Fans of American Ballet Theatre will want to know about the new book ROMEO & JULIET: The Love Story in Dance. The photographer Nancy Ellison had the inspired idea of giving us in a picture book a photo narrative of the Romeo and Juliet story in Verona where it originally took place. The Romeo and Juliet are Angel Corella and Paloma Herrera who have appreared in the Macmillan Ballet about the tragic lovers. The photos are accompanied by Shakespeare's words. I never imagined it would be possible to find in Verona a balcony like Juliet's and other places that in these marvelous photographs frame the action of the tragedy. Looking at the great Staircase of Reason in Verona's public square where so much of the struggle between the Capulets and the Montagues took place, and seeing Romeo and Juliet dancing on a terrace in a real garden bring home the tragedy. For lovers of the ballet this Christmas, particularly young lovers of the ballet, there couldn't be a better book.

I love this book, the whole idea of it - from the wonderful photographs to the amazing ballet dancers. I have looked at it many times and every time at a different level. First, the photos and the wonderful shots of Verona, second for the ballet dancers and then third for the writing. When books seem to be priced into the stratosphere, this little gem is a bargain and a great gift for the holidays for young and old.

I have been a ballet dancer all my life and I feel Nancy Ellison's book is a tribute to all dancers. This book truly captures and celebrates the beauty and essence of the art of ballet. I envy Paloma's talent and with this book it's not hard to see why. The photos show her graceful pirouttes and impressive turnouts. The scenery is breathtaking, but what is more captivating is the way Ms. Ellison managed to capture the dancers' attitude in the photos. With every dancer's leap, you can really feel the movement of dance. It's almost as if the dancers are about to jump off the pages. This book is stunning and delightful for all.

Nina Ananiashvili, in addition to having world-class ballerina skills, is a treat for the eyes ... she is beautiful. The photographs in the book are excellent and should be in any Nina admirer's collection. I was considering buying portraits from her website, but they are quite expensive. This book fills the bill.

The story is told at a child-level and captures the essense of Swan Lake. However, I didn't care for the variations introduced wherein Rotbart is unharmed, and the swans can transform near the gardens by the lake, even by day.

Fans of "Nina Ballerina" (Nina Ananiashvili) will treasure this book, because the Swan Lake story is illustrated with beautiful photos of the Russian ballerina. You can see how she uses her whole body to change from the loving Odette (in white) to the cruel Odile (in black). One reservation: I wouldn't use this book to introduce children to the ballet. The bold theatrical makeup, designed to be visible from the audience, is almost overwhelming in the closeup photos. For a child, Rachel Isadora's illustrations are a better introduction to the story. Still, Ellison's book is a "must-buy" for balletomanes and Nina fans.

Ms Ephron's book misses the historical implications of the protagonist's actions. Why did the US/Hearst get involved? I suggest Eduardo Galleano; "Open Veins of Latin America." What would cause a young woman to willingly give up "love" from 2 different men; perhaps an intense desire for independence or her quest for freedom? These were never developed. The Karl/Charles character was also flat. Was he after a story or working for the US interests? The book seem too simplistic and more of a short story needed further development.

I read this book on the beach in the Virgin Islands in February, so that could account for some of the fondness I feel for this book, but I'm certain that it's more than that. I have read other books from Latin authors (translated from Spanish) and this little novel had the same gentle mood and soft language, as if it had been written in Spanish. Really, it is a long short story (and so is The Old Man and the Sea), but what a pleasure to read. The issues raised are presented, not solved, leaving the reader something to ponder after putting the book down. I also found the ending to be a bit of a let down, but the time spent reading this book was a lovely interlude. I've recommended and given this book to many people and plan on recommending it to my Cuban-American doctor today. For a real pleasure, take this book to the beach, preferably on an island, and really immerse yourself in the experience.

Seamless, breathtaking storytelling. Couldn't put it down. I found myself completely immersed in Ephron's well crafted world which, at times, surprisingly enough, is told from a man's point of view. History and fiction blend nicely in a spare but utterly romantic novel. Highly recommended

I was looking forward to reading this book because of the historical setting. I was sorely disappointed at the lack of character development. At the end of the book (and the whole time I was reading it, for that matter) I did not care about the people I had just read about. I felt as if I was ready about stick people with no "meat" to their characters. It's too bad because the premise for the book was intriguing. Many plot elements were too contrived and predictable. I would not recommend this book to my book-loving friends. Good thing I paid a small price for it at a used bookstore.

I couldn't put "A Cup of Tea" down. It definitely held my attention but so does a Grisham novel! When I finished it, I didn't have any sense of having been enlightened, touched, moved, etc. The characters are poorly drawn. The action is predictable. The prose is "okay". Its historical credibility is questionable. "A Cup of Tea" would make a perfect book to read on the beach where one's need for literary satisfaction is pretty simple.

I say, nice job Amy Ephron! I really enjoyed this book. Do you realize there was no "villian?" Rosemary is a decent person, and so is Eleanor. Both women can easily be admired, as well as best friend Jane. I truly liked the sparseness (almost directness) of Amy Ephron's characters. I will buy more Amy Ephron books. Personally, I don't understand the somewhat mediocre reviews on AMAZON. I thought the book a delight.....simple, direct, excellent writing and a wonderful story.