Sarah Deane is an ongoing character of author J.S. Borthwick. She is a strong young woman whose personality is developed more and more with each succeeding book. The mystery in this book is pretty good, and suspects and red herrings abound. However, in the end I felt somewhat cheated. Sarah, the main character, does not solve the mystery. In fact, none of the characters solves the mystery. The villain is finally caught in the act, and the last major clue, which would have allowed Sarah (and the reader) to solve the crimes, is not revealed until after the murderer has been arrested. I have been noticing this kind of thing recently with amateur sleuths, and I must say that it is a trend that I do not like. Still, this book is well written and a fun read.

Sarah Deane is at loose ends after completing her PhD. Bowdoin College doesn't have a place for her until the next semester, and Alex is incredibly busy at the hospital. Cousin Giddy's phone call seems like a godsend. At teacher at the exclusive boarding school at which she works is taking a maternity leave, and the school is in need of an English teacher immediately. Sarah accepts the position and is off to her childhood home of Carlisle, MA. The teachers are an odd bunch, but not sinister. Having been dragooned into going to a slide show given by the art history teacher, Sarah becomes one of the last people to see her alive.

There are many plot twists and turns in this novel and the mystery is pretty engrossing. Borthwick writes an excellent academic mystery.

I find that Borthwick improves with each addition. Amongst New England mysteries she stands alone. I am not sure what annejv is talking about but I suspect she is a french teacher with a lifetime of frustrated students.

I loved this book. I felt that I got ten and more biographies of the most famous actresses in the world.It's well researched, and it's fun to read. The author emphasizes the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. I've read all of Jane Ellen's books and enjoy her style. The Golden Girls of MGM is one of her best.

I am very impressed with this book. I am learning things in every chapter. I have read it several times - and haven't done this in ages - so I have decided to read every page. I was going to skip some chapters of stars I wasn't fond of, but found I was learning things about others in those chapters. I have read most of Jane Ellen Wayne's books and love her style. I think The Golden Girls of MGM is her best.

I am an avid fan of old films so I was delighted to find The Golden Girls of MGM in my book store. Though I knew a lot about MGM, I discovered a great deal more in Wayne's thick and delicious book. These beautfiful and talented actresses are a great study. Wayne dishes the dirt, but she sticks to the basics as well.The book is written in a breathless style. I will read it again and agin over the years so that I can relive those Golden years that were magical, but not forgotten, thanks to this book,

this is one of the most biased, misleading books I have ever read. it reports all of the bad things that the south and the americans did, but totally ignores the atrocities committed by the north, like the 10,000 civilians killed in Hue during the 1968 VC offensive, including many who were buried alive. if the author is truly a pacifist, why are these not mentioned?

beyond that, it tends to be repetitive and self-congradulatory.

From her experience living together with the common people, Lady Borton is able to reveal to us the main reason why the Americans failed to win the war in Vietnam. In fact, the war is already lost even before it began. Vietnamese is those special breed of people that's enormously proud of their country & should Americans have learnt about Vietnamese history, then, they would have to think twice before deciding to chip in efforts in assisting the French, & subsequently, to fight against communism. It so happened that after interviewing the common people, they were not fighting the Americans for communism but they simply wanted to win the right to enjoy their lives, to live as a free person with their own people. We also learnt of women's significant contribution towards the cause. Along the way, they lost their loved ones, & many became victims to chemical warfare conducted by the Americans. Surprisingly, many Vietnamese don't have ill-feelings against Americans because they always regarded the American Government differently from the Americans. The book also gives us a glimpse of their cultures (celebration of Tet & New Year), difference beween North & South Vietnam. To make the reading more interesting, there were pictures taken of the author with her new found friends ie. villagers, drawing of villages layouts, map of Vietnam, outline of Vietnam history, description of Vietnamese terms, relevant poems to start every & each chapters written by Vietnamese nationalists & poets. I don't find the book particularly captivating to read as it's quite long winded describing every little details about domestic chores. For those that yearn to feel the essence of villagers' life, perhaps, it's worth the while. Still, this doesn't deter the author's goal of reconciling between the States & Vietnam, & thus, the title of the book, After Sorrow.

Lady Borton holds some strong opinions as I have noted on a recent trip to Viet Nam. In this wonderful book however she holds them in check and expresses everything in the words, experiences and thoughts of others who presumably were there. Reading this in country and in fact in the exact places cited in the book was a moving experience. Borton does not actually take a view on agent orange here although she has one. In fact emphasising that a woman's statements in the text are annecdotal and without statistical foundation is more than fair to other opinions. Nor does she promote communism but rather separates it from the nationalism which won the war for her friends who only begin to thrive when a market economy arrives. This is a wonderful story reflecting what other war participants think and feel in contrast to our own long held ideas.

This book tends to over simplify the SAT II: Math test. There were not nearly enough practice questions, and the few practice questions they have are too easy. The actual test was more difficult than the question in this book. I used this book to review the simple concepts that I have forgotten over the years, but because I have a strong background in Math, I was able to score a 800 on the test. If you're not great at math, this book will not increase your scores too much.

You're nervous, you're sweaty. You see the person in front of the room talking but you can't quite understand what he is saying because you are too focused on the task before you. You know that this test could mean saving thousands of dollars and getting into the college of your choice. Welcome to the SAT II subject tests, a rite of passage for anyone who is applying to more competitive schools. Most students haven't even heard of SAT II's and are unfamiliar with the importance of these specialized tests. This book provides the reader with a guide to understanding the nature and format of the SAT II Math IC and IIC. Before I make any comments on the book I want to provide you with some details about my math background. I am an honors student who is currently enrolled in AP Math (Calculus) and scored a 680 on the math section of the SAT I. When I took the Math IIC for the first time (after having used this book to cram the night before and morning of the test) I scored a 780 out of 800, not bad. I feel that this book is effective only if you have a solid math background and if you are willing to do all of the exercises and practice in the book. Like anything the more you work at it the better you will get. This book is very good when it comes to providing the reader with quality content in an easy format to understand. It is also important to know that this book alone will not make you score well, but will raise your score. Good Luck on the Test!

This book have 2 practice IC and IIC tests. It also has topic summaries so you can review everything. With the pratice exams of IC and IIC, you can figure out which test is best for you, and it has complete explantions.

The book Escape From Egypt by Sonia Levitin is a well written book about two lovers trying to get out of Egypt. We enjoyed the setting if the book! The characters in the book have a strong will and passion for life.
The book had it's ups and downs, some parts were very dull vecause the author crammed too much informantion into some parts that were very exciting and action filled.We thought that the author put things ub a point if view that other people could understand.

Escape from Egypt is a brilliant, enthralling book by Sonia Levetin. Set in Egypt during the Biblical story of the Hebrew's enslavement, Escape from Egypt is the story of a teenage Hebrew slave-boy named Jesse. Jesse has fallen head over heels in love with Jennat, a young Egyptian girl, but is betrothed to his cousin, Talia. Jennat loves Jesse, but she has been promised to an Egyptian noble as a concubine. When the Hebrews flee Egypt, Jesse and Jennat have to find a way to be together. Escape from Egypt's best attributes are its pace and the amount of detail. The book moves at a good pace: it does not go so slowly that the reader becomes bored, yet it does not move so quickly that the reader becomes confused. It also gives a nice amount of detail, so the events are easy to follow without being vague. Though I truly enjoyed reading this book, it did have one fault that I found stopped it from being the ideal novel. The plot was somewhat unoriginal. The setting and characters were entertaining, but the "Romeo and Juliet" story of two people who fall in love and can not get married because of race, blood, or station in life has been used too many times to still be considered original. Nonetheless, the setting and characters were outstanding, making the book captivating. In total, Escape from Egypt was a first-rate novel for teens.

A Review by Nena
This book takes place when Hebrew's were in slavery. Jesse, a young Hebrew, is in love with an Egyptian girl, named Jennat. He is to be married to his cousin, Talia. He does what he can to see Jennat. Yet Jennat doesn't want to see him. He goes through a lot of danger just to see her. While he tries to see Jennat his is reminded about marring Talia. Wonder what he is going to do?

The beginning was confusing because the point of view is changed from Jesse to Jennat. I had to stop and read it a couple times to get who was talking. Besides that, I loved the book. I was hooked after the first chapter. I couldn't put it down. Sonia is a great writer. I saw the word Egypt on the cover and I just had to read it. I am very interested in Egypt. I would love to go there some day: to see the pyramids, the Nile, and the people. I think that would be so much fun. I wonder how Sonia comes up with the story line. It is a great book I highly recommend it to any one interested in romance and Egypt.

Shepherd was thrown out of Westminster Seminary for his unbiblical view on soteriology in 1981, but not without leaving his mark in the seminary's faculty, which remains a problem to this day.

This book contains some very simple words, combined in a way to form sentenses and paragraphs that make no sense. So it is hard for those who lack the ability to discern the subtleties of theological language -- let alone Shepherd's confused language -- to really understand what he is saying, and to realize how unbiblical his view is.

For a short critique, I suggest that you search the Internet for John Robbins' review on this book, entitled, "False Shepherd". I think he rightly calls Shepherd's view "Neo-legalism".

Coming out of a dispensationalist background, and not really knowing what Covenant Theology was about, I obtained this book with the hope of better understanding what has often been described to me as the core of Reformed theology. Instead, this work left me increasingly perplexed, as it seems to pour tension on other Reformed doctrines I have long since accepted (the doctrines of grace, justification by faith alone).

The first thing I found baffling is how the book attempts to address evangelism and "view election from the perspective of the covenant." The author does well to point out that the five points are not the exhaustive description of Calvinism, and that the believer has no business in trying to decipher who is elect and who is reprobate. But it is troubling that though he explicitly denies the Arminian position, his description of election sounds exceedingly corporate and conditional in character. Isn't that exactly what the Arminians affirm and the Calvinists deny?

The second and third points of confusion I found only after re-reading the book (since I didn't understand it the first time around), but trying to digest them, I find them more troubling than the first. The book says, concerning Jesus Christ himself, "His was a living, active, and obedient faith that took him all the way to the cross. This faith was credited to him as righteousness." Huh? Doesn't this just bring Jesus down to the our level, himself needing faith to be saved? Isn't this sort of teaching more at home with modernist innovation than with the historic Reformed faith? Isn't Christ the example to us in all things but faith? Rather, isn't he the object of faith? And isn't his righteousness intrinsic rather than imputed?

Third, and directly related to the second is the impression of how the sinner is justified. "Just as Jesus was faithful..., so his followers must be faithful in order to inherit the blessing." It is good that the author insists that a Christian has commandments to live by. But this, like many other statements in the book, muddies the waters. Regardless of what the author is trying to teach, it sounds very much like works. It is frustrating that no clear attempt is made to explain the obedient Christian life in relation to justification by faith alone.

I have since learned more of Reformed theology, and can conclude that this book is not a good introduction to the historic protestant faith. Indeed, through the fuzzy language, it almost sounds like the author repudiates the historic teaching that Christ satisfies the covenant conditions for us.

I am somewhat perplexed by the number of clearly Reformed reviewers giving such high marks for the book. I thought that it would be useful that this review be from my reaction as someone new to the systematic. Many of the statements made in the book I would not disagree with if taken alone, and many others I would heartily endorse. But as a unit, the book left me bewildered. Tensions are created rather than resolved, and poor neophytes (like me) are left more confused as to how the Covenant illuminates anything.

I highly recommend this book to anyone as an introduction to covenant theology. This work is a response in small part to the evangelicals and catholics together document of 1994 and in large part to the age old dilemma of legalism and antinomianism.

The first section on the covenants illumination on salvation succinctly and meaningfully takes the reader through the abrahamic, mosaic and new covenant. The reader is then shown how the great commission, election and regeneration are illumined by the covenant.

To summate the answer to much of the controversy referred to in other posted reviews, God's people are covenanted to Christ by grace through faith alone from the hearing of the gospel. The Christian is saved unto good works. Yes, covenant obligations. That's how the Christian loves Christ and his neighbor; by obeying the commandments.

Christ of the Covenant, by O. Palmer Robertson and Lectures on Calvinism, by Kuyper are two excellent follow-ups to this book in developing a full-orbed covenant worldview.

I'd read THe Love Talker before and didn't think too much of it but I figured maybe I was too judgemental, but then I read this one and I don't think these books are all that great. There is practically nothing on character development or any love growing...ooh I meet a guy and ooh I'm in love with one and not the other because...God alone knows why...
Anywayz, I'm glad mine was a used copy! It was very boring.

Dinah is on a tour of the Holy Land. Her ailing father was unable to make the trip, so she is sure to save up as many memories as possible for the biblical scholar. On her first night, she hears an argument and what appears to be a murder. She calls for help and this sets in motion a series of events that she may never forget, if she survives it all.

I really enjoyed this book, it reminds me of her novels as Barbara Michaels without the supernatural element that seems to run through those. It starts out slowly, but quickly picks up speed and is very hard to put down at the end.

Many E. Peters fans have found that her strongest works are the series books, especially Amelia and Vicky Bliss (though Jaqueline Kirby does have her admirers). The non-series aren't so good in general, partly because they're all earlier books, and partly because having to wrap characters up in one go seemed to encourage her to make them flatter.
If you're out of Amelias and want something new for a change, this is one of her better non-series books. Interesting (more than the Jackal's Head) and fun (more than 400 Rabbits).
Camelot Caper and Legend in Green Velvet are decent choices too.

Patrick Henry never actually defines what an "Ironic Christian" is, but it basically seems to be a Christian who happily lives in ambiguity, somewhere in the nether region that exists between total skepticism and absolute certainty. So far, so good. Not everything can be tied up in a neat little package like a TV show that ties up all loose ends in one hour's time. The Christian life (even a life lived outside Christianity) is full of surprises and wonder, and the fact that Dr. Seuss can speak to a life of faith every bit as much as, say, St. Augustine, is nothing new or shocking to me. Much of what Henry has to say in this book is valuable as far as re-thinking many of our assumptions. But his embrace of philosophies that are detrimental to Christian faith, such as radical feminism (as characterized by his defense of the reprehensible "Re-Imaging Conference") and religious pluralism makes me hesitate to give whole-hearted approval of this book. If I have to be on the left wing of Christianity to be an "Ironic Christian", I guess I'm not one.

It's somewhat entertaining. Perhaps the ideal book for those who are of a liberal bent and who pursue "Christianity Lite" and enjoy pschobabble. I found very little solid foundation based upon Bible scripture. On the other hand, Mr. Henry provides us with much worthwhile food for thought.

The primary thesis of this book - that a Christian has not logical certainity but must balance opposing views - was a suprise to me. Not because it was new but rather that it was to me self-evident. For example, I had been taught with regards to God's omniscience and man's freewill that the two concepts framed a mystery we could not understand but could perhaps pull the frame together a bit to point at the truth we cannot fully know.

I was similarly caught off-guard by the seeming suprise with which the author confronted the myriad of world calendars - Jewish, Islamic, Thai etc. The effects on one's Christianity of either assuming the 2nd coming is near or that it is far off in cosmological time had interest.

Of more interest to me, is the author's growth in understanding the issues related to gender based language.

If one has a faith based on certainities, if one has not confronted the issues with which the author deals in a universal and transcultural way, then this book has a great deal to offer. It will help place your faith in the real world - with all the real word messiness.

If one has a faith based on uncertainities, thought out in universal, transcultural and across multiple faith, then this book has a great deal to offer in learning how the other side thinks and grows.

This was my first and only reading of the series. I am compelled to give this book 3 stars lest the author, SISTER Carol Anne O'Marie, come after my knuckles with a ruler or talk to her "friends in high places" regarding lengthening my Purgatory time (& I'm not talking here about the ski resort in Colorado! ;)

What we have here is a pair of inquisitive (note that I did not say "busy-body") nuns of a certain age wandering around San Francisco in the middle of an investigation into serial murders of similarly aged women. The core "mystery" of the book is really no mystery. What is mysterious is why Sr. Carole Anne employed the silly riddle of "Hound Dog." If a recovering man can say "Hound" he most certainly could say "Elvis!"

But the book has its moments. The reference to Ozanian liquidation is clever: "Tillie seemed to sputter and shrivel like Oz's Wicked Witch of the West into a sobbing heap." And so is the prayer for some "Divine interception" during a 49'ers football game.

Expecting a special treat, I set aside time to read this new (to me) book from Carol Anne O'Marie. This one had no real "mystery" and the Sisters fell into the solution.

I usually reccommend her books to several people, instead I did to one person who, also, was not impressed. It's a shame, I am hoping that next one I try is more to the style that I've become accustomed to expect. Do NOT pick this as you first one to try.

I have read a few of Sister Carol Ann O'Marie's books in the past, and I was hooked. They are quick reads that have great interesting story lines. It is on the line of a "Murder She Wrote.

This book,"Death of an Angel" was very enjoyable. The ending was a little far fetched, but over all I enjoyed it.

I want to buy all her books, I'm sure they are all enjoyable. Great for a before bedtime read or on a rainy afternoon. Tom

This is a much needed book! The author has my Thanks because it helped me to better understand this very difficult and important issue. I think the women's stories in the book needed to be told as there is very little written detailing the experiences from Christian women who have been through an abortion. I'm sure many women are grateful! Also the book has resources of groups from both sides of the issues who are working together on how to lower abortion rates. Ms.Eggebroten is a courageous author to give the women in the book a voice of their very intensly personal and painful experience!

This book is amazing. Anne Eggebroten, whoever she may be, is genius! This book is what every woman who, young or old, white or black, has struggled with the concept of abortion needs! The poignant stories of each woman's experience stay with the reader long after the book is closed. Any man or woman should read this book. It offers a glimpse into the many struggles women go through in the abortion process. Definitely worth a read for those whose religious beliefs clash with their liberal views, or those simply interested in the personal accounts behind a national issue. Buy It! Right Now! You will not regret it and it will be money well spent.

This book is a wonderful testimony to the way so many women find peace between their faith and one of the hardest decisions they will ever make. I was touched by the stories. As college student who works as an educator for Planned Parenthood, I am around many pro-choice persons who have come to the mistaken belief that Christianity and a pro-choice position are incompatible, or at least that abortion is a sin. I am a proud and practicing Catholic (remember, the Church teaches that ultimately, we must follow our conscience in all matters, and mine is 100% pro-choice - besides, the Church's teaching on abortion has never been declared infallible) and I see no contradiction. But it is interesting that the only side that accuses its opponents of being false Christians is the anti-choice side. What a sad testimony. Having been raised by fundamentalist Baptist parents, I can sympathize with those who oppose abortion; however, I see our humble, loving Lord as standing with the women as they go through such a heartfelt and serious choice. Why can't we agree that there are simply different interpretations of Christianity -and that just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean that they are inauthentic? The Bible says nothing directly about abortion. But a note of interest: in the Old Testament, the penalty for murder was death (Gen. 9). However, in Exodus 21, we find the situation of two men in a brawl who injure a pregnant woman. If she dies, they are put to death. But if only her fetus dies, they are fined. Now I'm not a biblical inerrantist, but for those that are - how does that square with the statement that Christianity is absolutely opposed to abortion?