrition ever! Yes it is heavily biased towards TCM, but it is perfectly fine with me. I thoroughly enjoy reading this book. It has good information, research and insights.

With so so many books on food, diet and nutrition, if I was to recommend just one book, this would have to be it.

This book was recommended to me and has come in handy for reference. It's really like a bible for people who are open to eastern and western medicine but prefer to use food rather than pills to help the body do its thing well.

....A wise and valuable book for anyone who is serious about examining their eating habits. A great guide for those who want to improve their life and health conditions and embrace the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang.This book also includes flavorful and delicious recipe's, to get you started on your journey.

This is the coolest book ever. I just finished it yesterday and im looking to see if I can find out when the second book in the series comes out so far no luck. I recomend this book to anyone who likes books that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. It's a must read!

This is the first Robert Stanek book I read. Even though several years have passed since then I still remember the characters and pick up the book from time to time to re-read it. Anyone who liked Shrek the movie or books with creepy critters in them is going to love this. I totally enjoyed it and recommend it.

Jake Jr.

My favorites by this author are his Kingdoms and Dragons books. I love the Kingdoms and enjoy reading and re-reading the books. Magic Lands is very different from the other ones, but still fantasy. This is the story of Ray, a 13-year-old village boy who must journey to the place lost and deep. The journey is a rite of passage, and he must undertake it by himself. During the journey he has many strange encounters with the creatures living in the wild areas around his village. This is a hugely fun and fast read!

I thought this book was a good read in general. I liked the storyline and the characters. It's exciting and fast paced. Easy to read and understand. I strongly suggest you read this event-filled journey.

Remember those times as a kid when you picked up a book and got lost in it? Well, this is such a book. I read Journey Beyond the Beyond a few years back and I was immediately drawn in to this truly magical story. This is a thrilling, edge-of-the seat read, even for an adult like me. You'll be swept away in an amazing world and desperately desire to become part of this magical universe.

Robert Stanek writes deftly as he tells the story of 13-year-old Ray who must journey to the place lost and deep to prove to himself and to his people that he is no longer a child. Ray's journey is a rite of passage, a trial that tests Ray's strength and courage. As soon as he sets out from his village he is set upon by Old Bull, a terrifying creature with human characteristics and traits. Old Bull chases and taunts Ray every step of the journey. The journey to the place lost and deep is only the beginning, however, for Ray's dreams--dreams the village elder warned Ray about--are taking him on a much longer, darker path.

The imagery in Stanek's writing about this watery world filled with strange and wonderful creatures is deep and occassionaly dark. You can't help but worry about Ray and his safety as he faces the many perils along his journey. I was equally impressed by the illustrations throughout this over-sized book. The intricately detailed cover illustration shows Ray leaving his home village, leaving behind his friends Isaac, Tall, Ephramme, and Keene. The back cover has a detailed illustration of Ray battling a large bull. Throughout the book there are amazingly detailed illustrations as well.

If you haven't discovered the worlds of Robert Stanek yet, you should. Here's why:

1. His books have imagination. Most books written for adults are seriously lacking in both aspects. His books on the other hand have rich imagery, well-designed plots, and plenty for imagination to feast on.

2. His books have heart. The books have moral, life, and relationship lessons that are meaningful. The characters show courage, bravery, heroism, loyalty, compassion. You don't feel like you're being preached to because the writing is mature and the subjects are approached in a way that is part of the story, part of the world he creates.

3. His books are Fun with a capital F! They're fairly easy reads that you can pick up and completely lose yourself in. They're great escapes from daily life and from "heavy" literature. With series like, The Kingdoms and the Elves, and In the Service of Dragons, the books get better and better as the series progresses.

4. His books are incredibly good. We all need a little magic in our lives, and his books provide that. It's good to feel like a kid again, and for younger readers it's great to find an author that doesn't talk down to his readers. His books are written in a way that is equally adult-friendly and young people-friendly.

Highly recommended reading!

What a wonderful title and an intriguing excerpt. I await the completed book to finally find out what happens. Ms Coulter's previous books never disappointed and I'm sure this newest one will be no exception. Please publish it soon. I look forward to a pleasant, relaxing day of reading Precarious.

I am moved by what I've read so far. I am already invested in this young man, and I want to know more, to know how the story progresses and ends.

In her opening words Ms. Coulter presents the reader with a blend of fact, remembrance, and family lore that form the memory of Marcus her protagonist. "He didn't know exactly where he was born. But he's been told..." Ms. Coulter does not tell us what is true and what is not, leaving her reader to reflect on the blurring of the past that confuses and confounds the universal human experience of searching for the truth of one's own life to understand it and perhaps gain some larger knowledge.

Ms. Coulter's prose is sparing. Cliantha, Marcus's mother, wears "a smart houndstooth suit...each piece $11.98 at the twelve-dollar store." This sharp recollection, as though retrieved from a dream, is telling. Like other descriptions it is brief and neat; the reader, however, sees it perfectly and feels that he is there.

The movement, at the end of the chapter, to the voice of the attorney is intriguing. The reader is left eager to continue, to turn the page, and follow the life of young Marcus now perhaps in some difficulty.

Precarious by H. Coulter introduces the story of Marcus and Eliza, first by bringing the reader up to date with Marcus.

Abandoned at birth, found by a stranger, then reclaimed by his mother, Marcus is set up for a life of uncertainty from minutes old. His path over the next few years is tied in with his child-like mother who's fantasy of a better existence for them isn't met with reality. By the time Marcus is nine-years-old he is in the 'system' surrounded by temporary siblings, care-takers, and case workers. His secret hope is that his mom is finally coming to get him (now that she's broken up with her latest boyfriend), but for the reader with any knowledge of those who end up in the foster system for a long term, they are often in for the long haul.

All of this early tale is told to us by Eliza Couvillion, we come to realize, as the excerpt wraps up with her brief introduction.

The characters presented are sympathetic and evoke sentiments of concern and pity. As the reader, I began to share in Marcus's cling to hope--hope that his life will at least improve with a twist of fate.

The writing is engaging and the story well paced. While it isn't necessarily the type of tale that would jump out at me to read, once I got going, I was interested in seeing how it played out.

Hope Coulter's excerpt, Precarious, is a rich and vivid beginning to what is no doubt an exceptional novel: with such a strong opening - an invitation to continue - how could it not be so. The images painted in these first few pages are captivating: the red plastic shopping cart at Target, "Swiggins" wig askew, the trip to the grocery store to browse for a meal when there wasn't enough money to buy one.... These are images I can see as if they'd happened in my own life, with depth and clarity, and in three dimensions.

But the sensory delights don't stop there: like a tune you find yourself humming as you drive down the road, I've got the sounds of Precarious speaking to me, reminding me there's lots more to read. The songs of Cliantha, with the percussion of her shoes as accompaniment, the cars speeding down the 'short' street, then what I know is a high-pitched, annoyed, jerky sound of reverse gears of impatient drivers foiled in a short-cut, the toilet that runs when you don't jiggle the handle.... I know these sounds, and they draw me further into the story. The voices are clear and right on target, "honey I look good," and the kids talking about the 'retard' bus, and the way the kids in the foster house talk to each other about waiting for the phone. The language is superb - I can hear this book and all its characters.

The smells and feelings Hope Coulter evokes are further evidence of a gifted southern storyteller in the finest tradition. Cliantha's perfume 'unspooling' through the rooms, the smell of coffee dripping in the morning, and the pangs of hunger Marcus struggles to cope with are deftly and delicately described.

So many images that keep popping up in my mind, making me wonder if I've forgotten something, only to realize that I've forgotten to read the rest of the novel. The tones of the voice of a familiar and rich storyteller call the reader back for more. Ms. Coulter's skill as a writer puts her readers at ease that she will spin this yarn in the finest fashion. And like the smell of coffee dripping in the morning awakens my appetite for a steaming cup and the day before me, my senses are stirred by Hope Coulter's delicious excerpt. I need answers to so many questions this taste provides. I very much hope this novel will be published soon.