Have you ever picked up a book and felt it was written especially with you in mind? This is the exact feeling I experienced in reading Mary D. Esselman and Elizabeth Ash Velez's Kiss Off: Poems to Set You Free. These ladies masterfully crafted a small book into a mini doctor's manual where I was able to look up what
ailed me: broken heart, messed-up family, elusive career- and receive perfect poems to treat my pain.

By reading this book, I rediscovered my true self and true direction. The strength and inspiration of this book captures the true essence of life. I feel this book is the stepping-stone a person needs to reach the top of their world. Once you read it, you will find that you keep it close at hand to refer to often when you need a shot of happiness and strength. This book will guide you through those difficult times when life decides to throw you a curve.

Who are these funny women who collect such greaat poems and then explain them to the pedestrian world? They should have their own talk show or perhaps tour in stand-up. I ordered this book on-line with some fear that it would not be as witty and wise as the first volume -- The Hell with Love. It is more of the same but much more appealing to those for whom love is a given in their lives. Highly enjoyable. We're passing it around the day spa and adding it as a key reference text for our ongoing discussions about the relationships that work and, especially, the one's that don't. I love Kiss Off.

What a wonderful collection of new and classic poems! This volume is a great companion to "The Hell with Love;" In fact, I like it better. Some of the poems here are saucy(Catholics beware); some are sweet. All lend themselves to the authors' insightful gaze into the human condition. This is a book to share and talk about -- even for those for whom poetry is still an unknown adventure. I recommend it be read along side the first volume, and can't wait for the next offering of these two wonderful writers.

this is a wonderful book about dog orgins, i read it several years ago, and bought my own copy, a delightful read with lots of information.

I'm a dog lover and thought I knew everything canine. Apparently not! This book is chuckfull of information and trivia. I especially enjoyed the chapter on US Army dogs and how unfair the US government has been to them. A must read!

The dedication of Mary Elizabeth Thurston's book says it all. She dedicated this book to her grandmother, who taught her the importance of spoiling dogs. This is a person who knows the love of sharing their life with their dog, and writes about dogs from her heart and soul. I think the chapter that stirred the deepest interest was the Dogs of War. These brave dogs and their handlers have often been forgotten, but in Thurston's book they are not only remembered, but truly honored for their contribution to the freedom we enjoy today. Thank you for writing, not just a informational book, but one that shows how much our lives are intermingled with our canine companions.

This endearing and exuberant book is perfect for the read-aloud crowd. As a parent of a toddler, I can empathize with mama bear's frustrations and enduring patience; my son revels in Snug's unquenchable curiosity, imagination, and passion for living. As a former preschool teacher, I can see how this book would lend itself well to dramatic and fun classroom readings. It also quietly reaffirms the bond between a mother and her child. The illustrations are charming, bold and leaping with enthusiasm; their textural quality fills them with kid-appeal.

My granddaughter loves Snug. A little actress, she acts out Snug's part and does his lines whenever they fit into the conversation. For instance, when her mom calls her for dinner, the little dear says, with a very sweet expression: "I'd rather eat beetles!" It's also the kind of story a tired mom can relate to on a busy, frustrating day.

Our three year old needs at least one reading of Snug each day. He identifies with the bear cub's mischief and usually ends up in a rumbly tickle fest with Mom or Dad at the end of the story. He even wants to talk about real bears and how they spend their days. It's a great story for little naturalists in training!

This book is full of wonderful recipes that work well for romantic occassions AND every day choices! I love it. I use it all the time.

I just love this little book. I have many, many cookbooks to choose from and I've gone back to this one for several dishes already in the last two months since I've purchased. Although, I have not yet made a full menu as it recommends, taking pieces here and there has been just as wonderful. The dishes are gourmet in their presentation and ingredients, but not complicated to prepare. Perfect when cooking just for two on a nice quiet weekend.

A Taste For Love is a wonderful book with recipes to delight the taste buds, poetry to move a lover's soul, and helpful suggestions to put you in the mood for romance. And, you don't have to be a hopeless romantic to use it. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to put out an impressive meal.

"Colorado Wife" by Cheryl St. John. In 1875 Needle Point, Colorado, Rosalyne Emery decides that local businessman Sam Calhoun needs to take on the obligation of caring for the two preadolescent orphans she found freezing outside her restaurant. Instead Rosalyne and Sam end up in a pretend engagement that is heated by their true feelings for one another. Will the mogul realize how vacuous his vision for the town and himself is by accepting the Yuletide present of three people who dearly love him and want him to love them?

"Jubal's Gift" by Elizabeth Lane. It took Jubal Trask almost a decade to find Thomas Curry who deserted him at Sharpsburg during the great war. However, now in 1873 in the Arizona Territory trading post, Jubal has caught up with the man he wants to kill. Instead of finding his intended victim who is away obtaining supplies, Jubal meets Thomas' sister Tess, who he knew from before the war, and his enemy's two young children, Lucy and Beau. However, it is hard to kill even a man you despsie when you love his sister.

"Until Christmas" by Mary Burton. In 1882 Timberline, Colorado, a depressed owner Laura Butler wants to sell her silver mine following the tragic death of six workers as she knew each of the deceased personally and sewed alongside their wives. Laura jut wants to go east, but her mine manager Roman Maddox wants to comfort her forever, but has only a couple months to persuade his beloved to be his wife.

These three late nineteenth century Americana romances are well written, warm holiday treats that fans of the sub-genre will take immense pleasure form reading. The stories contain delightful lead couples and strong supporting players that enable the audience to enjoy the Christmas holidays in the old west.

Harriet Klausner

As always, another snuggle under the covers and don't put down the book until it's finished, story by Cheryl Saint John. The characters are warm and lovable and the story is so sweet. I really rooted for Sam Calhoun to sweep Rosalyne Emery off of her feet. It's the only time I can think of that a man has actually been right... Well done!

Christmas Gold contains, Colorado Wife, by Cheryl St. John, Jubal's Gift, by Elizabeth Lane and Until Christmas by Mary Burton. All three stories will warm your heart as we move into the holiday season. This is a real treat!

Jeoffry takes us on a wondrous journey through the secretive world of the forest. Readers and listeners will feel the quiet as they track each adventure -- riding, jumping, climbing, wandering and finally flying!

Through a symphony of words and illustrations, Bryant and Sayles take us to that lost land where snow and stars merge, and animals feast like kings.

Children and their parents will love the peaceful and drifty feeling that Jeoffry's Christmas provides, as rhythmic and dream-like images "dance in their heads." Striking a balance between man and nature, Jeoffry leaves us in perfect harmony.

Uncommonly beautiful poetry, engaging story, good sentiment for troubled times.

PoetMary Bryant Bailey paints us a beautiful picture of giving in her book Jeoffry's Christmas. Isn't that what Christmas is all about.What a wonderful way to share that idea with children. Elizabeth Sayles soft illustrations compliment Mary's deserving verse.

Simple yet profound wisdom drawn from the Native American legend of Jumping Mouse. I have gifted this book often to those who are gathering courage to make their life-enhancing "Leap of Faith."

thank you Mary Elizabeth you are unique and special and the same is your book.....

I love books, but I tend to not read them as much as I like. I get started on one, put it down, start another, and then i forget all about them. This is one book that I couldn't put down. We all have moments, when we feel like we have no hope, or that we can't amount to anything. This is the perfect book to get you motivated and realize that we all can make great and lasting marks on this world. This is about a mouse who has encounters with different animals and learns self lessons with ea. encounter. Jumping Mouse is a must read for the soul. You will not regret it and I am sure that you will get something out of it. =0)

The Seton Miracles, By James L. Carney, is an excellent discussion of the alleged miracles that took place in Lake Ridge, VA at the parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the early 1990's. Carney's presentation is well-balanced, detailed, and scholarly--qualities that are unfortunately uncommon in this genre. Unlike many other books sympathetic to miracle claims, Carney does not ignore counter-evidence and he does not attempt to push mitigating circumstances under the rug. Nor is his presentation filled with an overabundance of devotional material that might lead the reader to doubt his ability to evaluate the data fairly. The only suggestion I would have to improve the work is to provide even more of the interview transcripts with key participants--though this would not necessarily make the book a more interesting read, it would further strengthen the already impressive archive of first-hand information, which could be of use to persons in the future.

Though I have never met or spoken to the author, the fact that such a seemingly sensible man is sympathetic to these reports (and indeed has been an eyewitness to many of the events) is a great testament to their seriousness and importance.

In this well-written, thought provoking book, the author, James L. Carney, describes for the reader the dramatic spiritual journey experienced by many at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Lake Ridge, VA from November 1991 through 1993. Factual eyewitness accounts permit the reader to interpret for themselves the meaning of the numerous miraculous events. As one of the eyewitnesses, I feel that my personal experience and the book serve as powerful reminders of the reassuring words spoken by Jesus, "And know that I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20) I highly recommend this inspiring book.

What a WONDERFUL Book! Written in a very readable, journal style, by author James L. Carney, this fascinating, amazing, inspirational TRUE-LIFE story "pulled me in" to the true accounts of weeping Madonna statues, changing-color rosaries, miracle colors and lights in the sky, miraculous healings, Father Bruse's stigmata wounds, and events surrounding this humble parish priest, from 1991 to 1993, right here in the Lake Ridge area of Woodbridge, VA. USA! When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down, until I'd read the whole story, and gone back several times to review, and study the color photographs, too. I was personally, very emotionally moved, to tears, by this true and powerful history of events. James Carney has included experiences and eyewitness observations of his own, of his wife, and of many other people interviewed, who had personal, life-changing experiences and observed incredible physical phenomena. I would highly recommend this book to readers of any faith or religion, and even to skeptical "non-believers".

What a great idea for a book! It teaches kids to accept others and at the same time they learn the facts about Cerebral Palsy.

You can do anything if you try hard enough. This book is great because it shows that even if you are challenged there is a way you can meet your goals. Just like kids at my school that are in wheel chairs still do p.e. and everything else.

It's a great book!

Very interesting to learn about other people's disabilities. Easy to read.

What I like the most about this book is that Mary Thunder tells us all about her mistakes that she made walking this path. It is a very honnest book and the writer shows us what it means to be a Human Being.Even when we are a Spiritual Person, she shows us we are not perfect. A very personal book, I could not stop reading so I finished it at once. There is a lot of funny stories in there.

It is highly uncommon to find an humble visionary, but that is exactly what you will find in this book, coupled with a witty and sharp perspective that strikes home to us all. A real Native American Medicine Woman's life adventure, coupled with a good dash of her own teaching for those of you who are wanting to learn. A New-Age must for all who are seeking a way to reach beyond what you can see, into what you know is really there!!!

With this book ,Mary Thunder reawakens the heart. Her life is a model of endurance and faith ,in addition,her training as a Lakota warrior is the kee that opens the doors of awareness.