Delightful glimpse into Rose's life away from home and adds another layer of complexity to the bossy sister-struggling teacher-go to it gal in the form of Eliza Jane. I don't doubt for a minute most of this volume is true to word, especially the emergence of Rose's feminist/socialist values.

Fun for kids, equally interesting to this adult.

This book is excelent. Its a great addition to the Rose years. I think this story is quite interesting and it shows how difficult growing up is , no matter what time in history! Its a book girls can relate to and its also very pleasant to read.

On the Banks of the Bayou is a wonderful story of Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, Rose, who leaves her home in the Ozarks to finish high school in Louisiana. She stays with her Aunnt Eliza Jane. The city is full of excitment, and Rose discovers she is an independent women with stong hoppes and dreams.

I was sure this book would get a Lammy nomination and I can't believe it didn't. It's the best piece of lesbian-written lesbian-centered fantasy I've read in years. The story is flawless, the writing exceptional and greatly moving. ...

This isn't a scary book in the least, but the emotions and powers at work raised the hair on the back of my neck at times! This was a fascinating read with fresh characters beyond Xena, Gabrielle, or Elves and the other common types in fantasy novels or series. Women,lesbians all, and profoundly human most of the time. There were a couple of stomach-punching plot twists all in all just a thought providing and intriguing and entertaining novel. Like everyone else, it seems, I want book two and I want it now!

It's mythic, it's poignant, it's tragic, it's magical. Those are the elements I love in Mercedes Lackey's work. Sleight of Hand is better, because it's also passionately, unreservedly, openly about lesbians. No teasing, no subtext. The writing is first rate -- lyrical and timeless in the parts placed in the distant past, contemporary and fitting for those parts in the present time. This is a great book, and engrossing. I want book 2, and I want it now!

CAUTION: if you are a fingernail biter, read this book with your gloves on as the contents may cause you "finger" problems. This book reveals employee conduct that is unbelievable, yet true. The authors present a complex case with simplicity that should keep you reading through the night. I read this aloud to my wife and she loved it. There are more twists and turns in this story than any body of fiction. Read it.

I finished CLASS ACTION last night and find myself stunned at (first) the treatment of the women who worked at the mine and (second) the 10-year court battle. It is so inhumane that it's difficult to comprehend that it's all true. Brava to the authors for telling this important story. Now we have to find someone to make it into the next gripping, blockbuster movie!

Class Action is one of the best books I have ever read. I simply could not put it down once I started reading it. The story, itself, is gripping. If this were a work of fiction, it would stretch the imagination to believe that such things could happen. The fact that this is a true story just stuns the reader to the depth of the soul.
But, beyond the nature of the story, is the excellent writing. It is as engrossing as the best novel - cohesive, fast paced & intelligble. There is just enough legal background and explanation given to make the events understandable to the lay person without making the book a lesson in Civil Procedure.
I cannot recommend this book too highly. Thank you to the authors for bringing this story to the public in such an empathetic and understandable way, and to the women of the story who changed the lives of all human beings for the better.

I have read some books about (sexual) misuse. Some of them are well written ("I don`t want to talk about it" from Terrence Real) , but this book touches my heart like no one did. I know, I`m not the only one with this experiences. If you know someone who had survive, or if you are a survivor, read this book!

The right time to reflect the own childhood will never come. But Mr. Berendzen shows how to manage it, if you have to face the facts: Reflect, take care of your hidden soul, speak about it, stand up and let friends be there for you. YOU CAN FIND A HELPING HAND !!

I want to thank Mr. Berenzden for his enormous courage to face his monsters of his past and I'm thankful that he was able to write and speak about it. This is something very special.
I also want to thank his wife and his children, they are the living furnish proof of the helping hand.

It wasn`t easy for me to concentrate on normal life. But this book helps me calming down and carry on.

Thank`s

I am 27 years old now and I first read this book when I was 18 years old.At which time I lived in a girls home.We had a banquet in honor of this author; and yes he attended.He is very respectful and very strong for sharing his story and I admire him for that.I plan to find this book again and reread it.But this book is something I will never forget.Even though I am a girl; I found it to be very interesting.It was read by alot of the staff at the girls home also.I would recommend this book to anyone who has been a victim theirself.

Why haven't more books like this been written in the last decade?
(If they have and I missed them, would somebody please let me know?) That was my first thought almost from the moment I started reading this book.

If I didn't know better, I'd think the author knew my story and was writing about me. The more I read, the more I learned or remembered about my own very similar experiences.

Actually, in a sense, he knows my story very well. Reading about the horrible sexual and emotional incest, along with the other abuses that Richard Berendzen went through at the hands of his own mother, is still helping me find & place pieces of the puzzle that is my life. Thanks, Doc!

I hope soon to contact Dr. Berendzen. Having already gotten to know him so well by reading his story, it would be my pleasure and privilege to hear from him, and especially to meet him face to face.

If you even think you might be a male victim of child sexual abuse, especially incest by your mother, PLEASE read this book. There are stll very few volumes and fewer true stories written about these tragic topics, especially by someone as prominent as Dr. Bernedzen. You will get to know Richard Berendzen; most importantly, you will no doubt get to know yourself better.

Actually, this book is a great source of courage & encouragement for anyone who has suffered any kind of abuse and the resulting trauma, as well as those close to them who suffer with them.

Ultimately, however, the story of Dr. Richard Berendzen is a story of self-discovery & growth, of struggle & victory, of love & life. It gives me hope that I can overcome the abuse I like Dr. Berendzen am just beginning to remember in my middle age. It is a light helping to show me the way through the darkness of this abuse that has for years overshadowed everything that I do and that I am. Richard Berendzen inspires me to follow in his footsteps to go beyond my abuse and even to help the many other victims, many unknown, out there in my world.

Truly this book contains "hope and light for male survivors of child sexual abuse."

Laurie Halse Anderson is a wonderful writer!This book is so good along with the whole series!

More Than This was the first book that I read of Clearwater Crossing by Laura Peyton Roberts. I thought it was a great book so now I'm reading everything of Laura Peyton Roberts(I saw her name in an Lurlene McDaniel book which I love to read too)I recommend this book for teenage girls just like me! :)

If you think that reading is boring, this book will change your mind! I have read all of the Clearwater Crossing books and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I was happy when I heard about More Than This, the eleventh Clearwater Crossing book. This book, More Than This, was not my favorite book of the series, but I still loved it! The reason why I did not enjoy it as much as some of the other books is because at times it would get a bit dull. For an example, the writer, Laura Peyton Roberts did not keep the plot interesting in the areas pertaining to Ben. But I still fretted with Eight Prime when their Valentine outreach fell through and with Melanie and her many problems with Jessie. Also I was practically yelling at Nicole about what she should do with her problems with Mr. Roarke, and her cousin Gail, at work. The way that Laura Peyton Roberts writes makes me enjoy the books even more because she makes me feel like I am there with the characters and they are my best-freinds. This book is best for female teens who are looking for a slight romance and enjoyable book!

I love this series so much. I always look forward to the new books coing to stores. I loved how Melanie was still trying to cope with her mother's death and how she and Jesse went to Iowa to see her mothers grave. That was sweet!

This clearwater crossing book was the best. It showed so much emotion when Peter lost Jason at winter camp. The whole community showed such apprieciation and concern for finding t he boy. They all helped so much. This book really showed how many things go on during a hoilday and to remember what is really important to you not just to find pleasure in getting a gift from others but to care for everyone and not be selfish. This book definitly deserves 5-stars plus.

Hi! I have all of the Clearwater Crossing books and really like them. I think it's neat that finally there is an author that writes about religion and the difficulties that teenagers face every day. I think this is a series that someone can learn things from and learn a good lesson from! Not everyone is perfect in the real world and these books prove that everyone has problems to face. I reccomend this series to anyone who likes reading a good book. :-)

Special thanks to Roger Lea McBride and family for the "trip" to DeSmet and giving us Laura's voice once more, even though it was heartbreaking for all involved. Equally impressive was Rose's saga while living in town. The girl was quite a firecracker. Again, just as charming as Little House, but the storytelling is a bit more complex and more reflective of who Rose was. This series truly equals the charm and storytelling of Laura's story. Kudos to those who thought to bring this series to print.

Rose and her family are still living in the little town of Mansfield. There, they are doing the best they can to get back on their feet and return to Rocky Ridge Farm. It's a big year for Rose and filled with many changes. For example, she witnesses the dawn of a new era as she celebrates the turn of the new century. Besides all the hard work, there's still love in the air for Rose! "New Dawn on Rocky Ridge continues the story that Laura Ingalls Wilder told of her own childhood, a story that has charmed generations of readers, including me."

I own and have read every single Rose Years books and out of all of them this was my favorite! It's about a young girl who is full of dreams and ambitions. I think it's the best book and that everybody dhould be able to read it!

Isn't that the question since we were chldren? Who's in control here? Some figure it out quicker than others and learn the lesson better. For others, like Laura, it takes time and pain. But in the end, gain.

Her pain and gain, here exposed for all the world to see, is for the comfort and strength she gives through this book to those who find themselves or loved ones in -- out of control.

Frightening and shocking is the realization that such substances take over and dominate such intelligent, talented people. The fight will always be there. Close by though, more powerful than those unrelenting enemies are Laura's strengths she's learned to rely upon and live for, God and children. May both bless her.

She's a winner in more important events than just LPGA championships.

Laura Baugh's openness and candor makes her story a must-read for anyone in recovery, or anyone who knows someone in recovery.

If you are alcoholic or know someone who is, this is an insightful read. If you know anything about golf (which I don't), it would make the book an even more intimate experience. Sharing Laura's journey is worth the time to see how thoughtlessly one's life can become completely out of control, if not life-threatening as well. 'Good luck, Laura: every day is like climbing a mountain, and drunk or sober, having 7 kids is more than a juggling act.'

Madeleine "Max" Maxwell is about to have a sudden life change. Nearing forty, scheduled for a hysterectomy, and as hard
drinking and hard living as they come, she wasn't exactly ready for the unexpected pregnancy that would ultimately change
her life.
But then again, she wasn't ready for the smoky voiced, ex-con, Jackson O'brien, or the murders occurring in her little town
of Hawk Marsh either. Murders directly related to her.
What's a girl to do? She's pregnant, hormones are raging, life altering events are occuring, and Max is smack dab in the
Middle of a murder mystery threatening to drive her insane.
You've got to read this book. Laura Gardner has written a wonderfully witty, superbly emotional, and amazingly twisted
mystery you won't be able to put down.
Who's killing the men in Max's life, and why? Is it the moody ex-con, the psychotic ex lover, or someone else ensuring
their own agenda?
Packed with humor, and an earthy realism that will amaze you, Ain't Nobody's Bizness guides you through six harrowing
months of Max's life. The changes to the person that was, the growth of a woman and mother that will be, the trials that will
knock her down, and her steely determination to stand up against all odds, and face the future to come.
This is a mystery you definitely don't want to miss.

Review by: Shadoe Simmons

Heroine: short and solid

After surviving a harrowing adolescence and maintaining her status as the town's foul-mouthed, hard drinking tart for twenty-plus years, shop teacher Maddie "Max" Maxwell thinks she's one tough cookie. But she soon discovers her "soft center" when her hormones start going haywire with a surprise pregnancy. After all, it's not everyday you go into the doctor's for a scheduled hysterectomy and come out with a due date for a baby--by a guy you are about to dump, no less!

        But Max is about to find out that even the toughest cookie is liable to crumble under the right circumstances. If the pregnancy wasn't enough to bowl her over, surely the multiple murders occurring around town will do it. Especially since all of them are connected in one way or another to Max herself!

What worked for me:

All right, I admit it, Max grew on me. Rough-around-the edges and with odd taste in men she's very different from me, but I think I could enjoy time spent in her company.

I thought the writing was clever, and the plot held my interest with its nicely convoluted mystery. The dash of raunchy sexual tension and heart-wrenching plot developments were also a great touch.

   Size-wise Max is closing in on forty and built, in her words, like a fireplug. And her best (and annoying) friend is rather voluptuous as well.

What didn't work for me:

It was hard not to flinch when thinking about Max's drinking during her early pregnancy.

Overall:

I found this story to be a creative hybrid of women's fiction and mystery. Readers looking to be drawn into an emotionally raw, thought-provoking story would be well-advised to search this one out.

Warning: this book has some coarse language and some brief references to homosexuality.

If you liked "Ain't Nobody's Bizness" you might also enjoy the "Steph Plum" mystery series, the "Sam Jones" mystery series, the "Casey Jones" mystery series, the "Odelia Grey" mystery series, the "Women's Murder Club" mystery series, "Princess Charming", "Infernal Affairs", "Plum Girl", and "Hey Lady, Your Tin Snips Are Showing".

While trying to solve the mystery of her brother's death, tough gal Max confronts her own conflicted feelings about her past as well as her well-concealed softer side. Funny, sassy, and ultimately very moving.

From the beginning page you are introduced to the killer and the knowledge that he is watching someone again stays in the front of your mind as you get to know him better. His history and his thoughts are sprinkled throughout the book and lead you to "The Last Place."

Tess is a private investigator with a past that haunts her. Her ex-boyfriend was killed years prior and she continues to suffer from occasional nightmares, reliving his death.

She has issues with anger management, which are portrayed quite well when she gets a little revenge on a potential child molester. She is arrested and sentenced to anger management counseling.

Tess's wealthy friend, Whitney, offers her a private investigator assignment which involves reviewing old, unsolved domestic abuse murder cases in order to help bring about lobbying for funding and training for small town cops handling domestic abuse situations. Whitney is part of a group of several non profit foundations that have joined together and are in search of ways to reduce the number of domestic-violence homicides in their state. Though Tess's old archenemy, Luisa O'Neal, is somewhat involved in the group, Tess accepts the assignment with the understanding that Luisa is not an active member of the board.

There is a list of five unsolved cases for Tess to investigate. She was not hired to search for the killer but rather to check into the specifics of the police investigations on each file.

Initially, the cases do not seem connected but then Tess begins to question whether or not they are in some way. She always begins to wonder if Luisa O'Neal had more involvement in this project than Tess was told about, or anyone was told, for that matter. Soon Tess is questioning everything and everyone looking for the link.

You will find yourself flipping back through the pages you've already read, checking details, looking for confirmation of the places the clues are leading you. Just when you think you're sure you know who the killer is, another clue is added that doesn't quite fit in and you are sent on your search again. You will be guessing until the end.

Tess Monaghan (very poor) is a private investigator who is hired by her best friend Whitney Talbot (very rich). She is asked to work for a consortium that concerns itself with domestic violence. Tess is given six names of persons who have been killed in the last six years. None of the killings were solved. Tess is to find out if law enforcement did a sloppy - and presumably prejudiced - job.

So Tess goes to work, interrupting it only shortly to spend time with her boyfriend Crow. At first, nothing outrageous happens. She then teams up with retired Toll Road Police Officer Carl Dewitt.

The story is interrupted occasionally by the voice of the killer.

There just is no substitute for that vision thing when you want to reach conclusions that are not based on any known fact. And what is missing here is the kitchen sink. But then the author got a big medal from the mayor of Baltimore for writing so much about his city.

And the perpetrator became a mass murderer because he used to love Tess Monaghan. Go figure.

I love Tess. So this is going to be biassed.

If you don't know Tess, the first half of the book is a very interesting description of Baltimore and its surrounds. And the people who will feature later on.

It shows Tess in a way I think is unfair because it is so human. It is a newspaper or story kind of way. Given that Laura Lippman used to be a journalist that is fair enough. And a true achievement.

Tess is a fictional character (not to me but I acknowlegde that this is so) and the story is fiction but it could have happened this way.

If you are interested in human foibles and failures, this will slowly draw you in. If you are a Tess aficionado, you will suffer as I did.