A dear friend gave me this book after the sudden death of my beloved husband. For a few weeks, I couldn't even open it. Once I did though I found an invaluable way to help me remember Mike and to put into words all of those little things that were so much a part of our relationship. I have recommended it to my grief support group and will cherish the memories it has helped me capture.

My mother died from pancreatic cancer a year ago. We knew that it was inevitable. I found this book while I was looking for literature on how to deal with a terminally ill loved one. When I opened it up and started to read it, I cried. I had not yet lost my mother but as I read I was able to face what was coming - knowing that I had been able to share in her life and that our relationship was special.

I didn't buy the book that day. I came back to it many times, especially during the rough times. After a hard day I was able to go to the book store and flip through its pages and remember all the wonderful times. The day after my mother passed away I bought the book and have written in it everyday since. My memories are alive within it. It has helped me through the times when I couldn't tell anyone else how I felt.

This book allows you to put your feelings into words. It prompts you to consider things about your loss that you may have never explored on your own. It is wonderful.

I first purchased this book at the request of my grief counselor, after the sudden death of my Brother, D.J.
Since then, I have purchsed 4 additional copies as gifts for friends and relative who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
I found it very helpful. The pages start you off with questions or statements that allow your feelings to flow. Some feelings that even if you are a "writer" you would not think of or even may feel uncomfortable about bringing up yourself like anger.
I find that most people will only talk or write about the good things about the person they've lost which of course is good and natural but "Angel Catcher" alows you to write about all feelings and situations. I find that it allowed (and guided) me to express all of my feelings and in return I felt peaceful and had a better understanding of my own feelings.
As stated I purchased several as gifts. In stead of sending flowers, I gave this book. I also found it much easier to order it from Amazon.com, have it gift wrapped and sent with a personal note from me - especially when it was being given to someone out of town. I must say that instead of the usual "Thank you" note, I have received very personal cards of gratitude stating that it has helped others gather their thoughts.
I thank the Authors Kathy and Amy Eldon for using their personal loss to help others deal with theirs.

This book has truly inspired me. To read about the sacrifices Brother Andrew made has made me know I can do so much more for God. This is a must read for anyone who is working for God. This is a thrilling, edge of your seat, page turner. You will not be able to put it down.

In 1968 I received this book as a bonus from the Farm Family Book Club. I started to read it in the evening and read until I was finished at 4:00 a.m. The next day I said, "If Brother Andrew can trust God for 365 days a year, I can trust Him for one day, no matter how foolish it makes me look." I did, and I did look foolish. But I found out that He is faithful. My life has never been the same.

This book can change your life and how you see God. Brother Andrew gave his life totally to God, and God remained faithful to him. you cannot read this book and come away with the same view on God. I read this book, and could not put it down. Sure to strengthen your Christian experience. As thrilling as any spy novel. Not one to be missed by any christian. What one person can do when they give themselves totally to God. If you thought the result would be a dull life, you're dead wrong! Read the book!
IF YOU LIKED THIS, I HAVE ANOTHER TO RECCOMEND. It's called "A Thousand Shall Fall" But you must be sure to get the right one. The full title is "A thousand shall Fall: The electrifying story of a soldier and his family that dared to practice their faith in Hitler's Germany." Written by Suzy Hazel Mundy. It's as much of a page turner as this book and will also change your life.

Happy reading!

This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. It spans over many decades. It's the story of Francie and her friend Lai Tsin. They meet after the great San Francisco earthquake. They are both homeless for their own reasons and develop a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Together they become multi-billionaires but still haven't found the happiness that they both deserve. This book is so powerful it is impossible to explain all of the different storylines that all come together. Read this book and you'll read it again and again.

This book was wonderful. I couldn't put it down and have given it to about ten people. Of course one of the 10 didn't bother returning it so I bought another copy which I am putting away. I even had my Grand-daughters read it while they were visiting and the both really enjoyed it also.

I could not put this book down. I really enjoyed the plot and the ending just blew me away. I read it again know the "secret" and enjoyed it just as much. I have since given this book as a gift to 15 people here in the USA and overseas. Excellent!

My original review was written 14 July 1998. This is an addition for readers (and potential readers) who are (or would be) as puzzled as I once was when the book said the Melendy children played a noisy game of "Dumb Crambo". Over 20 years after I first read THE SATURDAYS, I was lucky enough to get a copy of VICTORIAN PARLOUR GAMES by Patrick Beaver that includes it.

To paraphrase, in Dumb Crambo, the players are split evenly into two teams. One team leaves the room while the remaining team chooses a verb. When the first team comes back in, the second team tells them another verb that rhymes with the first verb. The first team must guess the secret verb by acting it out. For example [not the one given], if the secret verb is "fly", the first team might be told "try". If they guess it's "spy", they act out someone spying on someone else. If they're wrong, the second team hisses them. The first team keeps trying until they act out the right verb.

It's called "dumb crambo" because it's a variation of a game called "crambo." In the original, only one person leaves the room and any kind of word may be chosen. The guesser is still told a word that rhymes with the secret word. The trick is that you have to ask questions that might get you the secret word WITHOUT naming the word you're guessing. For instance, if you think the secret word is "bus", you might ask "Is it a big ground vehicle that carries a lot of passengers?"

I think it shows something of the personalities and intelligence of the Melendy children that they would enjoy Dumb Crambo.

When I was in third grade, a classroom aide gave us the option of listening to her read out loud, or playing on the playground. Her book of choice? The Saturdays. Within the week, every child was choosing to stay in during recess and breathlessly awaiting the further exploits of Mona, Rush, Randy and Oliver. At 40 years of age, it continues to be an all-time favorite book of mine, as well as the other books about the Melendys. I consider it a treasure to pass on to my eight-year-old daughter; something we will share and laugh together about for years.

I've loved The Saturdays since I was about 8, when I read it for the first time. It wasn't until I was older that I realized: these children had to figure out things for fun, because they didn't have TELEVISION! What a concept! Just look what awesome things they find to do. I'm delighted to share this book, and that added idea, with my son.

'Dark Secrets: Don't Tell' centres around Lauren Brandt, a senator's daughter who returns to the holiday town of Wisteria seven years after her mother drowned there. Despite still coming to terms with her mother's sudden and enigmatic death, Lauren is delighted to be back at her godmother's house where she spent her childhood summers. But things have changed for her godmother Jules and her two children: Nora is disturbed and unstable, Holly moves between friendliness and jealously, and Jule seems to think the best course of action is to ignore them both. As well as this there's Nick, a friend from Lauren's youth who's grown into a charming handsome young man. Lauren falls for him instantly, but Holly informs her that the two of them are dating. Then strange things begin to happen - Lauren finds mysterious knots in necklaces, plants, ropes, cords and clothing that appear as if by magic, and Nora claims that Lauren's mother is in the boathouse - hiding there by day and swimming in the ocean by night to search for her little girl. When Lauren is thrown into several dangerous situations - small at first, but gradually more and more deadly - she begins to fear that someone is out to claim her life. No one will believe her accusations against Nora, and the only thing Lauren does know is that the series of events are linked somehow to her mother's death, and her own re-appearance in Wisteria.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book - it's pacing is quick and fluid and though it takes it's time with details of the prom and the beach party, it never moves too faraway from the mystery surrounding Lauren and her deceased mother. The writing is clear and solid, the plot coherent and the characters interesting. Lauren is overall a likeable heroine that one can relate to, though she has some strange reactions to events - I would have freaked out had I gone into my room to find everything tied in knots - however, Lauren is quite calm even after it happens *twice*. It is also difficult to understand Lauren's affection for Jules, Holly and Nora when they are written as being not very nice people. However, the romance is unique and therefore refreshing - Nick is a bit of a womaniser while Lauren is more naieve, and their first kiss takes place in the pouring rain with a shower curtain draped over their heads for shelter!The wind-up was a little rushed, with two rather life-changing truths being revealed in quick succession, with no time for reactions to either one, let alone adjustments to them.

I'm puzzled as to why this book is in a series, as the only similarities to 'Dark Secrets: A Legacy of Lies' is the location - Wisteria - and a few passing comments to the Scarboroughs and Mrs Lydia. Other than that the two don't link at all, and I don't see why they aren't isolated novels.

Though this is not a memorable book, it is enjoyable, with an intriging plot, realistic characters, funny moments and a big twist. This would be a good book to take on a trip - an entertaining way to pass the time without straining too many brain cells.

Lauren has come back to her home town of Wisteria, Maryland finally. It's been 7 years since that tragic night when her mother died. While on her way to her Aunt Jule's(her godmother) she meets up with Nick, her childhood best friend who is no longer the troublesome chubby-cheeked boy she remembers. She also sees Nora and Holly again, Jule's children. Nora is deranged and angry and she wants Lauren gone. While Holly is accepting and her and Lauren become closer. Meanwhile Nick who had been acting as if he'd like to be more than just Lauren's friend turns on her and becomes glued to Holly. Now Lauren doesn't know who she can trust, but she'd better figure it out soon cuz someone wants her dead. And this time there's no place to hide.

GOD, this was an awesome book. I love Elizabeth Chandler. Make sure you read all the Dark Secret books! They are the best. And the guy on the cover who is supposed to be Nick is HOTT!!!

It has been seven years since Lauren's mother drowned, now her Aunt Jule asked her to come back. Jule's daughter Holly appears to have accepted Lauren with open arms - but there is a friction between them. Holly's sister Nora is strange - a frightening figure who makes Lauren's skin crawl. A series of accidents makes Lauren afraid for her life - especially when two of the "accidents" almost kill her. There is a secret buried in the past that Lauren must uncover. If Lauren can not find the truth then she will be the victim of a fatal accident - just like her mother.

The first book in this series was so well written that I didn't think the author could make it better - but she has. The storyline of this novel is strong and keeps you reading until the last page. As with "Legacy of Lies" this novel has strong characters that draw you into their story and make it yours. I have been recommending this all over the place.

The other great thing about this book is that although it is part of a series you don't have to read the "first" one first. It's also pretty neat that both books have been set in the same small town so that you can build a mental image of the town and add to it each time you read another book in the series.

This is a must for any charmed fan not only like the show but with a twist of greek mythology.It starts with Prue gettting the chance to get the photograph cover for 415 the magizine she works for.At the same time Pheobe meets a gorgous guy named Nikos at her art class.But then Prue gets the idea for a photo getting a greek gods/goddesses photo to shoot in the Halliwell mansion,Nikos even got an old camers from his dad to capture the style.But when Prue snaps the shutter all the models apart from Pheobe and Piper fall into a deep sleep.To rescue the models the three sisters go to the Greek Underworld to rescue the models but a surprise awaits them there and the evil gods son has made Pheobe his bride and she may not be able to return to her sisters.Prue and Piper must rescue pheobe and the models but how with only two?Another mystery for tha charmed ones to solve.
This is a great book and its not to be missed.
I give this 5 stars.

I've read almost all the Charmed books and am an avid fan of the show. Where the other novels fall short, this book is completely on target. The basic premise is this: Prue is offered the chance to shoot a cover for 415 magazine, and a handsome stranger gives her the idea to emulate old Victorian photos which posed the subjects in fanciful outfits depicting myth and legend. Using her sisters and some of Phoebe's college classmates, she sets up a shot of the group as Greek gods and goddesses in the Manor conservatory. However, with a click of the ancient camera Phoebe's token love interest Nikos loans her, the 'models' collapse. The rest of the novel has the sisters traveling to the Underworld to save the models, until Phoebe is trapped by Hades' youngest son to be his bride. But which of the models is behind this scheme? And is he or she the only one? You'll have to read the book to find out.

Now, here's what makes this book so great: the author manages to write the sisters most realistically out of all the books I've read. I found that I could easily see this book becoming an actual episode of the show; the characters remain true to character, and the banter between the sisters is excellent. All in all, this book is a great read for a Charmed fan because the author has managed to capture the true spirit of the Halliwells and bring this across, making it as close to the show any of the books has come. Pick it up as soon as you can - you'll have a great time reading it.

WOW! 'Charmed: Soul Of The Bride' is a great book. You see Prue gets a chance to do a big cover photo. She says she will and takes the offer. She decides to do a picture for her magazine 415 with Greek mythology. And at school Pheobe meets a guy named Nikos. After Prue gets all of her models hired, she sets them up and takes the photo. After that she notices all of her models have coolapsed to the floor including her sisters. They are all unconscious. So buy the book and read it!!! It is an awesome book. If you like the show, you'll like the book.

Of the several books available on how to write nonfiction book proposals, this one is the most comprehensive. Some of the areas it covers particularly well are the importance of credentials and presentation. However, it provides solid information in all the important areas. It takes more time to read this book than the others on the topic but the time is well spent. Editors and agents are always impressed by book proposals that are informative, succinct, and well prepared and following the guidelines in this book will help you prepare an impressive proposal. Prospective writers often ask me to recommend books on writing book proposals and there are several that I recommend depending on the writer's temperament. I am always encouraged when writers select this one because the level of commitment usually reflects a quality proposal.

Note: Beginning in December 2002, the book is published by a new publisher. The proofing issues that inadvertently slipped through the cracks with the second edition have been corrected( e.g., chapter 14 is now included in the table of contents).

As a literary agent, I endorse this book and recommend it to my clients who are working on nonfiction book proposals because, in my view, it is the most thorough and clear book on the subject. A number of the titles listed on E. Lyon's website are books I represented and sold. They were developed following these guidelines. It is one thing to tell a writer to develop "a great hook" or "write a strong concept statement" and quite another to actually explain what these things are and why they are needed. It is important for the writer to understand the purpose of each piece of a proposal and how it will be used by the agent and editor to grasp why the approaches explained in this book are so valuable. Beyond having a strong salable subject and good writing skills (or a good co-author or ghostwriter), in today's publishing world even smaller publishers want to see a solid marketing plan and publicity ideas. Elizabeth provides guidance to develop one. There are quite a few books on this subject offering a broad range of expertise, but this one is the best. As someone else pointed out, the errors in the previous edition were the responsibility of the original small press-- a reminder that many things like title and cover design and certainly page layouts are not left up to the author! Natasha Kern

If you are interested in receiving an advance or contract before you write your nonfiction book, then Elizabeth Lyon's Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write is a bookshelf-must you will treasure! Lyon has demystified the process of writing proposals in simple How-Why-What steps. An editor, writing instructor, and "book doctor" she wrote this best-seller after observing her students and clients struggle to understand the basic steps of proposals. Her book is organized in order of reader need, packed with practical and easy-to-use information and interwoven with examples of proposals. Peppered with chapter goals, it will keep you in writer's mode until your book is assembled, polished and ready to market. The recipe in this book gives you the tools to be taken seriously by the publishing world. "Elizabeth Lyon knows proposals the way a surgeon knows anatomy" best-selling author Gary Provost. "You helped me create a tightly written, well-organized, and great-looking book proposal from concept statement to appendix" Bill Buzenborg V.P. of National Public Radio's Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

This novel is one of a series, and makes the presumption that you have read the earlier novels in the series, with references to previous action. It is written in a narative style. The main character is not fully identified by name until page 74 (part of the assumption that you have read the previous novels). Tony Whats-his-name from book one in the series reappears, along with other characters from previous books. There are numerous digressions, and a tendency to use foreign language terms.

The plot is a whodunit as various characters search for the lost Trojan gold that disappeared from Germany during the final days of World War II. In the chaos at the end of the war, many valuable items disappeared, apparently looted. Now a story has emerged that the Trojan gold (artifacts that had been in a German museum) was carried to safety and hidden. Many people have an interest, either for museums or for their own profit.

With two people murdered, and an assortment of people just happening to be on the scene, there are questions about some people's motives (other than the fact that several men are trying to seduce Vicky). Vicky finds her life in danger, as various people follow clues in attempts to track down the gold. There are indications that it had been hidden in a schrank (a type of wooden cabinet). The good guys prevail over the bad guys, but the story leaves things unfinished and the schrank disassembled.

This book was so funny....I hadn't read a Vicky Bliss novel before, so I was surprised by the cast of characters that showed up. They were all so funny because it seemed as if they had nothing in common. I like Vicky much better than Ms. Peabody that I too am hoping that Ms. Peters will return to Vicky and give us more great adventures to laugh about. The one thing I was not very clear on at the ending was weather somone actually found the treasure or not? Did John have something to do with its disappearance?

I must admit that, as much as I loved Street of 5 Moons and Night Train to Memphis, this is the best of the series. The humour is wonderful: I had to put the book down several times due to hysterical laughter. However, this is not the only reason to read this exceptional Book! The mystery is compelling, the setting is beautiful, and the characters gain much more dimension. After being dissapointed by Silouhette in Scarlet, this book more than reaffirmed my faith in Elizabeth Peters. And for those of you who are also in love with John, he's back in top form here with very few traces of the obnoxious twit he was in Silouhette. He's absolutely charming and romantic. How lucky Vicky is!

The Battle for the Castle was an awesome book. I thought it was one of the best books I ever read. I liked it because I love to be in suspense and this book had lots of suspense. I also liked it because it was easy to follow and to understand. If you liked The Castle in the Attic you'll love The battle for the Castle. Thats what I thought about The Battle for the Castle.

I am in third grade. My teacher read my class this book and the one before it to. Every time when my teacher would stop reading the whole class would beg her to read more. the author does a great job of stoping the chapter right at the really exciting parts.I LOVED it!!!!!!!!! Normally I don't like books about castles but this one I really liked!

this adventure book is a wonderful read for everyone! i read it when i was a young teenager, and fell in love wih it! now i have read it again and still enjoy it. the sequal to the castle in the attic, this book was filled with more adventure and suspense. recomended for anyone that enjoys fantasy and adventure!

I must have bought countless books on relaxation and meditation in order to relieve stress. For the most part I found non-objective, very subjective eastern treatises pushing a philosophy or dogma. These books were not very well structured in explaining how to use the techniques. This book, approaches relaxation methods in a scientific manner. Each chapter is about one method, telling what type of attitude works best in its use, the variations of the method (based on effect) and the time that is necessary to see the effects. The methods are explained in a "cookbook" manner. The steps of the methods are clear and explained well. These methods are treated as templates for anybody to use, without implying inferences as to what philosophy of life is correct. I don't think I have ever recommended a book before (heuristic: 90% of all books say the same thing), but since this one follows such a well defined format, I will. Enjoy.

Brew yourself a cup of your favorite herbal tea and curl up in a quiet corner because you're in for a treat. This book is exactly what the title says it is - a workbook for relaxation and stress reduction - and its user-friendly style enables the reader to dip into any chapter at will and derive something useful and informative from it. The book's orientation is very much a holistic approach and the authors' emphasis on mental coping methods dovetails nicely with the chapters on reducing physical stress symptoms. I found the progressive relaxation guidance (including instructions for creating your own tape) particulary well done and helpful. As the authors make so clear, many of us are unaware of how and where we store our tension and how our breathing impacts our ability to move from a stress response to relaxation. Methods such as progressive relaxation - systematically tensing and relaxing all the large muscle groups in the body - aid in gaining awareness of what we are experiencing physically both during stress and in relaxation. The book also discusses goals, time management, nutrition and exercise, with copious worksheets for the reader to dissect which area(s) he or she most needs to focus on to achieve more individual balance, and therefore less stress. The end of each chapter includes suggestions for further reading, providing the reader a jumping off point for deeper work in a particular area, if needed. Each chapter is a module for bringing about psyche/soma homeostasis. The book's one drawback in my view is the length of the personal stress analysis worksheets. One is of course free to skip over them or complete only a portion of each one. Overall though, the book provides a palatable plethora of nurturing and nourishing ideas and methods for bringing mind, body and spirit to a place of respite and repose, whatever one's outer circumstances may be.

This book is a wonderful source companion for anyone seeking to find effective ways of dealing with stress and the mental and/or physical pain that it can cause. By offering a variety of proven methods and approaches, The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook has helped me to discover and focus on those techniques that are the most helpful and effective for me. Clearly written and easy to read, I recommend it highly.