Unlike most garden books that focus on individual design elements of gardening, this one focuses on how to identify the atmosphere and mood of the garden you want to create. The author tells readers to think back to those places that have given them the greatest joy and ease, either as children or as adults, and to use the memory of these places in creating a retreat or garden of the mind in one's own yard. You should read this book before all others

Messervy has found a way to codify something that seemed vague to me: the "feel" of a landscape, or how a person reacts to a space. She breaks landscape forms down into 7 "archetypes," lists the features of each, then suggests ways to use this new understanding in designing your own yard or garden. I suddenly realized, for example, that the narrow, paved alleys coming off my tiny city backyard weren't necessarily the problem and disappointment I had always considered them, but were features I could play up and turn to advantage. (They had always tempted me to walk to the end -- now I just have to make that journey worthwhile.) I was just bursting with ideas after reading this book, able to look at my tiny space with new eyes. The archetypal business isn't just pleasantly mystical but is also practical, backed up with sophisticated but down-to-earth ideas. It's a different kind of garden design book that gets you to think of the overall "f! eel" (not look) you want first (the step missing from most gardening books), and then figure out how to actually construct it -- a satisfying blend of mythic/artistic with practical and well-organized. (And as a bonus, the photos are drop-dead gorgeous!)

Julie Moir Messervy has written what undoubtedly will become a classic of garden writing and design. Deeply literate and beautifully written, The Inward Garden gives the reader a process for designing one's "dream garden". Based on garden archtypes: the sea, the cave, the harbor, the promitory, the island, the mountain, and the sky, this book provides a structure for imagining the garden of one's desires and a practical process for designing this deeply felt garden. The author describes in detail each of these archytical gardens. Each archtype is illustrated with outstanding garden photographs. The Inner Garden gently asks the reader to think and feel deeply about the garden of his or her dreams and to have the couage to begin creating that garden.

This is a warm book, describing a more gentle, loving sort of submission than one might find in Claire Thompson's work "Frog" or in one of Adrian Hunters' stories. Julie is a woman who has lost her husband and who works their farm alone. For six years she has pined for him, fantasized about him, and remained faithful to him. Enter Bill--a traveling handyman and sometime alcoholic who has stopped by her farm looking for work. Just a casual thing, perhaps a few jobs, she could pay him and he would be on his way. Does it ever work out that way? Julie is attracted to Bill from the start...but the attraction does not become unbearable until they are sitting on her front porch and she confides in him that what she really wanted out of her relationship with her husband was children.

It's interesting...this e-book is part romance and part hot-as-heck BDSM tale. If one compares it to modern classics in the genre, such as Patricio's "Blue" or Molly Weatherfield's "Carrie's Story"--one finds that the erotic imagery in those tales is stronger and more powerful, but goshdurnit, there just isn't much love or romance. This book is a nice mix of both...there are some great scenes, including one in which Julie submits to Bill and a female friend, who is known in the "scene" for her whipmaking abilities...the feeling is that Julie is not expected to know everything there is to know about submission immediately. Bill punishes, and Julie doesn't like it, but the reader never gets the sense that Julie is an object--an idea that can be incredibly erotic but burns the reader out after a while. Julie is certainly a piece of property, but you get the sense throughout the book that there is a loving relationship here, not just "kinky games".

Of course, if all you want is kinky games, this book has plenty of that too. Hoo mama! There is a great scene in which Bill wants to teach Julie to be comfortable with herself and her body...so he has her expose herself to him and masturbate for him--I have not seen a more tender but equally erotic writing of that act. It is the "well done porno with a plot" that artists like myself always want to see. And the centerpiece of the book, Julie's submission to both Ashley and Bill...wow. That is what a first whipping should be like. You can smell the leather and feel how heavy it is against your burning skin, feel the sting and the light touch of your lover on your body. That kind of writing in erotica is to be prized.

The only thing I object to is the ending. Claire, honey, you make me hot with this stuff but that ending is FORCED...I don't know how else I would do it, but the accident...it doesn't read well...it is too expected.

In this book, the author has taken a very common story, one might almost say "the archetypal American romance novel", and rewritten it, and somewhere along the way it took a hard left turn through BDSM-land. There is enoughkink here to satisfy someone who wouldn't be comfortable reading "Blue" or"Carrie's Story" or "Story of O"--this is more kink tale than romance--but the setting and the plot are enough to prepare for and set up the naughtybits so they read naturally. I tend to compare erotic literature with pornographic films (I tend to believe they exist for the same reason). This book is the "hard film with a strong plot" that I have longed to see.

Julie is stuck in her past, lost in the memories of her late husband and the life they shared ' and happy to live like that. Then Bill Thompson shows up at her rural farm, and Julie begins to realize that her life didn't end with Randy's passing. Bill is different from any other man she's known, and though she's flattered that he wants to get to know her better, she's not too sure about his methods. Bill, it turns out, has particular needs ' and for him to be pleased, Julie is going to have to learn the pleasure of submission. Slowly by surely she awakens once more to life, but the hardest step is yet to come. She's shed her inhibitions and the shackles of her memory, but can she accept that confronting her deepest fears can bring the greatest freedom of all?

JULIE'S SUBMISSION starts out slowly. Written in first person, the book begins with an introduction to Julie and her private fantasy ' a world where her husband Randy still lives. Bill's arrival is the catalyst for the story, for Julie's journey and the sexual and mental awakenings that she has as a result. The sex is hot, and D/s descriptions are pleasing and sensual. The book delves into the real meaning of D/s ' not just the sexual games that are involved in the definition, which is pleasing and educative. JULIE'S SUBMISSION is, ultimately, a very positive book that captures the reader's attention and simply doesn't let go until the last page is read.

Of course, I love everything written by Claire Thompson, but it is wonderful to watch how she has developed over the years, in terms of writing pure 'erotica' to writing real stories with good plots and characters who matter to you...And she writes so well and in a contemporary style that you DO forget sometimes it's just fantasy, and that can get uncomfortable.. but still, I like that, bc it stretches my boundaries, I guess.

But back to the story at hand! This one is sweet and sexy, rough and dangerous, all at once! Julie is a young widow at her peak [] who never got over her husband, who was killed in a car accident. She has kind of let herself go and it doesn't even occur to her that the guy she hires to fix stuff up around her farm would find her attractive.

Not only does he find her attractive, but he starts to initiate her into the []dark world of S&M. She resists at first, or not really resists, but doesn't understand what is happening. I liked seeing how she develops from basically clueless to a submissive []girl. I loved the chapter where she has to expose herself in a mirror and describe what she sees. The realization that we get to see her make, that she isn't dirty and disgusting, but sexy and lovely, is really beautiful.

I also like how the author adds dramatic tension with a plot twist that is upsetting, but keeps you reading.

I won't give it away, but I would definitly recommend Claire's latest. It is HOT!

If you haven't read this yet, you are missing out.

I admit that THE WRONG BED miniseries published by Silhouette has proven to be one of the hottest miniseries I have encountered. For the month of November, Julie Kistler continues the heat with her own offering, JUST A LITTLE FLING, about which she admits, "I love fast paced, sexy, funny books, so THE WRONG BED miniseries seemed like the perfect place for me under the Harlequin Temptation umbrella." A hotel full of gorgeous groomsmen, all wearing kilts at her sister's overblown wedding, similar room keys, identical bridesmaids' bags, and her thirtieth birthday culminate in a rash decision that will captivate the reader.

Lucie Webster, despised the itchy kilts and even itchier wool jackets. As the thirteenth bridesmaid in her sister's wedding, she contented herself with speculating upon what the best man wore under his kilt. Ceremony concluded, Lucie gratefully attends the reception where she can at least loosen her buttons and lose the jacket.

Feeling just a little punch drunk, Lucie decides she wants a one-night fling, choosing a balding childhood friend to provide the liaison. As he slips away in quest of champagne and candles, Lucie seeks refuge in the lady's room. All she wanted was a "harmless little fling." But when she crept up the stairs and into the dark room, Lucie quickly realized she wasn't in bed with her childhood friend. Throwing caution to the wind, however, she indulged in a night on incredible passion only to wake in the morning beside the best man from the wedding, Ian.

Little more than a petulant child, Steffi's crass behavior quickly sends her groom scurrying for cover. Shocked to find Steffi's sister in bed with his brother, Kyle begs for their help to rid himself from the bride from hell. Soon Lucie finds events careening well out of control, resulting in her assistance to break up her sister's marriage before Steffi can ruin Kyle, even while attempting to maintain her dignity naked, wrapped up in a sheet.

Backing humor with a substantial plot, Kistler creates a memorable romance that will keep both giggles and heat on high. These unlikely characters and dramas are simply fun! And the jealous half-sister and evil step-mother provide delightful resolution to those childhood archetypes, giving a shot and revenge and bad taste a whole new meaning. If you enjoy genre romance and a good laugh, don't miss JUST A LITTLE FLING-it's a keeper. Very highly recommended.

Julie Kistler pulls out all the stops in her contribution to The Wrong Bed miniseries in this fast paced, clever story with wonderful characters and excellent dialogue.

Lucie Webster is one of her younger half-sister's bridesmaids -- number thirteen out of fifteen attendants to be exact. Steffie Webster is the exact opposite of Lucie; she's petite and blonde, willful and petulant, and spoiled rotten by her parents. Steffie is marrying one of Chicago's most eligible and wealthiest young bachelors in a Scottish themed wedding. Steffie's wedding day just happens to be on Lucie's thirtieth birthday, and no one has remembered it.

Lucie can hardly wait for the long, drawn out ceremony to end. Her eyes keep coming back to the handsome best man with great legs in the Scottish kilt. She's also wondering if, in true Scottish tradition, he has on anything under that kilt!

After the ceremony and the reception, Lucie is downing her share of strawberry margueritas. Another of the lesser bridesmaids has convinced Lucie that what they both need is to find a man fast and have a "fling". After all, today is Lucie's big 3-0 and she deserves to enjoy herself. After one more cocktail Lucie agrees the idea has merit and approaches Baker Burns, a long time friend, with the idea. Baker tells her his room number and she will join him later.

Ian Macintosh, best man and brother of the groom, has had it with all these young ditsy women that seem to be attracted to him and his money. Ian isn't too fond of the thought of marriage and knows that his brother Kyle has just made the worst mistake of his life in marrying twenty-year-old Steffie. Eventually Ian has just enough to drink and accepts the invitation from the very tipsy maid of honor for a night of pleasure. He slips her his room key and tells her he will be up later.

A funny thing happens in the ladies' lounge. Lucie and Feather, the maid of honor, drop their identical purses and knock heads while picking them up. Lucie makes her way to Baker's room but can't remember the number. Good thing for her there's a key in her purse.

THE WRONG BED is a hilarious romp and a great read. Ian and Lucie are thrown together, after their night of passion, to help Kyle get out of his disastrous marriage. The laughs are a mile a minute, and the sensuality goes off the Richter scale. Ms. Kistler has written a real feel-good book that is pure enjoyment.

The heroine, Chloe, is a dedicated (perhaps overzealous) animal rights activist who falls for Brett, a jock who does not share her values. She finds she is so busy with Brett that she has less and less time for her activism--and then Brett pressures her to give up her animal rights work altogether because he is concerned for her safety.

The dilemma Chloe faces will be familiar to many vegetarian women; indeed, many girls and women period. It is inevitable that relationships change us, but how much change is too much?

Unlike many books of the genre, the book does not have a simplistic happily ever after ending. Chloe's problems, including the tension between Brett and her beliefs, her relationship with her (noncustodial) mother, her faltering friendship with a fellow activist, and her grandmother who suffers from dementia, are not magically solved. What we do get is a realistic, bittersweet ending, with some hope for the future.

This was one of my favorite books! I am a vegetarian, and thisbook helped me keep faith, when my friends would say negative thingsabout me. Everyone should read this book even if you are not avegetarian!

I love this book and so will you. It's so good i'm going to buy it here. Once you start reading it you can't stop. I even stayed up until 5:00 in the morning just reading it. If I like it you will to

A very fun story. There are a lot of memories here that are shared and there's even a little bit of information that some of the family members try not to share. What a unique story.....moving a house because of a last request from a father who has passed away. Truely a fun, quick, unique read. Read this book, it's intriguing as well as fun and will give you a lift.

This novel had me intrigued at page one. The entire concept of moving a house, moving a memory, moving a life resonated throughout the novel. It is a journey, one that the reader feels a part of, one that the reader cares about. Mira, Kat, Ray, Wesley, all visable characters. And the house, it has a life of its own, filled with happy and sorrowful memories. Fleming shows that houses are not just objects, but homes, for good or bad, they are homes. A great read.

Moving Lila is a fresh and engaging novel that manages to be simultaneously moving, funny, and thoughtful. A wonderful read, enjoyable on every page.

I discovered Robert Goddard by accident when I took a random choice book (Caught in the Light by Robert Goddard)off the shelf in my local library about three months ago. Since then, I have devoured everything I can find that he has written. He takes a fairly simple story and weaves events and characters into his tale which keep the reader fascinated until the very last page.It turns out that one has read, in fact, a wonderful mystery story in the true sense of the word. Why is there not more publicity about the author? Do his books have large sales? A new reader only has to read his/her first Goddard novel and they are hooked forever. A modern Trollope whom the world should know more about.

I couldn't put this book down, dying to know the truth about whether this man was the one who supposedly killed himself years earlier or an imposter. What really made this book was that the chapters alternated between a first person point-of-view and a third person point-of-view. I previously thought it was impossible to pull off shifting point-of-views in a novel but this one proved to be the total exception. It was an experiment that was an unqualified success. All writers should also read this book to explore the outter reaches of creative possibilites open to them.

This book was recommended to me by my mother. She always gives good advice. After I read this book I went on to read all the other titles as soon as Goddard publishes them.

The plot is superb, a real gripper. Is he or isn't he James? You make up your own mind throughout, but you never really know until the conclusion. It is beautifully, intricately unravelled - it's just got to be read!

This book gives a clear, rhyming explanation of the history of quilting in America and how it has changed. The artwork is a fun combination of real quilt photos and hand-drawn images. I bought this for *my mom* to read to her grandkids, in the hopes that it will open doors for her to talk about our own family's quilting history. Quilting was an important part of the history of American women and I'm delighted that this book keeps that history alive for kids today.

This is the best quilting book I have ever read. It explains how quilts are made so that kids and adults can actually understand it. There are pictures of real quilts inside, and I have seen some patterns that I can't wait to try. My kids love it too. This book was not only fun to read, but I actually learned helpfull stuff too. IT is a must read!

I enjoyed sharing this book with several classes of Kdg - 3rd grade students. They sat still to listen to it, with breaks to look at my quilt examples. It's a good way to compare the old methods of quilting with the new. A nice cadence to the words. wonderful photos of real quilts mixed in with drawings. Many common quilt desings are named. My girls and I enjoy this book.

I think the book really pinpointed all the pertinent information that a new nurse consultant needs in order to begin. Although the text does cover how to begin your business; I do suggest that you buy a recommended book on how to market yourself in order to be successful in practice.

I loved this book. It has everything in it you will need to understand this complex and exciting field of Nursing. If you are considering a career change into Legal Nurse Consulting, this is a wise investment to get a feel and overview of the field before you invest in any other educational material. A "must have" resource book for practicing LNC's.

If you are thinking about becoming a LNC, this is an excellent book to purchase. It was the text book that I used in class. It's professional, easy to read and comprehend. It covers different types of laws, contracts, areas of practice, litigation,expert witness,etc.

A very cute story that does an excellent job of erasing the stereotypical view of "grannies". As the book explains, grannies can be all different shapes and sizes and enjoy a variety of activities. This would be a good book to explain individual differences as well as unique qualities.

The wonderful illustrations of watercolor add extra warmth and humor to this fun-loved story!

My 3yo daughter and I love to read this book together. The pictures are fantastic and I find the text poignant as well as funny as my daughter has recently lost her grandpa too. On a lighter note, it is good to see the the term "wobbly bottom" being introduced into my daughter's vocabulary.

I read this book to my preschool class during a unit on families. After I read it I knew immediately that I had to buy this book for my mother who has 5 grandchildren. I can't wait to give it to her this Christmas from my children. I know she is going to love it! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is just as wonderful.

I have read Ms. Gettys' book, Past Tense, and found it to be an excellent read. The dialogue is crisp and tells the story without a lot of discriptive phrases. Her storyline is a good one and I found I could not put the book down and leave it for very long. I was anxious to see "what happens now?". Ms. Gettys did an excellent job of completing all of the story lines. The reader is not left wondering what happened to this situation or that conflict. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

"Past Tense is a thoroughly satisfying read, filled with passion, wit, and heart-warming characters. I couldn't put it down until the very last page."

The style is fresh and charming, peppered with dazzling metaphors. The plot never let me off the hook. It had me smiling with pleasure, shivering with anticipation or crying tears of emotion. Dana is portrayed as a person with many facets. The chemistry between Dana and Patrick is riveting and Dana's gentle love for her handicapped son got under my skin. A great book.