Never have I read a collection of works which so effortlessly transported me to the author's world. Evocative and easy, his poetry is an escape. Reading his words I suddenly find myself in Tuscarora, or sitting outside at a restaurant table daring the storm to come....
I look forward to this poet's next collection!

It's about your cowboys, real or imagined, and the holes a spur can cause in your heart.Jason Tinney has captured the barren earth that is all we are when you take away the frill. Got a guy who needs a Christmas/ Hannukah or Birthday present that will open his eyes? Slip this into his back pocket.

Dr. Sheila Dunnells

Jason Tinney's poems are a whirlwind of complicated moments, defined by the colorful insights that make them so. It's clear from the start that we will get everything we need to know and nothing we don't. This plainspoken poet has a tricky way of being intimately sincere and elusive at the same time, leaving us desperately panting for more. This is the new american-man-poet in its most alluring form.

Matt Dudney is not only the son of legendary entertainer Barbara Mandrell, but also a well-trained gourmet chef. This is a great addition to any cookbook collection, with great recipes and insightful behind-the-scenes tales of the Mandrell family. I highly recommend this cookbook!!!

Matthew Dudney did an excellent job with this book. It has lots of great recipes that are easy to follow. It is also a great read. Matthew has included many family stories and pictures about his famous Mandrell family. It has a little bit of everything. I highly recommend this book to everyone whether you are a Mandrell fan or not. Try out some great recipes as well as learn some things about the family and see some great pictures!

MR. DUDNEY HAS COMPILED DELICIOUS RECIPES ALONG WITH HEARTWARMING AND HUMOROUS STORIES ABOUT HIS FAMOUS FAMILY. SO MANY PEOPLE ARE VERY INTERESTED IN READING ABOUT THE MANDRELL FAMILY, BECAUSE OF THE WHOLESOME REPUTATION THEY HAVE ALWAYS HAD. THIS BOOK PORTRAYS THE CLOSENESS OF THE FAMILY THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN APPARENT TO ALL THEIR MANY FANS.THE AUTHOR OBVIOUSLY PUT MUCH THOUGHT, TIME, AND EFFORT INTO PRODUCING SUCH A FINE COOKBOOK. IT WILL MAKE A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING OR SHOWER GIFT. I CONSIDER THIS AN OUTSTANDING AND MOST UNIQUE COOKBOOK.

I started this book and couldn't put it down..The main character is admirable and strong. The theme is thought provoking and includes romance, mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend it.

When I first read the publisher's description of this novel, I was afraid it would be depressing, but it's not. It's a great story about an unforgettable set of characters whose voices kept returning to me after I finished it. And the future world seems so possible . . . as if it's just a heartbeat away. A great read, and a fast one. Highly recomended!

Once again Louise Marley presents us with a timely subject and nudges us to consider the possible outcome of fanaticism. The Maquisarde begins with an act of terror which is so easy to identify with after 9/11! Ebriel Serique is a fully-realized character who leads us through an emotional journey of loss, grief, rage, and finally a search for justice. Underlying all of Ms. Marley's stories, as in this one, is the reminder of how precious a resource are our children. A good, thought-provoking read!

Reading David Collin's My Louise was a very moving experience for me.

Having "lived" through a similar experience, I can relate to much of the content, meaning and feelings described by David. Although my wife was fifty-six when she died of cancer, and I didn't have a two year old daughter to raise alone but four grown sons to be concerned about, I was easily able to relate to David's agony, his great feeling of loss and particularly his loneliness. He took me back to 1989 when I suffered my loss.

I was powerfully moved by David's story, his grief journey and his enduring love for not only Robin but for Louise, as well. His total commitment to give Robin as normal (whatever that is) a childhood and life as possible makes me feel good for Robin. She was so unlucky to lose her Mother at such a young age but so lucky to have such a caring and committed Father.

David's portrayal of Louise and the courage displayed by both Louise and David, which came shining through in this memoir, was most moving.

I thank David for freely sharing so much of himself and his family. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to be allowed to share such an intimate experience.

At some point or another--and whether we like it or not--we are bound to experience tragedy within the course of our lives. For some, that personal loss may refrain until we've spent innumerable years with our loving spouse, but for others, a tragic blow may be dealt much sooner and with absolutely no remorse. In David Collins' case, he was forced to watch a ravenous cancer steal away his young wife's life, and as if that wasn't enough, he was then left to raise their new daughter on his own. His memoir is an account of experiencing a horrid loss, but also of how to pick up the pieces and move on with life, if only for their daughter's sake. Fortunately for Collins, however, his daughter (Robin) provided one true tangible link to his lost wife. And throughout the struggles of raising a child without his Louise, he hints at the idea that--without Robin--moving on after such defeat may have been impossible.

What Collins has done so efficiently (along with his intense appreciation for aesthetics) was to encompass all the feelings that one might have while losing their spouse, and then vividly depict them throughout the story. At one point, he personified the disease, citing several times how he would have liked nothing better than to pummel the rapacious cancer from his wife's withering body. He was tired of failed treatments and hospitals; he just wanted to get this disease in a ring and duke it out.

Furthermore, Collins aptly described the frailty of life, which most of us tend to forget about until real disaster strikes. Amidst his drowning in a sea of hopelessness, he yearned for powers beyond his reach - anything that could save his young wife, he was ready to do. Yet the harsh reality of this world proved that there was nothing more that could be done. His defiance of the impending loss seemed as obstreperous as his wife's own battle with the unabated cancer, but Collins (appropriately) never delved too far into the details of Louise's personal struggles. He may have stripped his own emotions down to their purest and rawest form; but he managed to give the reader a heartfelt glimpse of Louise's suffering without being superfluous.

These were real emotions that any one of us could feel, and Collins held nothing back when expressing his disgust for Louise's cancer. And while he hints at an ambivalent God during his incessant bouts with frustration, he manages to exert hope that perhaps someone up above took his Louise for a good reason.

From his indelible love for his wife and countless battles with his precocious daughter, to a brief stab at imperialism and questioning of piety, Collins has written a daring work, one which I thoroughly enjoyed. I found that I shared with him many of the same opinions: relationships (and marriage) are not always utopian, but with mutual work, life with your loved one has the potential to be sublime. Moreover, when that fortuitous battle arrives (be it cancer or some other tribulation), it can be vehemently fought as a team, not unilaterally.

We don't ever want to give in or give up, but how do we carry on when that battle has been inexorably lost? As Collins stated, "...a miserable situation can be endured..." but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. This story of grief seems like it could only be found within the pages of a book, but the fact of the matter is that it did happen; it happens to both good and bad people, and it's going to happen whether we like it or not. The true task is perseverance and subsequently finding the needed strength to carry on. For David Collins, he found his strength each day when he looked at his daughter. He had to carry on, if not for Louise, then quite simply for Robin.

Ever been on a rollarcoaster of emotions~we all have and this book does just that through words and the overwhelming history of love and loss~given to David by fate. I laughed, cried, and truly "felt" the words David Collins used in his book. I picked it up and couldn't put it down because he let the reader feel his pain through the eyes of a husband struggling through his personal rollarcoaster. In the end, you just wanted to love him for who he was and what he has done for himself and his daughter. Powerful. Pick it up and enjoy!

Edited with an Introduction by Marlene Smith-Baranzini, The Shirley Letters: From The California Mines 1851-1852 by Louise Amelia Knapp Smith Clappe presents the contemporary reader with vivid first-person accounts of what it was like to live in the midst of the great California gold rush. Written in the form of letters by a doctor's wife who lived through the thick and thin of boisterous events, The Shirley Letters encompass mob violence, summary justice, a duel to the death, a rowdy July 4th celebration, and much, much more. A first-rate primary source, The Shirley Letters offers especial insight to American history and is highly recommended for both personal reading lists and academic reference collections.

This book is a marvelous true story of what it was like, in California, during a time which will never come again. The author's detailed descriptions and wonderful style of writing takes the reader there, to the Old California, when it wasn't a state, it was a wild untaimed country unto itself. Truly beautiful.

I have one of under 200 original copies, signed by the author, it is my treasure. I am so glad to see it here, offered to the general public. I obtained it just last month, and wanted to share it with every woman, man, child I know! I thought I was going to have to type the entire book just to give a copy to my mother. I thought that because of the small number printed that there wasn't any way I would find another one, but low and behold, here it is, reprinted only this year, on Amazon. A must for any Californian.

Dame Shirley's classic (and often humorous!) letters portray the California gold rush in all its excitement and ethnic diversity. At last an edition has appeared that sets her writings in context! Editor Marlene Smith-Baranzini has done students, researchers, and history buffs a huge favor by putting together THE definitive Dame Shirley collection, complete with excellent introduction, interpretive footnotes, maps, photographs, and even a glossary. Reccommended for anyone interested in California history or just in search of a good read.

Deeply touching, this book took on a personal note, as I believe that it would all, mothers, fathers, and sibilings alike, that have dealt with the same one on one trials and tribulations of a family memeber diagnosed with Parinoid Schizophernia. From the simple moments that most take for granted, to the worst moments of fear and turmoil, this book moved me in ways that I can't even begin to describe.
Even Thirty-four years later, this mothers story is able to captivate one's heart.
Thankyou Louise Wilson, for helping me to better understand what it is that my own mother has gone through for all of these years, and for helping me through a traumatic time with my own handicapped son.
You are an angel from up above.

Back when I read this, I was stunned. That year, my fifteenth, I was diagnosed with major depression-My onus, in common with a million others. I had fallen into a rut over the diagnosis, the possibility of an indeterminate medication regimen, etc. After reading this book, I realized a few things, felt a few alterations in my own attitude toward my new future as hinted by a doctor's prescriptions and diagnosis forms.

It hurt to read this book, but once I'd finished it the ideas swarming in me were many. I was reminded that, unlike Tony, I had the chance to make friends, find and accept love, and cope with trauma however minor. Later, I ammended this sentiment by deciding that Tony indeed has every chance I have. With the proper medicine and patience from those unfamiliar with his condition, Tony had and has every chance given anyone else to interact, make pacts, receive a phone call from a friend, and on and on.

What I at first found painful about the book: The similarity between the bookish and friendless state of Tony's schizophrenia and that of my depression (I refer to junior high and high school days as "The Monastic Years"). This heartache soon sublimated into a form of bleak hope. I realized years later, after my reassessment and new label of "bipolar", that both Tony and I are ill, and must adapt and grow as best we can within our respective cocoons. Thankfully, there is boundless help both in family and friends. I sincerely wish the best to Tony, wherever he is, and hope he has found the happiness once denied him by a simple chemical disruption.

Now all I have to say is, why is this out of print?

This book is exceptional. The reader feels the pain the family went through; the pain Tony went through. The reader can feel the love abound within this family. As I put the book down after finishing it, I broke into torrential tears... why... why does this happen to people? To children? My heart goes out to Tony. From what I learned through Tony's Mom, Tony is a wonderful human being! And his parents are truly amazing! After reading this book, you will forever view life in a different perspective....

This was the first qualitative research study that I have ever read. The author did an excellent job getting useful insights from her subjects and then performing her own analysis. I look forward to her next project.

As a Professor, I have put this wonderful and insightful book to immediate use. As a male, it has provided me with insight into women's friendship that I might never have had. My students will benefit from it at least as much as I have. I plan to use it in the classroom, and to give it as a gift to my daughter.

This book made me think about all the relationships I've had with other women--and girls when I was young. Since I have read it, I have found myself examining and re-examining old friendships that have lasted, and those that I have lost. It says a lot, and it stays with you.

I have only had time to read about 15 pages of this book, but so far it is fantastic! When I read more pages I will rate again, but like I said, this book is great. From what I have read so far, I would highly recommend this book. The author is very straightforward and her writing style is wonderful - easy to understand and down to earth.

As a pro DTP & graphic artist, I didn't think there would be much more to learn to eliminate my employer and sell the services I did already directly to customers. In fact, thinking I was an expert of graphic design & all of the software made me mistakenly believe I was ready to pass out biz cards and start selling my services and wondered how this book could possibly be 200 pages for something so simple. I was quite wrong, however, and I'm so glad I read this book and got aware of how much more successful I could be by following the author's plan. There is a lot of lessons learned the hard way the author shared which would save anyone a lot of money and a lot of trouble, not to mention lost business. There is a lot of planning that needs to happen before one passes out there first bizcard and I would not have had a clue were it not for this book.

The author of this book has done an excellent job in providing the 'would-be desktop publisher' with lots of great information on how to get started in this business. The book is very clear and concise, with a sense of humor. It provides information step-by-step so it's very easy to follow.

I recently stumbled across The Sleep of Stone in my local library and thought it looked interesting. My read of it turned out to be a predictable, but pleasant experience.

It is a very short novel about the origens of a local legend. The shortness makes it an enjoyable quick read and the legend, although influenced by various fairy tales, is fresh and captivating. The story is presented in a simple storytelling frame structure. An old man encounters a young couple in a local romantic grotto and ends up telling them the sadly romantic legend associated with it of a young couple from years before and of the creature whose consuming love of the young man tried to destroy them. It is a story sweetly told, but with a close eye to the deep emotions of the characters.

I found the actual tale of the Sleep of Stone to be the best part of the book. The frame story was cute, but it was distracting. It actually took me a few tries in starting the book because I couldn't get past that part. While the end part is good, the beginning part (which sets up the real story) is not very captivating.

The real strength of the book was the way as a reader I was able to empathize with the characters' emotions. The young love of the couple was evident, but most vivid were the feelings of the creature that tried to destroy that love. The creature's obsessive love of the young man completely consumed her. This burning desire pushes her to trick, murder, and unleash utter chaos at the young couple's wedding. The passion is so real, it is disturbing.

The book follows a typical plotline for a fairytale type story, but it still is a touching and enjoyable read. Pick it up for a short cozy evening and have fun.

The Sleep of Stone is marvelous. It's a simple story, but told with stunning beauty and depth. The atmosphere is dreamy and slightly surrealistic. This wonderful little treasure can be read on so many different levels-- The Sleep of Stone just goes to show that fantasy doesn't have to be of epic proportions to be excellent. This slim little volume touched me more than six or seven hundred pages of complex plots and myriad characters could have.

You have to read this book it was the best book ever to be written and one you simply just can't pass up. I rated it a ten only because there were no higher choices!!! There is just not enough words in the english dictionary to describe how wonderful a book this really was!!!

This book is another example of coopers excellent writing style. His wonderful world where life depends on what side your on. A must read!!

This book is the first volume to the 'Star shadow' trilogy which is a prequel to 'The time master' trilogy. I think the second and the third volume in the trilogy aren't yet available in the U.S.A. but I have the English edition and they are entitled: Eclipse (the second volume) and Moonset (the third volume). I give 10 to the entire trilogy because this volumes are also awesome. I think it's really interesting to read this trilogy before 'The time master' trilogy because you already have a background to the story and understand much better a lot of things. I think the story is very well structured and original and the characters aren't stereotyped. Chaos is ruling the world through the magi and the gods of order are exiled and can't reach the world, but there are people still loyal to the gods of order whom the magi call heretics. When the first magus dies, magus Vordegh becames first magus, but though he's a poweful sorcerer he's evil and insane and starts to take measures to erradicate the heretics that doesn't meet with a consensus among the magi... Iselia Darrow is loyal to the gods of order and was recently married to a man who's also loyal to her gods. She's captured by the chaos riders during a warp,(they don't know she's an heretic) and taken to the castle. Benetan Liss is the Captain of the chaos riders, he was captured when he was 12 and was betrothed to Iselia. When he discovers she's in the castle, feelings he didn't remember come back and he becomes divided between love and duty.... Louise Cooper's view of the eternal war between chaos and order is very interesting, and you get the idea that if the equilibrium of the world is to be maintained neither can rule forever!

As usual Ms. Cooper has outdone herself, stepping back into the artfully created world of her 'Time Master' trilogy. Going back into the recesses of history, she unveils some of the myth and legend of the time before the Lords of Chaos were displaced from their rulership. Good plot twists, excellent character development. If you found either of her previous Time Master trilogies interesting, this will be a must have series as well.