Jacquelin Thomas is one of my favorite Arabesque authors. Dr. Ashford thinks Marc Chandler is responsible for the death of her mother and is willing to risk her career to avenge her mothers death. It's a nicely woven story of betrayal and hidden family secrets that reveal the truth. Wonderful read.

Thomas has done it again with her great writing skills. And when I say skills, I mean some serious skills!! I love all of Thomas's work. She does a great job with all of her stories. Family Ties sure did fit the bill. Mckenzie and Marc have a lovely story that everyone is sure to fall in love with. What I liked most about this novel was all the informantion on the AIDS epidemic!! But all in all, great story to read! Much love Thomas!

'Family Ties' was a very good read. The secondary characters were just as interesting as the main. It opens one's eyes to the 'AIDS' epidemic, while sharing a beautiful love story within a love story. I cried at the end of the book and just wanted to start reading it all over again. Very touching. It will make you believe that true love knows no boundaries.

This book brings back fond memories of when I first heard these songs/stories back in grade school. I really think they are wonderful, motivating stories and songs that truly inspire children. I had to get it for my first baby so he can also experience the magic.

I first heard of FTBY&M in 5th grade(1979) the whole school watched it in assembly. I loved it-all the stories and most of all the music. It touched me like nothing I had seen or heard before. The title song had our whole school singing for days! Years later i just happened to come across the book in our library, and WOW! all those memories came rushing back!! THEN, two years ago, i was given the soundtrack to FTBY&M, and I have not stopped singing since. The music and stories got me thru a serious illness and a horrible breakup= and when I one day have kids of my own, I will pass the legacy on!!!!!

I grew up in the late '70s playing the record of "Free to Be you and Me" over and over. My mom actually had to buy me a second copy because I lost the song book and couldn't live without it. I still sing "When We Grow Up" and "It's Allright To Cry" in the shower and to my nephews. Now I share the wisdom of Atalanta and William's Doll with the teenage mothers I teach. While it doesn't take a genius to figure out the songs on the record were recorded in the '70s, they are timeless treasures for all of our children. Buy this book and the CD for the important children in your life. You'll never be sorry!

There are no words to describe what an amazing book this is. I read this book when I began my journey down the road of grief and healing over my dad's death. I wept. I laughed. Sometimes at the same time,but God ministered to me through the openeness of this family. They allow you into such a private, intimate time and let you see that you can grieve with hope. There is no doubt that you will be blessed by their courage, strength, faith, and unending devotion to the Lord. May God bless them for their willingness to be used by him in such a vulnerable way.

Gregory Floyd writes from the heart - and what he has to share is compelling not just from the perspective that he is sharing the depths of his grief - and how his faith in God helped him to deal with that grief. His insights are for ALL Christians, and will benefit the non-Christian as well. Gregory shares poignantly about the world - wanting to provide only worldly comfort, some Christians who only wanted to offer "spiritual" consolation, and how the most precious who reached out to him and his family were those who BLENDED the heavenly and earthly realities. He gained insights into how all Christians are called, albeit in different ways, to bear their share of the suffering of Christ to ultimately experience the true JOY of Jesus. I can't say enough how every Christian will benefit from reading this book: it will help men to see the need to not be afraid to show their feelings (after all - "Jesus wept"), and will enable them (through reading of Gregory's many examples with helping his wife and children deal with the death of John Paul) better husbands, fathers, and spiritual heads of their households; it will speak to all of how to deal better with catastophic personal suffering, or improve their consolation and compassion on those around them who are in the throes of some form of suffering. Don't think twice about getting this book!

In High Schools, the students watch "Schindler's List", a difficult but important film, in order to learn from the tragedy. This book is the "Schindler's List" for marriage prep. Without it, "For better or for worse" is a glib statement, by two egotists who are unprepared when that "worse" (whatever it may be) inevitably rears its head. Because I'm reading it before my wedding, I have a firmer grasp (like cement) of the importance of the commitment, the experience of a family (albeit a large family), and confirmation of that ever-present presence of grace, God's grace, still flickering while nearly everything else is in shambles.

While the story is agonizing to tell, Gregory Floyd handles such impossible material with grace. There's great potential for the book to be a dual threat: to be emotionally draining, and repetitive. Granted, it's both, but it's never boring. The book grabs you by the jugular and causes personal introspection to take over. I was reminded of how a child can have a dual personality, angelic wonder intermixed with a carnal longing for playtime and candy, all within a half-hour. I was encouraged by his friends and large family, and reminded of the blessings of what a family could mean. I was floored by the powerful words of wisdom of Fr. Philip Merdinger at the funeral mass, the stunning reassurance that where Johnny-Paul was, he would never want to leave. All this and I'm still not halfway through.

Most people wouldn't consider getting a book like this until (God forbid) this sort of tragedy strikes home. Don't wait until then... you will not have the strength to read this. Don't be intimidated by the material... it's easy to read, it flows, it goes down easy (if easy is the best word). Though it all, my hope in families are invigorated, and my faith in God is reassured (like fire).

This book is excellent for beginners; it covers all aspects of growing roses, from selection and planting to pruning and disease control. It doesn't assume the reader has any prior knowledge, so it doesn't use obscure phrases or terms, and it explains things in a clear, east-to-understand way. The best "basics" book on roses I've seen.

Although this is primarily a beginner's book, it is also a useful book for more experienced rose growers, in that it's a good review of general growing techniques. It is well illustrated with pictures of how to plant, prune, and care for roses, as well as having many color photographs of rose varieties. A rose grower must always keep in mind the area where he lives and especially the climate. Many roses grow well in some climates or some areas and not in others. Keeping that in mind, the list and photos of rose varieties are highly useful. Most of the "How To" information applies to all areas. This book is a great asset when combined with talking to local people and noticing roses that grow well in one's own area.

This book is just fantastic! I've found that the pictures are quite close to what I've actually produced in my own garden. Not all rose books have such accurate color representation. I also like that each rose photo has the accompanying RIR (roses in review) rating for that rose, and notes the rose's cold hardiness. Often, specific climate zone information can be tough to find. Finally, I especially like the notations regarding pest and disease resistance for each rose. This book notes a rose's flaws (ie, susceptibility to mildew) more often than most other books on my desk, and that has made it indispensable to me.

My only gripe: if you're trying to identify a disease or problem you're experiencing with a given rose, this book only offers drawings, no actual pictures. Based on drawings, novices could have trouble telling the difference between mildew and blackspot, for instance. Otherwise, it's a first rate book. I constantly find myself referring to it for information missing from some of the bigger (and more expensive!) rose books on my desk.

This book provides good color plates of the warblers in various stages of plummage. The distribution maps are easy to read and color coded. I bought the book because of the multiple pages of natural history information on each species. The birding guide I use in the field has excellent illustrations but total lacks in the supplemental information. So, when I get home, I grab this book to learn the biology of the species.

Several years ago, while watching the bird feeders at Muskatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Seymour, Indiana, I heard a voice behind me pointing out that there were two races of White-crowned Sparrow at the feeder. He went into detail about the subtle differences between the two. At first I thought to myself, who is this guy? Later, I realized that it was Jon Dunn! I have had a high respect for him ever since.
Years later, he was the guest speaker at our bird club meeting. He presented some of the plates from his, at the time, upcoming new field guide to warblers. I fell in love with the plates from the very start. Thomas R. Shultz and Cindy House did a remarkable job, and the detail that was carefully gathered from museum specimens is second to none. I knew from the beginning that I had to have this new field guide and I couldn't wait until it appeared on the shelves.
When I bought my copy of the finished product, it was even more than I expected. Aside from the detailed plates making fall and female warbler identification easier, the text is filled with information on virtually every aspect of life history of each species, with cross-references that will aid any serious researcher. More than just a field guide for identification purposes, this book belongs on the shelf of beginners and experts alike who share a passion for warblers.

This book is essential to anyone who enjoys warblers. Just take one look at the various plumages of the black-throated green warbler and you'll see why this guide is so awesome.

The raw emotion and insight into emerging markets contained in this book clearly illustrates the importance and means of establishing long term global relationships, on an equal footing basis, combined with proven business tools for the development of long term profitable business within the world's emerging markets. An essential read for those serious in establishing long term profitable global business.

It' s a very valuable work and push to think (or rethink)strategy and approach for doing business in emerging markets ; as the best travel guides , it treats the subject with insight and a lived knowledge: It is a very useful travel plan to develop business in emerging countries .

This book should be read by any executive planning to enter emerging markets, or by those already operating in them. It covers all aspects to a depth rarely found in business books. It is not just a superb read, it is also a guide and reference source full of "how to". We will use it in our organization as a "must" training material.

This book is concise and well written. It covers most, if not all of the areas involved in locking down Cisco routers. And it does so in clearly defined chapters, making it very easy to navigate as a reference. In addition, each topic is accompanied by clear configuration examples.
I also found it very complete. Even covering information which I haven't yet come across in the various NSA guides and Cisco texts on the subject. As someone already mentioned, you'll no longer need to trawl the web and other sources for this info; Thomas Akin and O'Reilly's have done the hard work for you.

If you are just getting into router security, or just need a reference, this is the book for you. It is filled with useful information which can be quickly utilized and can pay off with huge benefits.

This is not a Cisco Security Book. BUT it is a book on how to make your Internet Routers virtually hack/crack proof. Great information on ACL's and gaping security holes that are open on default installs it makes you think.

Is grief an illness? Are there stages of grief? Does time heal all wounds? For Thomas Attig, the answer to all of these questions is NO! Grief is a process by which one relearns his/her world, a world that has been permanently altered by the death(s) of significant persons in one's life. Using the stories of eleven persons, Attig demonstrates the active nature of grieving. For Attig, the stories are the heart of the matter. The reader is introduced into the stories at the point of the loss experiences. Attig takes us through their coping behaviors as he develops the model of relearning the world; including relearning our selves and our relationships with the deceased. How We Greive is a very special book. It does not simply restate the stages and phases of grief so frequently outlined in like texts. Attig presents a different and important perspective to the understanding of how one copes with the death of a loved one and why grief occurs. Although Attig's book may be perceived as a resource for the professional caregiver, it can motivate all of us to examine the nature of our own relationships and assess our own coping styles and support systems.

This is a very, very good book. It helps immensely in understanding why grief can be so difficult and absorbing. It teaches how to be patient and understanding in dealing with grief, our own grief or the grief of others. It offers deep and valuable insights into the many aspects of the grief process--including why the world seems so strange after somebody dies, the importance of stories in grieving, our choice-making in bereavement, the ways we remain connected to a loved one who has died, even why so many of us want to read about grief when we are grieving.

Grief is a topic that has been explored only in recent years, with Kubler-Ross getting it all started. Attig brings this topic a step further in discussing not only how we grieve, but in suggesting that in doing so, we must relearn the world. We have lost a loved one and our world has been vastly changed in just a few quick moments. We need to cope, to allow ourselves to grieve, and ultimately to create or "relearn" a world that can never be the same. The wonderful case studies Attig presents are the most helpful in helping the grieving reader to do this important life task. They tell real stories of real people that we can identify with and relate to. They evoke emotional responses that help us grow and believe we too can relearn our world in the face of grieving. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved relative or friend, or to those who wish to prepare themselves in advance for the inevitable.

Learning from Hannah is a vehicle by which the author attempts to change our societal view that once you reach a certain age, you no longer have anything to offer, and the author achieves that goal. It tells the story of two people who learn that the elderly have much to teach us all, if only we will listen. The main characters also learn that life itself has much more to offer, beyond the next deadline for some distant project. I applaud Thomas' effort and cause, which is why I give the book 4 stars.

From a story standpoint, it felt a bit preachy after a while, and sometimes repetitive; I found myself saying "I've got the point already." In short, I became a little annoyed with the overall story. The writing seemed a little flat, but it was a good effort.

This book was incredible. I knew Dr. Thomas before he wrote this book and I can honestly say the story and wisdom come from his soul. I was so inspired by the books teachings of caring for our elderly, but also felt a tug on plain old every day living with people of all ages. I felt the authors conviction for respecting and honoring the elders of life who have so much to give to our society if we are willing to slow down and listen. I am reminded of every older person I have ever worked with and what they gave me to apply to my own life. With these lessons I realize how much we have to start with our young so that hopefully they can shape a society similar to the book. I suggest this book to anyone just looking for a warm story to stir your soul and to get you thinking about life in general, and how you will be cared for as you age. Thank you Dr. Thomas for once again inspiring me to see beyond the idea and making it a reality. This is a book that clings to your soul and stays there. I love it!

This book uses Dr. Thomas's talent for storytelling to advance his ideas. The Eden Alternative is a way for Long Term Care facilities to be a real home to the people that live there, a place families will enjoy visiting. The changes are very low tech and save money in the long run. The environment these changes create is not only wonderful for the people who LIVE there, but for the staff as well. I encourage anyone with family in a facility to read this book.

It was so fun to read a book on the Revolutionary War that was from the view of the private. No huge battles here, just the day to day struggle on what he endured and why he endured all the hardships. Made me really admire the commitment they made.

This book is one of the few complete accounts of a common soldier
in the American Revolution. Joseph Plumb Martin explains in detail the events that take place at Valley Forge, Trenton, and
Yorktown. Mr. Martin first published his narratives as a book titled Private Yankee Doodle. This book is a book that shows the suffering and victory of the young nation. Great for anyone who loves histoy!

This book is one of the few historical accounts from a common
Revolutionary War soldier. Joseph Plumb Martin relates in detail
the events of our nation's longest war. From the winter at Valley Forge to the battle at Yorktown, the book is thrilling to read. Mr. Martin first published his narratives as Private Yankee Doodle. This book would be great for the library of those who love American history.