This unusual story for children, which is lyrically and beautifully ilustrated and written by Caroline Garrett combines a wonderful imagination with a spiritual vision and a love for children and animals. The book exudes gentleness and calm as well communicating its profound message in a clear way.

Sarah's Bead is a refreshing, warm retelling of an ageless story. I was deeply touched by this book. As a creative writing teacher, I often look for books to share with my students as a read aloud. This books explores with students and adults the joys of sacrifice, of giving, and of love. The book not only touches on a Christian theme, but a universal one that can be shared by all people of different faiths. The words of the story are beautifully enhanced by the illustrations.

The nativity story, one that is familiar to many, is retold from the perspective of a pack-rat named Sarah. In this children's book, Sarah learns about hope and love by giving the Baby King her most prized possession--a lovely green bead! The full-page color illustrations bring the story to life as they capture the magic and wonder of the miracle of the birth of Christ. Sarah's Bead is a delightful story that is appropriate for both young and old and would be a wonderful treasure in any family's storybook collection!

These are the life stories of four remarkable women,the Lennox sisters,daughters of the 2nd Duke of Richmond and great grandaughters of Charles the second of England and his mistress,Louise de Keroualle,and was taken from the thousands of letters which circulated amongst them over their lifetimes. The author,Stella Tilyard has meticulously recounted not only the letters,but also the social customs,fashions in clothing and house decorating and the whole way of life amongst the aristocrats of London and Dublin of that era which spans the years of the reigns of George 2nd,George 3rd and the Prince Regent. Each of these sisters lived an extraordinary life,having been educated far above the usual standard required of upper class young women of their day.There is quite a bit of English political history included in the book(which is why I deducted one star),but although this can get a bit ponderous at times,doesn't distract from the overall story.I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing the t.v.series.

These are the life stories of four remarkable women,the Lennox sisters,daughters of the 2nd Duke of Richmond and great grandaughters of Charles 2nd of Great Britain and his mistress Louise de Keroualle, and was taken from the thousands of letters which circulated amongst them over their lifetimes.The author,Stella Tillyard has meticulously recounted not only the letters but also the social customs,fashions in clothing and house decorating and the whole way of life amongst the aristocrats of London and Dublin of that era which spans the years of the reigns of George 2nd,George 3rd and the Prince Regent. Each of these sisters lived an extraordinary life,having been educated far and above the usual standard required of upper class young women of their day.There is quite a bit of English political history included in the book,but although this can get a bit ponderous at times,doesn't distract from the overall story.I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward,eagerly,to the t.v. series.

Stella Tillyard does an amazing job bringing the Lennox sisters to life. I felt as though I knew each sister quite well once I had finished the book---and I only wished I could have spent even more time with them.
Sarah Lennox's story was undoubtedly the most interesting (early on she was tapped as a possible wife for George III, she then fell into an unhappy marriage, embarked on a scandalous affair, was divorced, and then ultimately found happiness with a man who came from a social background beneath hers). Lennox's comment that "she only knew true happiness after the age of 36" was especially poignant after reading abt her privileged upbringing. Despite her unhappiness, Lennox managed to live life to the fullest.
In fact, all of the sisters managed to live life to the fullest---from Caroline who eloped with the radical Henry Fox to Emily who passed through all of the stages of marriage (from happiness to dissatisfaction which ultimately caused her to have an affair).
I can't recommend this book too highly---my only regret after reading it was that I would never be able to meet and hang out with any of the Lennox sisters!