Cynthia Jane Collins is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a practicing Wiccan for thirty years.  She also holds a Master's of Divinity and an M.S. in counseling.  Jane Raeburn is a columnist, author, editor and website producer.  These authors have team up to produce a wonderful book on working relationships on the spiritual path of Wicca.
The book is based on five principles:  Equality, Consensus, Honesty, Giving and Receiving and Balance.  While it would be obvious that these principles should be the basis of any good relationship, we sometimes overlook the obvious.  Ms. Collins and Ms. Raeburn walk you through these points, using excellent examples and discussion as well as common sense and professional counseling techniques.  Each author contributes insights and advice in each of the situations encountered.
Techniques and tools such as meditation, tarot cards and spell work are also used, making this a work of magic as well.  Spirituality and Deity come into focus as relationships are worked out on many different levels. 
I found the book well written and researched.  The advice is professional as well as practical.  The examples cover a variety of situation that couples might encounter.  While this book can not cover all examples of relationship problems it covers the more common stumbling blocks and offers good solid advice, as well as ways to initiate changes and work towards solutions. 
There is a good resource section in the back of the book and the book is indexed for easy reference.  The content of the book is not restricted to heterosexual couples and can be used in any couple situation.  While Wicca is the spiritual focus, it is not just about Wiccan couples and provides a variety of faith situations.  So as a reference book, it is not limited in the scope of its material.
I would recommend this book for those who are looking to enhance their relationship as well as any professional counselor who deals with couples in relationships.  This is also good for those who want to explore adding or expanding the spiritual path of Wicca to their relationship or counselors who have Wiccan couples as clients.
There are times and situations which call for more than this book can offer.  But this book offers valuable basic real life experience and professional insight into working, growing relationships. 

This book was given to me by a friend who knew I was having problems in my relationship. Although I doubt I'd have ever thought I needed this book, I read it and gained some great insights into the issues I was having. I can't say the book solved my problems for me - but it did help me work out the problems on my own. The ideas presented were clear, logical and helpful. I was able to see things in a different way. With a more clear view I was able to work on problems on many levels, logical, spiritual, emotional, etc. All in all the book was a very useful tool that I'd recommend to others!

What a great Read! Even for us Single People! A wonderful book that reflects the equal partnership needs and responsibilities within any relationship. Hearing from the authors in the "she speaks" sections, gave personal insight to good healthy realtionships and lessons learned. Mistakes are viewed as opportunties for clarity and personal responsibility without the Flogging of Shame we impose on ourselves ( ackowledge it and do something about it). Can be incorporated into any realtionship. Hope to see more from these two!

I'm a new Derek fan, and i was impressed about his look. I bought this book to know more about him. After reading it, i admire him. Really. I felt guilty by treated him like an object, when he is a great person.

A compelling read, filled with rare insight and info on a great athlete and person. Don't pass this one up!

I really like Derek Jeter, so I got the book to find out more information. I got all the info I wanted plus more!

Throughout history, children all over the world have loved and cherished dolls. This is a children's story to honor that timeless tradition.

The rhythmic prose and detailed illustrations invite the reader into the quiet world of the "Doll lady."

This wise woman encourages children to not only love their dolls but to respect their unique qualities as well. "Some are very serious, while others are always laughing," the doll lady says. "The beauty is in their differences."

Inspiration for The Doll Lady came from the author's great-aunt Dorothy, who taught her to love and care for her dolls as if they were real children.

One of the most unique children's books to come along in years, The Doll Lady, by Elizabeth Collins-Varni, is a book for everyone who has ever loved a doll. Children and adults will appreciate the simple message behind the Doll Lady's wisdom, "Take very special care of your doll, for dolls are just like people. They need to be well loved, held tenderly and always respected for their uniqueness."

The message and the book are destined to be handed down through generations. The beautiful art of doll-maker/illustrator Judy Kuusisto is a joy to experience, and includes a hard page of paper dolls in the back, to cut out and to add pictures of your own favorite dolls.

A book of the Heartstrings Collection of enchanting children's picture-books, the author and illustrator have also collaborated on To Sleep With the Angels and Planting Memories.

This enchanting story, written for children four to eight years of age, is based on a true happening. The Doll Lady is very old. She has been making dolls her whole life. She takes care to make each doll as an individual. Each one is different from the next; no two are the same. The Doll Lady believes that their true beauty is in their differences.

Most dolls that the Doll Lady makes are given to children. She says to each child to whom she gives a doll, "Take very special care of your doll, for dolls are just like people. They need to be well loved, held tenderly and always respected for their uniqueness." As she takes her daily walks, she tells the parents that she meets to give their children a doll, for if they had one, they would learn to be kind and to express love.

The story makes it obvious that the Doll Lady touched many, many lives; read the book to discover more thoughtful details about her. Younger children especially will likely find this story quite fascinating. Also, you--and they--can enjoy the many detailed pictures that all show bright and happy scenes. Each one has so many different parts to it that you'll want to keep looking back at them. This is a good story with a great lesson.

Looking for a book about "coming out" as a lesbian, as an artist?
"Egret" cuts between the competitive art worlds of Manhattan and the Hamptons. The undercurrent of sensitivity to "East End" environmental issues adds to the reader's enjoyment. This is one good read -- for the beach, or for all year 'round!

This is an excellent book. It has well drawn characters who draw you into the story. It tells a different kind of story that keeps you reading until the end. The end is a little rushed, but the book overall is a terrific read.

I enjoyed all the desciptions of the Hamptons. I felt like I'd really been there. Also I felt like I was living in New York City, but away from the glamor that tourists know. I could really sympathize with Jodi as she was trying to find her true feelings personally and professionally. Having suffered so much as an artist, it was interesting to follow her journey.

Nowadays Andy Warhol's 15 minutes truism is rendered mundane by the endless parade of incongruous celebrity imposed by today's incessant Media spectacle. This book brings the idea that we are very likely mistaken in our estimation of contemporary fame profoundly to life. The fact that some of the greatest artist our culture has produced labored in obscurity among their contemporaries is a familiar one. This eye-opening book explains why this is so.

By focusing on the past when Media was not so omnipresent we see that the random and ever changing quality of popular tastes always pertain. Through his re-telling of these 13 now obscure curiosities the author achieves valuable insight into the sometimes ludicrous, often venal whims and fancies that propel some issues and their advocates into the vanguard of the public mind.

The prose occasionally suffers from what I'd call journalism. As I read the first story I wished the author had been able to breathed greater life into the facts presented. In the hands of someone more ambitious some of these tales might stand more clearly as metaphor or epiphany. Of course they might just as easily have lost their focus on the valuable idea that contemporaneous enthusiasms are almost inevitably misguided. And in hindsight most, like the delightful story of Psalmanazar, could not be improved upon.

Don't ignore the further reading supplement. Finding it somewhat dry at first I almost did. It's interest lies in the gathered details presented of how one finds such obscurities.

We pay plenty of attention to winners in history, but there have to be even more losers out there. Losers who may have been clever, may have been original, may have dreamed the big, impossible dream, and worked hard on their paths to fame and riches, but because of mere fortune, or cupidity, or bad choices, found the path did not lead to success. Failure just is not interesting, or at least most failures are not. But some are, and Paul Collins tells about some amazing ones in _Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of Renowned Obscurity, Famous Anonymity, and Rotten Luck_ (Picador). Collins has done good research to bring us these funny true stories and has a dry, sharp style that is a delight.

The title tale is about John Banvard, who in the 1850s 'was the most famous living painter in the world, and possibly the first millionaire artist in history.' Why haven't you heard of him before now? Because time swallowed him up. Banvard sailed down the Mississippi and sketched all he saw on the 3,000 mile voyage. He then painted what he had sketched, producing the biggest picture ever, said to be three miles long. The panorama was rolled up, and he displayed it on stage as it rolled by, while he gave narration and was accompanied by piano waltzes he had commissioned. His performance pieces were slow at first, but became a sensation, as he played Boston, New York, and then London, where he impressed the royal family and Charles Dickens. Banvard spent time in London museums, being taught to read hieroglyphics; he then sailed down the Nile to make another panoramic painting. He was troubled with those sincerest flatterers, imitators; he had made a huge fortune, but his invention was so popular that scores of other panoramas were on tour. He decided to set up, instead, as a museum keeper, his huge display of curios in a massive New York building, described as the best museum in Manhattan. In this, he was in competition against P. T. Barnum, who was by far the most capable promoter, and Banvard returned to the frontier where he was once again a poor and unknown painter. A few panels of his many paintings are all that remain of his work.

Here you will find the astonishing story of Englishman William Henry Ireland, born in 1775, who because his father never thought much of his writing, started forging plays by Shakespeare, and created a literary sensation. We read also the sad story of Delia Bacon, who was one of the first lunatics to write profusely on the theory that Shakespeare was not Shakespeare, but was a front for a collaborative effort by Walter Raleigh, Edmund Spenser, and Francis Bacon. A lighter note is the story of Robert 'Romeo' Coates, whose beyond-hammy acting brought down the house, when his Romeo died not once but three times. There is a chapter on Blondlot's N-rays, probably the most famous incident described in the book, an incident of scientific self-delusion. There is one on John Cleves Symmes, an Ohioan who did everything he could to convince his countrymen about the holes at the poles of the Earth which would lead to its hollow core. There's one on A.J. Pleasanton, who shined blue light on everything imaginable and improved it.

And more. Collins has done an amazing amount of research into long-lost books and pamphlets to bring us these astonishing instructive stories and amazing cautionary tales, the sorts of tales that the proverb 'Truth is stranger than fiction' was coined for. He has wry comments within his storytelling which makes reading his words great fun, and the stories are incomparable. Losers were never so fascinating.

Perhaps writing a book about failure, anonymity and obscurity is tempting fate ever so slightly - it would almost seem ironic if this book was a runaway success. Yet, it deserves to be; Collins crafts a book in which we empathize with the characters: we genuinely want their lives to be successes, despite knowing that ultimately, they wont be. At times, I felt like screaming at the book 'No! Don't do it!'

Painful as the 13 (not coincidentally chosen, I'm sure) stories are, they make compulsive reading. My favourites included the one about a visionary man who intended to build a pneumonic public transport system in New York City, and the story of the medical powers of blue light.

There were, of course, some chapters that I didn't find as arresting - not because they weren't well written, but because they weren't on subjects that I am interested in - however, curiously enough, when I gave it to my mother to read, she found the chapters that I didn't like as much the MOST interesting.

This is Paul Collins's first book, and I just hope that it doesn't wind up being his last, because the overriding feeling at the end of book was of wanting more, and what better indicator is there of a good book?

I was fortunate enough to find this book during a most difficult time in the life of my (then) 15 year old daughter. She was one of those children that challenged every family structure and desire for peaceful coexistence. The love was unquestioned, but the pain we were experiencing was also profound. Through this book, I learned to reframe the difficulties and experiences -- and have more emotional distance so that I could truly be an effective parent for my daughter. It was a long and gradual road but today I am very grateful to report that my daughter and I are VERY close and she is building a healthy and happy life for herself. We both thank Dr. Val Essen for her significant contributions to our family relationships.

As a therapist and a parent, I am continually searching for the ultimate parenting book that I feel comfortable recommending to clients because it has worked for my family. I have found that book in "Bring out the Best." It's more than just a handbook of practical parenting skills, it presents a complete parenting philosophy that is respectful, insightful, forgiving and non-shaming. The beauty of the book is that it is simultaneously individual and universal. Rather than dishing out cookie-cutter parenting skills, Dr. Val-Essen asks the reader to explore the ideal parent that you would like to be and leads you through the process of making that dream a reality. After reading this book, I have developed a new level of respect for my children. I see them more clearly as seperate individuals. I have learned to recognize their unique strengths and to work with them rather than againzst them. In a sense, I have fallen in love with my children all over again. These new insights, coupled with Dr. Val-Essens's emphasis on assertion skills, has helped transform our family. We communicate more openly, enjoy each other more genuinely, and the level of cooperation in our home has risen dramatically. Parenting is not only the most difficult job anyone will ever undertake, it is also the most humbling. Dr. Val-Essen's book gently guides the reader through this process with honesty and compassion. As a result, I feel more confident in my abilities as a parent and my children reap the benefits. What could be better? I highly recommend this book.

This book came very highly recommended by a teacher of a parenting class. I purchased it because I am a classroom elementary school teacher and because my brother needed some quality parenting tips. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!! When I recommend this book, I don't recommend it to parents exclusively. It is more about fostering relationships and helping people to achieve their highest potentials. It deserves a wide readership and is not limited to interactions with children. To me, this book is a whole philosophy of life (as in the quotations it includes from Mandella and Goethe)and has applications far beyond building family relationships. It addresses all meaningful interactions and relations with others. It is a book about building trusting relationships and has a wonderful philosophy of life.

This childrens' story book is illustrated with reproductions of Jacob Collins paintings. This book is a treasure because of these illustrations! Collins is one of foremost living realist painters. With respect to technique, he is getting up there with the likes of Odd Nerdrum and his paintings sell in the five figures last time I looked -- probably much higher now. The two portaits of women in this book are incredibly valuable for anyone who aspires to paint in the realist tradition -- or anyone who loves painting. Because it's a "story" book, this little volume costs a lot less than an art monograph, and what a treasure. Wish the images were larger, butmay-be one day we'll get a book on Collins.

If you are a person who reads books to school children, this is a perfect book to read. It is the best holiday book with true meaning I have read, that teaches children to look in their environment to find ways to be helpful, and the true meaning of the holidays, that we are all one large family of mankind. You will not be disappointed in purchasing this book. Beautiful illustrations and a moving story.

I love this book so much. It is truly a story for all ages, and it is deeply profound and moving. To me, it is the perfect book, with perfect illustrations!!!!!!

It's a great cook book. I'm a beginner and everything I've made so far is wonderful. The recipes are 'me'-proof. Even my boyfriend is amazed. buy it.

Don Collins' Cookbook Of The Year is a meal-planning compilation of 52 weeks worth of outstanding recipes reflecting the culinary needs for the health-conscious cook. Enhanced with weekly shopping lists and time-saving tips, each creative and complete meal is based on easy-to-follow, "kitchen friendly" recipes. Each individual dish is accompanied by a preparation time estimate and serving numbers. From Orange Roughy with Mustard Glaze; Smoked Salmon Pasta; and Lemon Chicken with Rice; to Omelet with Italian Turkey Sausage and Spinach; Hot Fajita Salad; and Pasta Prima Vera, Cookbook Of The Year offers a full year's worth of culinary delights and terrific dining!

I am the mother of twin infant boys and this book has made this part of my life so much easier. I do not have to sit down and plan our meals and prepare a grocery list anymore! It is such a timesaver and the recipes are delicious and easy to prepare. My husband loves the food, and I love not having to dig around in the pantry at 5 o'clock anymore in a frantic search for dinner ideas.

I actually read 'Eye Contact' a few years ago. It was the first erotic thriller that I'd ever read and it still stands out in my mind as one of the best.

This is the story of actress Nicolette Stallings who only feels powerful when seducing someone of the opposite sex. The sexual game of cat and mouse soon turns deadly when she propositions a man she meets in a restaurant who she playfully dubs as "Wally Wall Street". After their one night encounter at a high class hotel Nick finds it hard to get rid of "Wally" who now blames her for the break up of his marriage. After an unsuccessful attempt on his own life "Wally" otherwise known as Jeffery White, finally does succeed in killing himself but not before he manages to frame Nick for his murder! As Nick becomes the center of the medias attention and hunted by the police she tries to find a way to prove her innocence not without having a few sexual encounters along the way.

'Eye Contact" is an excellent erotic thriller not for the timid and will keep you at the edge of your seat trying to figure out how everything will play out in the end. Who would have though that the minister from 7th Heaven could write like this?

This novel really does stand the test of time. I read this book many years ago and it still sets well in my memory to this day. It has just about everything in it that one can imagine. Reading this novel is quick and doesn't drag on and on like some novels that I've completed. The long of the short of it, "If this book stands out in my mind today, even though it has been many years since I've read it, then it has to be good reading."

If you don't believe me - buy it and read it yourself.

This book was so sexy and steamy! My husband and I went on vacation and I read it at the pool. Several times we had to slip off in to the hotel room for a quickie! It is so erotic! I have since passed it on to all my girlfriends who share my sentiments.

This book is part of the Collectors Press series that include "The Great American Paperback" and individual volumes on fantasy, horror and science fiction. Essentially, this is a collection of book covers, movie posters, and other visual representations of crime and mystery media from the 1800's to today. "The History of Mystery" is a visual treasure for anyone interested in the genre, and Max Allan Collins' text provides a nice overview of crime and mystery authors and publishing. The only drawback is the same as in all of the Collectors Press books in this series: in many cases the images slightly overlap, with one cutting off a portion of the other. It's not bad enough to ruin the pleasure of the book, but allowing each image to be seen without obstruction would have been a better choice. Highly recommended.

My wife was working as a buyer for a bookstore when she noticed this title in a catalog and knew it was something special I would instantly be drawn to. As a late Valentine, it was perfect, and I must say I am quite pleased with the almost museum-like quality and presentation of this book. From the first ever real American P.I. to modern films, quirky heroes, and comic books, Max Collins manages to cover every base of the detective mystery genre. The historical bits are not boring at all, but often amusing as is the fantastic selection of cover art from pulp magazines through trading cards and television promo art. A slightly tongue-in cheek tribute to a slightly tongue-in cheek style of writing by one of mystery's biggest fans and best contributers, well worth every penny!

Even more lavish is Max Allan Collins' History Of Mystery, which combines an appreciation for pulp detective fiction art covers to insights on the mystery writing genre's many visions; from its pulp fiction to comic books and fiction writings. Fans of either mystery writing or pulp fiction art will relish this lavish display with its color reproductions of covers.