This was such a great book! I absolutely loved Rachel and Gabe. Their relationship was a roller coaster of a ride. Gabe's tragedy was heart breaking and Rachel's struggle to overcome the prejudice caused by her dead husband's betrayal of a town was valiant and admirable. Her son Edward's need for a stable home and a father was heart wrenching. It was wonderful to see them accept the unevitable love that had developed and finally become a family. It was also wonderful having the other characters in the book grow and heal. Kristy's wish finally comes true when Ethan, her employer, a minister and Gabe's brother, finally realizes his love for her. Their scenes were hilarious and touching. Cal, Gabe's older brother, his wife Jane, and their baby daughter Rosie, were also fun to get to know. This book is definitely worth your time and money. You'll love it. Trust me!

This book absolutly had me hooked! I almost finished it in one day, but once again that sleep thing got in the way.

Three years after leaving Salvation, NC after her televangalist husband is killed and found to have stolen money from the congregation, Rachel Stone is back to try to find the five million dollars that he stashed away. Unfortunately, things don't go well for Rachel. She has nine dollars in her pocket, a car that just broke down (which has also been her home for the past week), a five year old son and has to deal with Gabriel Bonner.

Two years after Gabe's wife Cherry and their five year old son Jamie was killed by a drunk driver, Gabe is still greiving. He's a very unhappy man, especially when Rachel Stone shows up with her kid and wants a job. Reluctantly he gives her a job and the two eventually fall in love, although they wouldn't dare admit it.

Since Rachel's husband swindled the town out of millions of dollars the entire town of Salvation, NC hates her. She can't go down the street without names being called or having her tires slashed. Gabe is time and again coming to her rescue.

Something that I both liked and disliked about this book was Ethan and Kristy's relationship. I really found I enjoyed their story, but they should have had their own book. That is my only complaint.

Overall, excellent read, highly recommended.

I actually read "Nobody's Baby but Mine First", liked it, and looked for other of her books. I found out there was a sequel, about the second Bonner brother, Gabe, so I went ahead and bought "Dream a Little Dream", and let me tell you, I haven't laughed and cried so much reading a book before,and all at the same time! I read other reviews and people raved about Heaven, Texas, but this is sooo much better.
Rachel Stone was married to a corrupt televangelist who died in a plane crash. She lost everything and left town with her son, Edward (otherwise known as Chip). Years later she suddenly finds herself stuck in Salvation, a town that hates her,as a last resort because she is determined to find some money she knows her husband left behind, money that will help her feed and keep her son because they have $10 dollars left and are living in their car (which dies a noisy death at the entrance of town, leaving them definitely stranded). Enter Gabe Bonner, a vet whose son and wife had been killed in a car accident and who has lost the will to live. He reluctantly ends up hiring her to help him put up a business and gets much more than he ever bargained for. She constantly challenges him, taunts him,insults him, and even desperately offers her body to him the day they meet, and through it all manages to keep her composure, strength and dignity, her spunk, her sense of humor and her desire to go on despite unimaginable hardship. She makes him feel again, even if it's mostly anger,and slowly brings him back to feeling somewhat human again.Unfortunately there's still another hurdle to overcome: Gabe can't stand her son because he compares him to his dead son and finds him so weak, scared, and lacking, that he can't understand why his son is dead while this scrawny kid is alive, and Chip can't stand his guts either. Then there's the people from town, who aren't happy to have Rachel back and give her a really hard time.With Gabe's help she tries to look for the money and fights against some enemies she unwittingly made along the way. But all's well that ends well, with a few surprises to boot! The eldest Bonner, Cal, and his wife appear too, and as in Nobody's Baby, there is a parallel love story, about the third Bonner brother, Ethan, who's a pastor in the community. I highly recommend this book, I found it was almost impossible to put it down, and was sorry to see it end. The second time I read it, I laughed and cried just as hard, and I'm sure I'll do it again some day.

I have been reading SEP since I picked up IT HAD TO BE YOU, needless to say, it is one of my all time favorite romance novels! Phoebe and Dan's story was hiliarious, sweet and sexy. Then, to my immense pleasure, NOBODYS BABY BUT MINE came out and again I'm having problems deciding between the two plots, because Jane and Cal are so funny and wild. I love the way SEP does not always write about impossible to believe heroines who always seem to be in their early twenties, but instead let's us read about real women with real issues who don't always have it together and are in their (horror! )thirties! Well, I just hope her next herione (in DREAM A LITTLE DREAM)is similar in age and attitude to Phoebe or Jane. If by chance s/one has already the book, let me know! Can't wait to read it. CIAO

I am a big fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and _Nobody's Baby But Mine_ has got to be one of my favorites. Ms. Phillips is the expert at humorous romance and this book had me in stiches. I've never laughed so hard reading a book before. Dr. Jane Darlington and Cal Bonner have got to be some of the wildest, most interesting characters I have ever read about. So the story line is a tinsy bit hard to believe... it doesn't matter. Ms. Phillips brings her work alive and keeps you reading late into the night. Her plot was interesting and all of the twists and turns it took held me right until the last word. Jane and Cal are so fun to read about that you simply can not put this book down. I just love Ms. Phillips' special combination of laughter and tears- it is the perfect combination and makes her books winners. Her characters are special individuals with amazing stories and lovely lives. There are some highly origional scenes in this book. I will never look at Lucky Charms the same way ever again.

I've read a lot of romance novels and lusted after a fair number of heros, but Cal Bonner is the only one I wanted to lift whole from the book and take home for my very own. He's incredible - a star quarterback with a killer body, tremendous wit, an impressive intellect and great values. Sure, he can get a little grumpy and stubborn, but usually in a sexy, kind of adorable way. Thank goodness Susan Elizabeth Phillips created Jane Darlington, a woman worthy of Cal. Jane is an egghead physicist intent upon finding a physicially perfect but intellectually challenged sperm doner. She mistakenly assumes that Cal is going to fill the bill, but boy is she wrong. The ensuing struggle between these two is hilarious, touching and very sexy. SEP always writes great books, but this is one of her very best. Even if you're not a big romance reader, I promise that you're going to love this book!

As one of the poets featured in Will Work for Peace, one might expect me to be a bit biased, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Most poets work in a virtual vacuum, only tenuously connected to each other by the occasional workshop or shared membership in a 'poetry society'. When Brett Axel first approached me for a submission to an anthology he was considering, the names Marge Piercy, Lyn Lifshin, Moshe Bennaroch and so many others were abstractions to me as a fledgling poet. I knew these tremendous writers were 'out there' somewhere, beating down doors with their words and keeping a struggling artform alive. But to think that someday I would ever share a credit with these dynamic modern poets would be a pipe dream at best. It is through the sincere efforts of Brett Axel that many newer voices like mine have an extraordinary opportunity to appear with Pulitzer Prize winners and other poetic heavyweights. By way of an honest review, however, I will say this- not everything in this book will be to your particular liking. I myself came across some works that did not move me in the way the author may have intended. Some imagery can be raw and visceral, using shock value in place of craft at times. But to ignore those voices would be an even more shocking turn of events, so praise be to the editor for not sacrificing his vision to a senseless conformity. As Pete Seeger so aptly put it in his quote, trying to read all these poems at one time would be like trying 'to swallow Manhattan whole'. I say to you- buy this book, read this book, but understand that it's what you do after reading this book that will ultimately define who you could be. Poetry is alive and well, and lives in the blunt pages of Will Work for Peace.

Just amazing start to finish! I like the disregard for fame used in putting the book together. That great poems got in even if they were writtenby nobodys. Look at Roger Bonair-Agard's poem on page 74. Shortly after Will Work For Peace came out he won Slam Nationals, becoming Slam Champion of 1999, which will be getting him lots of offers. But Zeropanik Press didn't need to be told he was good by an award. They could tell by his writing! Good for them and good for all of us because Will Work For Peace is a literary milestone. It's a new standard for all future anthology editors to try to live up to. Thumbs up to Brett Axel and Thumbs up to Zeropanik Press for their guts and integrty.

Brett Axel visited my Church and I bought a copy of Will Work For Peace from him, not for poetry, but because I care about working for peace. I started reading through it thinking It'd just go on my shelf and that'd be the end of it, but the book grabbed me and kept me rivited. If I had known that poetry was this alive I'd have been into poetry. I've been reading some of the poems to my friends who also didn't think poetry was important and they are saying the same thing. Fantastic! There's no way to get through this book without having your old mindsets challenged. It's funny, powerful, sad, and uplifting. A book that deserves to be read by everyone. A book that really can make the world a better place!

This was the first book by Ms. Phillips that I had ever read. Since then, there is only one -Hot shot- that I have not loved. This book is so lovable! Phoebe Sommerville is such a great character! Strong yet vulnerable, she is the kind of heroine that stays with you. And Dan Calebow is simply gorgeous in so many ways. The plot ans subplots are interesting and complex, and most of the characters grow and develop through the book just like people do. The pace of the book is fast and the dialogues are natural and funny. The love scenes are sensual and hot, and so real -these are people not cardboard cutouts-. I've found out that you just can't put this book down, even when you are reading it for the umpetenth time!

This book is the one of the best ones I have read from her. The story line revolves around Phoebe Somerville inheriting a losing football team. The main characters in the book, Phoebe and Dan Calebrow were two people searching for the same thing -- LOVE. They were each attracted to one another on first sight. Both were rejected by their parents during their childhoods. Dan having been abused by his father and unloved by his mother. Phoebe, on the other hand, had grown up knowing that her father never really accepted her and didn't love her either. Her mother had died when Phoebe was young so she never really knew a mother's love. Along with the football team Phoebe also inherits 15 yr. old Molly, her half sister. Molly/Phoebe didn't get along but learned to love one another as the story progressed. I felt the story line was great and kept my attention all the way to the last page. I wished the story didn't end. The epilogue was the best...I found myself laughing, crying, sighing, smiling! I wish the world had more books like this!

"It Had to be You" is a really good book because it's about two totally opposite people coming together.

Phoebe Somerville has just inherited the Stars football team because her father died. Phoebe is really smart but she acts really dumb because of some past incident. When she inherited the football team, she wasn't prepared to face Dan Calebow, this cold but handsome man.

The football team comes with a coach and that is Dan Calebow. Dan is really sexy but cold because of his own problems. He hates it when a "bimbo" just inherited his football team. And that "bimbo" knows nothing about football. Besides the fact that she has a drop dead body, they really don't mix.

But in order for the Stars to win, Dan and Phoebe would have to work together. The Stars would also have to win the AFC Championship, so Phoebe could keep the Stars out of her greedy cousin, Reed Chandler, who is a class A jerk. Could they win the Championship? And what about Phoebe's dark past, could she heal herself so she and Dan could start something new or would she always stay a victim to her past?

I think this is a good book. It's one of those wonderful Susan Elizabeth Phillips books about different types of people getting together. I think she is a really good writer because she comes up with these different styles and personalities for her characters. I recommend this book to readers who have also read "Dream A Little Dream" and "Nobody's Baby but Mine"

This work is more related to sport medicine. Nevertheless, this detailed study in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and trauma makes it very useful to occupational physicians and orthopedists, since it allows a better understanding of ergonomics and musculoskeletal injuries, including the overuse ones. The pictures are plentiful and quite elucidative.

The book covers both the anatomy and the mechanics of the human body. The mechanics is rather basic but suitable for undergaduates who have not taken a proper course in engineering mechanics. The materials on anatomy are well presented. The book gives a good introduction of the application of engineering mechanics to the analysis of the human body mechanical systems. I have recommended this as a text for my first year (second semester) biomedical engineering students. Very suitable for students who have followed a basic course in anatomy and high school mathematics.

With NO prior Access experience, I completed the 26 questions on the MOUS test in about 30 minutes (out of the 45 minutes allowed).

You will pass the certification test easily after completing all of the material in this book and on the CD.

The material is well focused on just that information needed to answer the MOUS test questions correctly.

The only complaint I have is that the software on the CD would "flag" questions for review that were marked correct on the Test Report and it would not flag some questions for review that were marked as incorrect on the Test Report.

Note: I spent about 120 hours going through all the material twice (and experimenting with Access 2000 a little) before taking the test.

If your are pursuing the MOUS certification for Microsoft Access 2000, then this book is your best friend. The text is thorough and easy to follow. It concentrates on the test, so you won't be confused by peripheral discussions. But the real gem is the PinPoint CD that accompanies the book. The Access tasks are presented in the same manner as the test, with excellent walk-throughs for any tasks which you might find difficult. When you miss a task, the software keeps track so you can easily try it again. Using Susan L. Wise's MOUS Test Preparation Guide as my primary study tool, I pulled a perfect 100% on the Microsoft Access 2000 exam!

Mystical Paths is my first experience with a Susan Howatch book. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are solid, complex, very different, and interesting. I truly felt like these were people that I would like to get to know better.

I won't reiterate the plot here, since other reviewers have done it well. I will just say that this book has elements that many readers will likely find enjoyable for pure fun reading: demonic possession, exorcism, mystery, and suspense. There are also complex elements for the reader that likes more meat to a story:guilt, pride, vocation, growing up, and parental relation complexs.

My only very tiny complaint about this book is that in a few places it bogs down a bit, though it does tend to recover quickly. Overall, though, I highly recommend this book and will be seeking out the other titles in this series.

The second trilogy in the Starbridge books takes place in the 1960's. In this book Jon Darrow's son Nick is now a young man shortly before his ordination as a priest. Nick is in no way a model ordinand. Like his father he has psychic powers, and cannot resist the urge to show them off as parlour tricks to impress the girls. He has quite a collection of female admirers and has it all figured out - how to separate the nice girls from the bad ones, and, of course, when to go to Confession (not compulsory in the Church of England) only to start all over again. The central story in this book is Nick's obsession with finding out the truth about a friend who has died under mysterious circumstances. There is also the father-son dynamic between him and his father Jon - now living as a recluse - and Nick's problems with keeping his psychic powers under control. Nick tends to blunder from one mess into the other - but remains a loveable and sincere young man who needs to learn the lesson: I CAN BE WRONG.

In spite of Nick's charms I wasn't entirely captivated by this book. I never really developed an interest in Christian and couldn't quite follow Nick's fascinationwith him. Also I found the psychic-occult element a little tedious this time around; it had been dealt with adequately in Glamorous Powers, I felt. Nevertheless it's an important part of the series and it was wonderful getting to know Nick, and witnessing the love between him and Jon.

Susan Howatch once again shows brilliance in characterisation, expression of spiritual truths, and integration of Jungian psychology in creating this strange and rather macabre picture of conflict, intensity, and the darkness of deception. While the plot has notable deficiencies, particularly in some major scenes in the last quarter of the action, the author manages to present a deep and thorough, if sometimes horrifying, picture of what seems an eternal battle of good and evil.

Set in 1968, when the previous modern certainties of the stability of church and society were crumbling, the story of Nicholas Darrow shows us both the tearing conflicts within one man's life, where his faith is overshadowed by his intense tendency to use his psychic gifts for power and manipulation, and the overall despair of a world which seemed totally unstable. The popular crowd who form secondary characters deteriorate rapidly from a privileged and party-loving group into addiction, mental illness, suicide, murder, or desperate, even pathological, promiscuity.

The main characters, Nicholas and his father Jonathan Darrow, both possess rare psychic gifts, and their inability to see situations clearly in relation to one another stems from the mutual belief that the son is a replica of his father. The differences, which manage to pointedly reflect the times as well, are drastic. Where Jonathan, whose insight and wisdom are clear in the various novels of the series in which he appears, is grounded in Christian mysticism, Nicholas has fallen into a gnostic approach, which he sees as superior, and his manifestation of psychic power is frighteningly manipulative in its various plot depictions. Though father and son have certain common weaknesses, Jonathan is sustained by classic mystic theology and monastic experience, where Nicholas (until his own turning point) cannot except the elements of conversion, and, despite giving them a Christian flavour in his own mind, engages in displays of (mostly apparent) unusual powers that seem close to sorcery.

Lovers of the series will find that action in this book enlightens the portrayals of characters who appear elsewhere. For example, the full consequences of the tragedy involving Venetia Flaxton, which is set in 1963 in Scandalous Risks, are sadly clear in this 1968 setting. Readers who know Charles Ashworth from other novels undoubtedly will feel Nicholas's frustration keenly when, in his turning to Charles for assistance, one who might be expected to be comforting and wise is quite the contrary because he has decided what Nicholas is trying to say without giving him a chance to speak. The same Lewis Hall who, in other volumes, will be invaluable to Ashworth and, much later, rather exasperating in a joint healing ministry with Nick, is here "at his best," a strength for both Nicholas and Jonathan.

It is unfortunate that most of the action in this book involves elaborately staged dramatic, which can obscure the essential themes even if it delivers certain key messages powerfully. However, in the outcome it is an exceptional depiction of the hard path to self-knowledge (from which even wise spiritual guides of 88 find constant), resolution of internal conflict, providence and, ultimately, redemption.

In the fourth of the Starbridge books Howatch does it again - she proves her amazing versatility as a writer of fiction by giving us a completely new character in a completely new voice and a completely new style. It never ceases to amaze me how Howatch, in each case, actually BECOMES the narrator! Whereas the elderly churchman Jon Darrow of Glamorous Powers (for instance) speaks in a rather conservative, upper class voice, Venetia is racy, witty, full of verve and charm, and it is easy to understand why poor Neville is completely besotted with her.
In this book we have the only female narrator in the entire series, and the only non-clergyman. Venetia is a rebellious society woman who discovers a completely new dimension to herself when she falls in love with her dear "Mr Dean" - Neville Ayesgarth, the married Dean of Starbridge Cathedral. He too is carried away and it is quite alarming how both of they live in a cloud of self-deception as to the nature of their relationship... and more than once while reading this book the Clinton-Lewinsky affair came to my mind - especially when the question arises as to whether or not they have technically committed adultery.

This story takes place in the 60's, and is the first in the second trilogy; the first trilogy was set in the 30's and 40's so now the three major protagonists of those books are a greta deal older. Mr Dean could be Venetia's father, and in fact his daughter is her best friend, which only adds to the delusion (mostly HIS) that the relationship is mainly spiritual in nature.

I feel that of all the Starbridge books, this one works as well as a stand-alone as part of a series, and for anyone who would like a taste of post-saga Howatch but is not quite decided whether or not to plunge into an entire six-book series, I would recommend this one. Another great book for our online discussion group!

Though one need not be religious to enjoy Susan Howatch's work, a delight of her C of E series is that she is equal in gifts as novelist, theologian (with a Jungian flavour), and scholar. The integration of certain powerful themes is seamless with the "romance" plot, and thus painless for those without religious interests, yet, for those who have studied the spiritual life, the classic conflicts between faith and behaviour are placed into clear focus.

Neville Aysgarth is a classic study in self-deception - one of genuine faith, but blinded both by perceived personal needs and the desire to defend a Liberal Modernism credo. Susan Howatch brilliantly sets forth, in this character, how such conflict can not only justify behaviour one would insist was immoral with a clear vision, but glorify it by linking it to a supposed "higher ideal" which differs from the norm. The non-religious who thrive on characterisation will have ample food for thought in the depiction of Aysgarth's bizarre marriage.

Venetia, young, intelligent, and restless, provides the themes of the intense drives to find spiritual and sexual fulfillment. Though the reader is tempted to see from the beginning that Venetia's affair with Aysgarth is doomed to be a catastrophe, there is more to this than "love is blind" cliches. Aysgarth's intense personality, and brilliant (if flawed) integration of his self-deception with theological concepts, makes it both understandable and tragic that Venetia can both find the affair exciting and be led to believe that certain of its aspects are indicative of an extraordinary religious commitment and morality on Aysgarth's part.

The characters of Charles and Lyle Ashworth, the main characters in Glittering Images, are presented now as the long-married, wise "Rev and Mrs Bishop." Their involvement in the plot has a special dimension, showing that wise, considerate, mature advice, given with the best of intentions, often not only fails to divert misery but increases its impact.

This book's providing an engrossing tale (and, for all its bizarre turns, actually one less melodramatic than some others of the series) is enhanced by its giving one the food for thought that distinguishes the entire series.

Here I had just settled into the idea that the rest ofHowatch's "Church" books were going to be just 4 star reads,when I read this one, her very best. Told from the point of view ofVenetia, a 26 year old daughter of the aristocracy, we see her affairunfold with 60 year old Neville Aysgarth, the narrator of the lastbook, "Ultimate Prizes." This is a very different book fromthe other three. First, we have the feminine "I" tellingthe story whereas before it has always been a male minister or monk ofthe Anglican Church. Second, the time period shifts to the 1960s,when all bets on morality were temporarily off and were argued as suchamong Anglican theologians. One real-life book becomes the focus fordoing what you want as long as you do it with love, per a leadingAnglican bishop of the day...I was a basket case by the end of thisbook and that is the ultimate compliment. Had you given me thepremise of the book as I've written above, I doubt I would have evenread it, wondering why I'd want to read about a 26 year old and a 60year old. I'm so glad I'd made the commitment to read the whole seriesbecause this is one of the best novels I've ever read. Since thisbook packs an emotional wallop that far exceeds the first three booksin the series, and since it is the only one involving a femalenarrator, I can't help but wonder if some or all of it happened toHowatch herself.

Thank you Mr. Frailey (et al.). Your advice endures. What could be simpler than being civil, getting to the point and then compelling a correspondent to respond? Your tip on avoiding the use of the pronoun "I" is also welcome. Be it vanity or rhetoric, the "no I" technique focuses the reader on the matter at hand, not on the writer's ego. (Btw, one also finds this tip in Buckley's "Buckley: The Right Word".) The children will enjoy your book too-- when they reach college.

Thank you Mr. Frailey (et al.). Your advice endures. What could be simpler than being civil, getting to the point and then compelling a correspondent to respond? Your tip on avoiding the use of the pronoun "I" is also welcome. Be it vanity or rhetoric, the "no I" technique focuses the reader on the matter at hand, not on the writer's ego. (Btw, one also finds this tip in Buckley's "Buckley: The Right Word".) The children will enjoy your book too-- when they reach college.

if you need to improve effectiveness of your business letters, you have to read this book first. there are some easy to understand sample letters in it.

This sprightly mystery will be a jolt to readers only familiar with Ms. McCrumb's much acclaimed ballad series. "Missing Susan" is part Agatha Christie-spoof, part England tour, and part very sharp character study.

The star is not Elizabeth MacPherson, forensic anthropologist, but Rowan Rover, silver-tongued, down on his luck, tour guide. I was reminded of Stanley Holloway, the rascally father of Eliza in "My Fair Lady." The supporting cast of characters are lively individualists. Rowan is hired to 1) conduct a two-week Murder Mystery tour through England and 2) to eliminate one of the members of his group. Now Rowan is not normally a lawbreaker, but he has three ex-wives, a son in an expensive preparatory school and a rundown houseboat that he calls home.

Fortunately for all concerned Susan, the proposed victim, is unlikable enough that all the tour members have murderous thoughts involving the best way to rid themselves of Susan. It is a near thing whether Rowan will do the deed or will one of the tour members beat him to it. Susan is from Minneapolis. Before I read this book, I had nothing but admiration for this fine city. After hearing Susan compare everything from airports to monuments unfavorably with Minneapolis, I could cheerfully go a long time without hearing Minneapolis mentioned again. That's what Susan does to you.

The novel tidily begins and ends with a Jack the Ripper tour through Whitechapel. You may think you have everything figured out, but Ms. McCrumb has a few surprises in store for you. A good, fast enjoyable read.

This book is a must read for anyone who loves light, fluffy mysteries. Sharyn McCrumb makes me acutally root for the killer. I love the tour of England as a setting and the the fact the mystery is written from the killer's point of view. I have read quite a few times and I still love it.

I went on a tremendous reading spree in the last month and had to read all of Sharyn McCrumb's Elizabeth MacPherson books. After reading all of these amusing mysteries, I have to say that Missing Susan was the funniest. While some mysteries have the person dying in the first chapter and you spend the whole book trying to guess who the murderer is, Missing Susan is the absolute opposite.

...

This book has so many amusing scenes, particularly when the tour participants are participating at one of those mystery house weekends or the fact that the tour participants are more interested in shopping than seeing the historic sites. I highly recommend all of the other Elizabeth MacPherson books, but this is definitely the most amusing.