I am working my way through a little horde of Regency Christmas anthologies, savouring them one at a time. I picked this one up whilst on holiday recently and just read it; what a pleasure it was! I don't ordinarly seek out short stories as a matter of course but I am very fond of this particular little mini sub-genre. Three of the contributions stood out for me.

"The Rake's Christmas" by Edith Layton is the poignant story of a young man, back from the Peninsular wars, saddened and a little self loathing, who throws himself into some half-hearted rakery in order to put the wars behind him. He is taken up by a truly accomplished rake, Lord Shelton. During a Christmas house party, the elder rake plays deus ex machina to young Ian, Viscount Hunt in order to bring him together with Miss Eve Thompkins. Eve is the daughter Shelton never had - the offspring of his true life-long secret and unrequited love. So, he stands in an almost fatherly way over Hunt, helping him to overcome his sombre loneliness and sad boyhood in making a match for him and Eve. Edith Layton is a favourite of mine and she packs a lot of emotion into just a few short pages.

Jo Beverley is a writer whose books I have been collecting with the aim of indulging myself. Why she and Layton and Balogh are not published in the UK is beyone my comprehension - such a shame! I was delighted with her contribution to this anthology. "A Mummer's Play" is the story of Col "Lucky Jack" Beaufort, by default the new Duke of Cranmoore. Justina Travers lost her fiance in the Peninsula when he was under the command of his close friend, Jack. Justina has some reason to suspect that Cranmoore may have been a traitor and, therefore, the cause of her fiance's death. She insinuates herself into Jack's first Christmas house party as the new duke by hiding herself amongst the mummers who come to perform. Her aim is to expose him as a traitor and murderer. The story takes place during the course of just one evening and, in just a few intense, emotional pages, Jo Beverley brings an almost unbearably high degree of tension and emotion as these two lonely, hurt but passionate people find an extraordinary and unexpected love and mutual redemption. Simply excellent.

Mary Balogh's contribution is, as always, as near to perfection as you can get. Hers is the story of three young orphaned children whose wastrel parents largely ignored them. Their maternal uncle, Viscount Morsey, and paternal aunt, Lady Carlyle, reluctantly leave London to come to the depths of the countryside to "do their duty" and make some half-hearted provision for their upbringing. It emerges that the two adults were once engaged but huge family problems, anger and recriminations tore them apart. The story is largely told through the eyes of the children and the theme of the story, as Lady Carlyle discovers, is that Christmas is about birth, parenthood, love, hope and commitment. In the context of this very brief piece, all five players find themselves turned into a loving family. Mary Balogh is pure magic. She writes such poignant, moving and emotional stories which are refined to pure gold. Wonderful.

Do find yourself a second hand copy of this anthology; reading it is simply a pleasure worth the effort.

Mary Astell is one of the first European females to write directly on issues of philosophy, politics, and rhetoric; like other women writers she also writes about religion and morality, as she proposes the foundation of an educational/religious institution for single ladies. This book has complete editions of both books 1 and 2 of Astell's A Serious Proposal to the Ladies (1694, 1697), with facsimiles of the original title pages, extensive footnotes, an excellent introduction, bibliography, and an index at the back. The introduction is an excellent overview of Astell's political and philosophical context. Of particular interest is Springborg's coverage of Astell's debates with John Locke, and Astell's use of Descartes and the Port-Royal Logic. Springborg also draws connections between Astell and Daniel Defoe, Richard Steele, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Samuel Richardson, and others. This book is a must for anyone interested in women's contributions to philosophy, education, religion, or politics in the English enlightenment.

Star of Light is a beautiful, yet sensitive fictional book (though it seems like non-fiction) . Set in North Africa, this book is about a little boy named Hamid and his blind sister, Kinza. Because Kinza is blind and a girl, a double curse in that part of the world, Hamid's stepfather wants to sell her to a beggar who will use her to make money. But Hamid loves Kinza and is determined to save her from an inevitable life of abuse. So he steals her away and brings her to a strange English nurse who loves all children no matter how they look or what disabilities they have. Truly a spellbinding book. I liked this book because I felt like I was there, in North Africa, years before I was born. If you like this book I would also recommend The Rainbow Garden,also written by Patricia St. John, and The Hidden Jewel.

I like this retelling of the Christmas story for several reasons. One is that it retains most of the details of the Biblical text. It begins with the visit from the angel Gabriel, follows Mary on her trip to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and then goes with Mary and Joseph when they have to travel to Bethlehem, through the birth of Jesus and the visit by the Magi. The illustrations are simple, but not too cartoonish as with many Christian children's texts. Thankfully, the characters look somewhat Middle-Eastern in appearance and have darker hair and eyes. This is a nice way to introduce an accurate version of the the Christmas story without overwhelming a child.

This book is very exciting and has adventure. (One of my favourite kinds of books) I also like this book because its a Christian book. It is about a boy named David and his friend, Waffi. David's parents are missionaries and came to Africa to talk about God. When David's older brother, Murray, had left, David had only Waffi to play with. Waffi was nice to David, but he was also sly and bad. Waffi made David do bad things but David had to confess it instead of Waffi. David finally got angry and told his mother about that problem. His mother said not to play with Waffi anymore, but David said he wanted to and made up his mind to be good with Waffi. However, David made many mistakes while trying to be good, like when Waffi made David steal grapes. But Waffi and David got caught by two men. What will happen to David and Waffi? Will Waffi change to be good? Will David and Waffi get away? This book will keep you interested, so you'd better read it!

This book presents trees as you rarely see them: you learn to draw them while you read about them. Dedicated to the great singer and humanitarian John Denver, This book helps raise money for Plant it 2000 and each illustration is actually a print of the artists work, worthy of framing. A great book for kids, Trees introduces them in a fun and unique fashion.

I read this anthology in the heat of summer by a pool. I was transported to a cold frosty wonderland as each story revealed itself! I read each story and enjoyed every last one, my favorites of the five being "The Bird of Paradise" and "The Black Beast of Belleterre." Each story in this anthology was well developed with fully fleshed out secondary characters. In short stories that is unusual to find.

"The Bird of Paradise" was delightfully funny. I laughed at each twist of fate that was thrown at Miss Kate Thacker in this Christmas tale. Charles was as honorable hero as you could find. Their adventure, complete with penny pinching boss, dreadful aunt, sweet brother Randolph, Charle's fine family (mom, pop, siblings and kiddies!) plus a TURKEY kept me pensive, giggling and cheering.

"The Black Beast of Belleterre" was a typical Beauty and the Beast story which takes place beginning in Spring and culminates at Christmas. That fairy tale is even mentioned in the story! I was kept guessing until the end what "The Beast" looked like! Don't peek ahead! This story moved me from despair to elation and all within 64 pages! Ariel and James are so brilliantly portrayed that their thoughts, dreams and wishes become your own. What a beautiful story full of surprises. And I loved the motley collection of misfit animals that James had collected. I have read this one story over and over.

I think this is the best anthology I have ever read. Even if you are normally a "Regency" novel reader, you will find the Victorian times close enough to satisfy. Do not miss obtaining your own copy.

I got hooked on Anne George's books because my sister-in-law introduced them to me while visiting family in Alabama (that's where my husband is from!). After making the yearly trips to visit family for almost 18 years, I felt I was somewhat familiar with the state and have come to love my visits there. I enjoy the way Anne sprinkles alot about her state in these books! While reading I can say "I've been there, I've seen that!" or "I know someone who talks exactly that way!" I found myself laughing out loud while reading, making the rest of my family very curious! I picked up my sister-in-law's book "MURDER GETS A LIFE" and didn't put it down til I was done with it. Then I beat it to the mall to pick up another one!(Murder Runs in the Family) Such a fun author and such surprise endings! These books truly are great summertime reading! I can't wait to get another one! Thanks, Anne! PS: I love your last name! Hmm, I wonder if we're related!

Anne George has done it again: here is another laugh-out-loud entertaining Southern Sisters mystery. The mystery may be somewhat darker in this one; the characters perhaps a bit more red-neckish; the setting slightly more varied. My first reaction to the subject of the book was: trailer trash. But while some characters seem to fit that epithet, the subject is more complex than trailer trash. Mary Alice--the tall and well-endowed sister--answers the door one day to meet an unexpected daughter-in-law. Since Ray, her son, lives in Bora Bora (or is it Pago Pago?), where he owns and operates a dive ship, and Miss Sunshine Dabbs lives in Alabama, the announcement is a real shocker. The fact that Sunshine appears to be without background (so important in the South) and owns not even one deviled-egg plate is even more improbable. Sunshine is drop-dead gorgeous, if one admires Barbie dolls, and can boast of having been in the Miss Alabama Contest (where her talent was fly fishing). Always the mediator, Patricia Anne helps her sister graciously welcome the girl and her family--a varied and eccentric group which includes a porn star, a former NASA engineer who lives to fish and flirt, and his jealous wife who resembles a Cabbage Patch doll! It isn't long before Patricia Anne and Mary Alice literally fall over a deceased Indian Chief (sort of) who has been stabbed with a hog-butchering knife. From here the action picks up. Sunshine disappears, Ray comes home from Bora Bora, smuggling rears its head. While all this is going on, Mary Alice's daughter is suffering morning sickness and Patricia Anne's Haley is planning a wedding. The month is August; the temperature is scorching; Woofer is spending lots of time in his igloo dog house; and lots of iced tea is being drunk. It takes most of the 256 pages in the book to resolve the ins and outs of this mystery. There are few dull moments--at one time Patricia Anne and Mary Alice, locked in the back of a delivery truck, are left alone in a cotton field. Another time -- well, read the book. You will enjoy it. One caveat: George makes the reader like her characters, the villains as well as the good guys, and certain aspects of the ending will leave some readers wanting to know what happens next? As Patricia Anne would say (does say), even a person with a brain half a bubble off plumb can figure out what will happen. But some readers will want all the threads tied up tightly--and will wish for a happy ever after ending.

Anne George has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Not only are her mysteries top notch, but the antics of Patricia Anne and Sister remind me so much of my grandmother and aunt. The dialogue is peppered with southern wit and charm. This is by far the funniest and most intricately plotted of all Anne George's books so far. It kept me in stitches the entire time. In fact, my boyfriend, who reads only science fiction became so interested with the bits and pieces of humor that I would read to him, that I had to read the book twice! Once to myself and once outloud to him. We both laughed until we cried. He especially enjoyed my rendition of the story, since I am from the south. His quote was "you make it sound so funny with your accent, that it wouldn't be the same if I read it myself". But as much as I enjoyed it, I would read it again!

Anne George has produced a wonderful series of books with the sleuthing of a pair of sisters. Patricia Anne and Mary Alice could not be more different, yet at the same time display a strong sisterly bond. But what makes this book sparkle is George's ability to convey the joy of every day life. The writing is extremely accessible - the literary equivalent to a summer movie. The writing is full of rich details so you can practically smell the Birmingham air as you read. It is in these little details that enrich the characters and story - the huge statue of Vulcan that stands on a Birmingham mountain with his uncovered buns of steel is a vivid throwaway player who enriches the atmosphere. Her characters are believable - we all have neighbors like Patricia Anne, and if we are lucky (or not) like Mary Alice. There's a mystery here - the poisoning of a socialite that drives the story, but the sisters are drawn into figuring out what happened simply because they are there. The book sparkles with wit and many simply laugh out loud humor. The writing style is a relative to Sue Grafton's with both featuring a strong female investigator who narrates the story. Overall the book was like a visit from an old friend, and makes me want to delve into other of the sisters' mysteries.

Anne George is one of my favorite authors. The Southern Sisters are hilarious. Patricia Anne, the skinny retired teacher, once again teams up with her sister Mary Alice, the widowed three times sister to solve a murder.

In this story there is a complicated cast of characters that Anne George manages to gather together in a murder mystery. The long time next door neighbor is under suspicion for murder and their house burns down. Throughout all of this the sisters manage to join an investment club, solve the murder, and deal with a daughter in law who moves in. In the end, everything turns out just fine.

I laughed out loud at Mary Alice's story of what happened of Ruffner Mountain

Enjoy.

In Birmingham, Mitzi Phizer persuades her two friends, Patricia Anne "Mouse" Hollowell and Mary Alice "Sister" Crane, to join a senior citizen investment club. However, just when the club looks ready to begin, Mitzi's spouse Arthur seems to be cheating on her. However, even before anyone can actually confirm the rumors of Arthur's philandering, someone murders his alleged flame. The evidence totally points at Arthur, who had motive and opportunity. The police arrest Arthur for poisoning his first wife.

The Southern Sisters cannot see Arthur as a murderer, let alone an adulterer. When a suspicious fire breaks out at the Pizer home, the two siblings begin their own style of inquiries even as they struggle with events in their own lives. However, the Mouse never expected Sister to hit the bank president over the head with an umbrella, landing them in jail.

MURDER SHOOTS THE BULL, the latest mystery romp by the Southern Sisters, is a wonderful tale that humorously brings a touch of Birmingham to life. The who-done-it is entertaining and the support cast augments the novel by propelling it towards the climax. However, as in the previous five tales in this series, the siblings remain the stars of the show. Mouse is a quiet, efficient individual, living a sedate contented life except when Sister enters her sphere. Sister is figuratively and literally the charging bull in the china shop disrupting anyone in her path. Together they make a dynamite invincible team that turns a simple mystery into an entertaining romp.

Harriet Klausner

Mary Alice (Sister) is excited when she bursts in on her sister Patricia Anne (Mouse) to announce that she's bought the Skoot 'n' Boot, a local dance bar she's been enjoying going to. But her excitement turns to horror the next day when the previous owner is found murdered in the establishment. Vowing to stay out of it, Mouse keeps getting drawn in by various people, including one of her former students. Things get personal when the killer starts making threats. Will these sisters be able to figure things out?

This is a fun, cozy book. The pace is slow and steady with plenty of time given to the sister's antics, yet I never got bored with the storyline. I often found myself chuckling at a line or scene, and a couple times laughed out loud. The two sisters are very different, but what could have been caricature was capably turned into character development by the author. The rest of the characters filled their rolls quite well.

I'm looking forward to getting to know these sisters and their family and friends better over the course of the series. This is a fun debut that promises great things in the books to come.

You've got to love the 60 & 65 year old sisters who are polar opposites, I particular think the dialogue and writing is way above the norm. "Mary Alice giggled. She's 65 years old but she still giggles like a young girl. And men still love it." .... "`Nice,' I said, feeling a slight slip in my personal reality cog." And the audio book a PERFECT marriage of reader and material - I couldn't wait to go to my car, and then didn't want to reach my destination. From the first lines of this story, which I listened to in unabridged format, I knew I'd found something special. Anne George manages to touch on just the right formula of family dynamics and occasional insanity, with sisters Patricia Ann and Mary Alice. The rather convoluted plot takes second stage to the wonderful personalities and characters and the craziness we all have in our families. From sperm bank babies to aging hippies, mother/daughter issues, and the lovably annoying spousal unit - I'm real excited there are more Southern Sisters books!

Meet Birmingham's sixty something southern sisters...that's big (250 pounds of woman), flamboyant, three times widowed, Mary Alice (Sister) and her petite and proper, retired English teacher sister, Patricia Anne (Mouse). All the trouble started when Mary Alice decided, on the spur of the moment to buy a country western bar, the Skoot 'n' Boot, because she and her main squeeze of late, have been into line dancing and the Skoot's the place to be. Patricia Anne thinks her sister has lost her mind, but has to admit the joint has appeal and real possibilities. That is, until the former owner is found murdered and hanging in the establishment's wishing well and the Skoot is completely ransacked. Now, as their curiousity gets the better of them, they're drawn into the case and these two aging belles aren't stopping until they get some answers..... Anne George has written a lighthearted mystery full of southern charm and humor. Her writing is crisp, with a talented ear for dialogue, her plot, entertaining and her scenes, true to life and laugh out loud funny. But it's Ms George's wonderfully quirky and engaging characters that make this novel stand out and once you've met the southern sisters and company, you'll be hooked, for sure. This is the debut of a terrific series that just gets better with each installment. So, travel to Birmingham, meet the ladies, dive right in and read them all. You won't be disappointed.