This is a beautifully illustrated book by the star of sugarcraft. the techniques and skills used are breathtaking in their perfection. Nicholas Lodge is a true artist for this medium. The book is for advanced sugarcraft workers but is inspirational to the beginner. the designs are mainly classic but delivered with such class, attention to detail and an eye for good colour. not for the faint hearted but set a high standard for the rest of us to emulate.

Nick Dawes does an outstanding job with this winner. Go Julian.

This book perfectly expresses the voice of grief and the thoughts of confusion and faith for all of us who have lost someone. I wish there were translations in other languages so we could share it with others.

Fred Taylor, agent for art collector Clayton Reed, returns to his Boston home after a failed trip in Paris because his employer rejected a high bidding on a Sargent. At Logan Airport, the man standing in front of Fred collapses. In the confusion, Fred inadvertently picks up something while trying to help the unfortunate person. Later Fred arrives at Clayton's house, only to realize he had accidentally taken a portfolio that looks very medieval and expensive.

Clayton wants to keep the find, bless his larcenous nature, but Fred wants to return the folio to the rightful owner. Word leaks out about Fred's find and a spectrum of individuals ranging from legitimate collectors to cranks and crooks want the folio with some of the protagonists not concerned with the method to attain the prize.

Nicholas Kilmer knows how to tantalize his audience by describing one of the most beautiful artworks in the world that this reviewer would love to see. Readers also get a glimpse at the avarice and shady dealings that impacts the art world. Ethics is rarely seen, as infighting is the norm. LAZARUS ARISE is a seriocomic mystery that sub-genre fans will enjoy.

Harriet Klausner

A friend of mine loaned me this book to read. I just finished it and am now going to order it to send to my parents because it is that moving. Mr. Bennett has put into words so many of my fears about life and spirituality that it brought me to tears while reading it. Each chapter examines what it means to be loved by others, God and yourself. Then it ultimately concludes in showing that loving God and others is loving yourself and it is O.K., as is contrary in so many facets of our modern society. The sections conclude with prayers that are meant to help implement the teachings in the specific chapters. The language is clear, concise and inspiring. This book is for anyone that considers themselves remotely spiritual, no matter what doctrine of faith you practice. The love and message is universal, so let yourself be loved as the title says.

The map guide is a nice compact New Orleans-only version of the larger Let's Go guide for the USA, plus some very handy laminated maps. Its easy to carry this one around and not look like a tourist. The sights picked, often have a good local sensibility about them, in that they may not be typical touristy places.

The best book for any budget traveler, but especially for students. The book has the comprehensive ins and outs of travelling in the U.S. with honest and often humerous commentaries

"The Letters of the Tsar to the Tsaritsa" is a wonderful book that shows the effects of war on the Tsar and his true devotion to his wife Alexandra. It's a wonderful account of World War I and the losses on all sides. An irresistable treat!

This is a great Eastern Christian work on the pursuit of the Spirit-filled life within the context of the Mysteries (sacraments) of the Church. The author does a great job of unfolding his vision by using a wealth of material from Holy Scripture. Moreover, the translation is very user-friendly. However, the Bobrinskoy introduction was too long - subsequent editions should pare it down. While the "Life in Christ" is written from an Orthodox perspective, I think non-Orthodox Christians would enjoy this visionary work.

This is one of the most delightful Christmas books I've ever read, a mix of facts, fiction, and absurdity. Why the heck is it out of print?

An Italian guy walking his dog comes across the text for the life of Saint Nicholas -- hunting for truffles, of all things. It starts with a little Roman baby, born during the Christian rule of Constantine; it is rapidly found that Nicholas can bend cutlery (spoons, knives), transform wine into vinegar and vice versa, and eventually is able to make miracles: to simply will things into existance (sometimes with comedic results). He uses these talents for good; but is arrested when Constantine dies and a pagan emperor comes into power. Sounds dire? Believe me, it isn't.

Blechman does an excellent job of blending fact and fiction: Saint Nick could not create stuff magically; the lifespans of his parents; the three virgins; the giving away of his possessions to the poor, etc.

This is relentlessly tongue-in-cheek. I thought the transformation of the pagan statues into Christian statues was hilarious (especially the Jesus and the moneylenders one); the idea of how Saint Nick got his red suit, hat, bag and chubbiness; the dog named "Piano"; the rare intervals of dialogue are usually a hoot.

Blechman's cartoon style is sort of wavery and cute without being cutesy. He also manages to keep the story from descending into cutesiness, especially at the end, in which certain actions take a bizarre but somehow logical twist.

As the Christmas market is often populated by either feel-good fluff, sob stories, or cynically saccharine fables, this is refreshingly minimalist in its storytelling and illustration. It also, unlike many stories, addresses Saint Nick AS a saint; at the same time, it isn't a religious story, but simply a cute little semi-fictional retelling. A delightful holiday read, one that I will treasure.