I wish I could get in contact with Kathryn, because the circumstances finding the book, discovering her picture on the last page and instantly having the feeling to know her, and then reading this book was an incredible experiece for me on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. But the most beautiful thing is to know "we are not alone, there is hope for human kind!"

This book is great. I've read it twice. I am learning how to channel now, and I can already feel energy coursing through me. This book taught me how. Very easy to understand.

I'v read this book twice and I can't stop reading. I Would love to hear more about Diya and Bashar in another book by her.

I first bought this book strictly because Kathryn Shay was the author, having stumbled onto an aunt's copy of "Cop of the Year" and getting hooked on her work from there. She's absolutely outdone herself in this one. I bought it at Thanksgiving when it first came out, read it over Thanksgiving break, and then re-read it at bedtime the entire month of December. Riverbend was a place I didn't want to leave--and it wasn't just because of Jay and Kate, either. Kathryn did such a masterful job weaving the characters from the first four Riverbend books back into "Christmas Legacy," I felt just as at home with them as I did with the Steele family. So after Christmas, I came here to amazon.com and bought the first four books in the series, which I have reviewed also. (In case you missed them, they are: Birthright, That Summer Thing, Homecoming, and Last-Minute Marriage)

Jay has been gone from Riverbend, Indiana for 15 years. He left abruptly following a bitter betrayal that he's never, ever talked about with anyone else. His departure broke his aunts' hearts--they'd help his dad raise him after his mom's death from breast cancer--and deep down, his own, too. As a younger man, he'd dreamed of marrying a Riverbend girl and having a whole houseful of children. But in his years away from home, he buried that dream and channeled his energies into becoming the perfect yuppie clear down to his Rolex watch. He's selfish, too. His only reason to come back to Riverbend now is that he's been left some lucrative property and a thriving bookstore, and to claim it, he has to move back there for two months and work in the bookstore with Kate McMann--who will get the inheritance if he doesn't fulfill the terms of the will. Jay has no idea why Kate stands to inherit--he figures she was just a smooth operator who was after Jay's dad's money. So he decides to keep his true identity a secret and spy on her. What he doesn't realize as he's doing it is that he's falling in love with her, and that her little girls have already found their way into his heart.

That's not all he finds in Riverbend. Many of the old River Rats (his group of friends from high school) either stayed there or have also moved back, and he has some issues to work out with them, too. He also hurt them deeply when he left Riverbend without a backward look, and some of them are worried about what will happen to Kate if he sells the farmhouse and bookstore from underneath her. Jay has some tough decisions to make. Through all of this, he realizes that he doesn't want New York anymore, but instead a second chance at happiness in his hometown. He still wants to be the smalltown guy with a wife and kids--and there's only one woman he wants for the job. It's just a matter of whether or not he can find closure from the last fifteen years before it's too late.

There are fun trips to Chicago, a wedding between two characters from one of the previous books, the birth of a baby to another couple, some down-home humor from Jay's aunts, great "love scenes" and a beautifully written epilogue that ties together the characters from the series--all of whom received special bequests from Abraham Steele, who is not a "living" character in these books, but whose presence is felt throughout the series, especially in this installment.

The beauty of how Kathryn Shay writes is that she took someone as initially unsympathetic as Jay and got me to care deeply for him. In fact, I even like Mallory--Jay's New York girlfriend--and Nick and Paul, the two other guys who were interested in Kate. I wanted them to have happy endings, too. I can see it now. . .maybe the publishers could give us another installment where Mallory comes back to Riverbend and becomes half of a power couple with Nick or Paul:)

But even if this really is the last we see of Riverbend, I hope Kathryn Shay keeps 'em coming. She's the best writer in the genre!

Fifteen years ago Jay Lawrence, then known as Jacob Steele, left his hometown of Riverbend, Indiana after being betrayed by his father, Abraham, the town patriarch. Legally changing his name, Jay vowed to never return, but his company ComputerConcepts desperately needs cash and Jay stands to inherit a fortune if he meets the stipulations in the will of the recently deceased Abraham. He also wants to insure his two spinster aunts do not lose their inheritance to a gold digging woman who used Abraham as her personal sugar daddy. If Jay fails to stay in town for two months or defaults on working in the bookstore, Kate McMann obtains the estate.

Jay believes Kate is the worst kind of woman and plans too not only expose her, but also protect his aunts from her ruthlessness. However, when he meets her, to his chagrin, Jay finds himself attracted to the single mother of five-year old twins. As love blossoms between them, Jay betrays Kate, but will a matchmaker from the grave help them realize what really matters in life?

The latest Riverbend Rats tale, A CHRISTMAS LEGACY, is a warm drama that centers on the long-term impact of a broken father-son relationship on other personal interactions. The story line is enjoyable though somewhat melodramatic as the lead protagonist struggles with the concepts of love and mistrust. The return of characters from previous novels is a Christmas present to series fans. Kathryn Shay keeps up the tradition of quality in one of the better long running romantic series on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

When Jacob Steele returned home after fifteen years, it wasn't to reconnect with the town that loved him. Instead, his motivation was purely financial. He needed capital and he wasn't above claiming the inheritance bequeathed to him by the father whom he felt betrayed him. Unfortunately for the man who now calls himself Jay Lawrence, the inheritance comes with conditions. These conditions will keep Jay in Riverbend for a month working in the family bookstore. If he decides not to fulfill the terms, the bookstore and the farmhouse he used to cherish, go to the manager, Kate McMann. Jay isn't about to let a woman, whose ambiguous relationship with his father is questionable, get her hands on his inheritance. He sets out to confront her never knowing that she and her twin daughters would change his plans, not to mention his life, forever.

Kathryn Shay's installment of the Riverbend mini-series is clearly a conclusion to this diverse cast of characters. She ties up all the loose ends with a strong narrative and wonderful character development on the part of Jay Lawrence. Our hero is clearly a man tormented by his falling out with his father, whom he used to adore. Although he tries to hide his heart from Kate, he finds it impossible to keep from connecting with her and her dreams all the while knowing that he will destroy them. In addition, Shay implements fragments from Jacob's past during his stay at the old farmhouse with the McManns, which stir up wonderful memories of a town he had come to hate. Though Kate is a solid and admirable character, it is truly Jay who makes this book stand out as he finds himself drawn to reconnect with Riverbend family and friends, to doubt his own heartlessness as he connects to Kate and her girls, and to finally come to terms with the imperfections of Abraham Steele.

As a social historian and african-american writer I enthralled when I read the NY Times Book Review of Kathryn Talalay's bio of phillippa Schuyler. Schuyler made her mark as a musical child prodigy and later, as an adult, a celebrated composer-pianist. Schuyler's life as an international performer in one sense mirrors that of another but more recognized "tragic mulatoo", Dorthy Dandridge. And her last career as a grounbreaking war correspondent in South Vietnam is particularly entriguing. Overall, Talalay's book is marvelous but the high brow and sordid realities of Schuyler's life are especially deserving of a major made-for-cable TV treatment. Similiarly to what recently afforded Dandridge. That way Talalay's thought provoking examination of Schuyler's achievements could be made accessible to a greater number of african-americans and others alike.

I am very glad I read this book but the story made me very sad for you see, Philippa was my first cousin, once removed. Daniel Calhoun Cogdell, was her grandfather and my great grandfather. I was 30 years old when Philippa died and I would love to have known her. The family never discussed Josephine Cogdell, Philippa's mother, except to say she was eccentric and died young. How sad they missed out on so much and so did I for I did not know she even existed. Yes, very sad indeed.

I read this book after purchasing it from an Oxford catalog. I'd wanted to buy it since I read the NY Times review. I absolutely loved it. I applaud the scholarship and research of the biographer, but also the humane description of a very complex character. I'd never heard of Phillippa Schuyler, before I read the book review. Although she had many flaws, including her ambiguity about her blackness, she still had a remarkable life and is one of my "sheroes". Her story intrigues me and I want to know more about her father and his writing. Her life ended tragically, but she lived it fully. I am saddened that she so hated her African heritage that she thought the only way she could succeed was to pass herself off as anything but black. I also purchased a copy to send my sister, who is a classical music buff. This is another example of the history of African-Americans being "lost, stolen, or strayed". Every school child should know about Phillippa, as well as the many other gift and talented African-Americans. I am sorry she didn't claim her heritage. I claim her.

Just for the record, folks, this is the first Harlequin romance I've read in at least 15 years. I stumbled onto it last Thanksgiving while visiting my husband's extended family (his aunt is a teacher), and thought it would be a good book, but was too embarrassed to ask if I could borrow it. I wrote down the title & author, thinking I'd just buy it here at Amazon. Alas, it was out of print. Just a couple of weeks ago, though, I stumbled onto a used copy via another website, and it was worth the search! Folks, this is not your standard "formula" romance with the damsel in distress waiting for the all-knowing hero to rescue her and overpower her with his. . .um. . .manhood. Mitch and Cassie are two people with whom you'll laugh. . .and cry.

Reading this book made me wish I'd ignored all the bad advice I got in the 70s about how English majors were a dime a dozen, and gone on to become a teacher, anyway. To her credit, Kathryn Shay made this one as much about the kids as she did the "romance." Cassie is not a "perfect" teacher, but she cares, she takes responsibility for herself and the cleaning up of her own messes, and she's not afraid of anything. . .except maybe letting that gorgeous Mitch get too close to her. She doesn't trust cops. This one, though, is just too good to pass up. Mitch discovers that he needs what these students have to offer--forgiveness, perspective, and a bit of closure from a hellish war trauma--as much as they need people like him and Cassie to give them hope that their own past experiences with gang life, abusive parents, or teen pregnancy do not have to blight their futures. The final scenes in the classroom will have you in tears as you read about how they all comfort and support Mitch when he has just shared the secrets he swore never to tell anyone.

And, oh yes, the scenes between Mitch and Cassie are breath-taking. My, my. Where DID I put my fan? :) I'm ready to go hunting for the sequel featuring Seth, the principal from this book.

It's one of the best books I have ever read, covering aspects like love, friendship, school, relationship between teachers and students as well as the right way to go in life. One of the main reasons I like the book is that the background is a high school, a place much related to my everyday life. I will definitely get other books of the same kind !

Here is an intriguing very different subject which those wanting A+ category romances can turn to. It is a book that lives up to Kathryn Shay's first book (which I notice Amazon does not list?) THE FATHER FACTOR = a Harlequin Superromance # 659 1995 which is a 10 IMHO.

This book taught me that I have the power to choose my feelings, even when I do not have the power to choose what others around me do. This book also taught me to seek what irrational beliefs I have inside me which lead me to react to certain situations in a way that is not going to make me happy. Maultsby shows in practical ways how I can make my life happier everyday and retain control of how I feel and how I react. I no longer have to give power to others around me to affect my daily life in ways that hurt me in the past. The book is easlily readable and very practical. You owe it to yourself to read this handbook for better and more fucntional living.

This book was recommended by a professor at UPENN. This book provides easy strategies to help improve one's attitude by restructuring emotions and beliefs. Very easy reading with immediate results!

Dr. Maultsby's book actually gives a solid process and methods to practice to help yourself feel as good as you want to feel. Buy several copies so you can give copies to your friends and loved ones. It will be the biggest favor you can do for them.

This book was one of the best books i have read in a while. I loved it. I can't beleive i didn't find it sooner. I can't wait to read the other two.

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, since the main character is much younger than me. However, there was enough suspense and chills to keep me reading. Miss Honeywell is one of those villians you love to hate, and I felt sorry for poor Primrose (although she was a bit of a brat). And I really liked the ending, which was kind of funny. I reccomend this book if you want an unusual ghost story.

I read this book. It gives you an eeery chill. I very much liked it. I reccamend to people who really like a good scare.

I was so entranced by the book it was as if I was there with Dominic. His life was so horrible and yet he kept on going and looked for the tiny slivers of kindness where he could find them. I wish she had written a sequel or another book. If that is the only book she writes it is well worth it,it is fantastic.

The author tells us that the idea for this book came to her in a dream. Dominic, a dwarfish, but daunting human hero, introduces himself to her, and begins his story. Thank you, Ms. Robinson for telling his tale.

This soul endures and, beyond that, it soars!! The dark scenes are detailed, but never to the glory of evil. The human relationships are touching, believable. Any soul that has known ecstacy in Life/ movement/ nature, has had to climb out of the dark places of evil, has dared to BE in relationships, will find a story worth savoring.

As a Roman History major, I was astonished at Kathleen's accuracy of the period. As a human being, my heart soared on the life's experience of this noble character. I forced my wife to read it, she now shares this book with all of her friends. A great read

On New Year's Eve in Rockford, New York, psychiatrists Dr. Reed Macauley and Dr. Delaney Shaw share a midnight kiss that leads to making love and ultimately falling asleep together. However, their bliss turns upside down when Reed suffers a posttraumatic stress disorder nightmare reliving a firefighting incident when he lost his crew. Though he clearly cares for Delaney, Reed ends their relationship before it can evolve because he believes she deserves a complete man even if she is the first person to get this close to him in years.

Five months later, Tony Leone dies while fighting a fire. Reed, who has avoided Delaney since their lovemaking, works closely with her to provide solace and other assistance to Tony's loved ones and other firefighters and their families. Delaney once again gets inside Reed's protective armor, but this time she refuses to allow him to push her out because she plans to remain at the side of the man she loves forever.

The latest "America's Bravest" tale seems quite apropos following the loss of so many intrepid emergency people in New York last month. The story line is filled with heartbreaking action, but it is the lead characters that turn this plot into an insightful read that provides perspicacity into what a firefighter and his or her family must go through every time the alarm rings. Kathryn Shay pays homage to America's Bravest with another powerful novel that returns heroic old friends for us to share in their passions and adventures.

Harriet Klausner

Posttraumatic stress syndrome makes a living hell of Dr. Reed Macauley's life. To survive its devastating effects, Reed has spent eight years alone, distancing himself from emotional entanglements that might cause his symptoms to resurface. But refurbishing a house and pouring himself into work is no substitute for the needs of his heart. Once again the results of emotional encounters provide a sharp reminder when Reed gives into his heart one New Year's Eve. A beautiful night of passion with the incredible Dr. Delaney Shaw results in a horrendous flashback. Now he refuses to risk her safety and well-being by allowing her close again.

Delaney doesn't fear the symptoms of PTSS; she's trained for such events. Despite her best efforts, however, Reed continues to push her away. A frustrating situation indeed, exacerbated by the fact that he's the only man she's ever wanted to pursue something permanent with, and he's rejected her outright. Even as their jobs bring them into close proximity, even when he saves Delaney's life from food poisoning, Reed continues to push her away. Then a small accident, a trip on the stairs over a small box that contains precious gifts, and Delaney knows he loves her as much as she loves him. Now nothing, not the Red Devil nor the furies of hell, will make Delaney give up on this tortured man.

Author Kathryn Shay creates a deeply moving tale of struggle and survival in THE FIRE WITHIN. The torturous pain that results in PTSS is explored with probing and compassionate prose, providing the reader with information that never bogs the narrative, succinctly moving the plot through both painful and beautiful events. These are believable characters, with the foibles and strengths that make them sympathetic and memorable. Furthermore, the secondary plot likewise echoes the challenges faced by firefights following traumatic events, and includes a strong cast of characters.

Readers unfamiliar with the trauma of PTSS will find this novel enormously enlightening. Those who enjoy a tender, moving love story will be richly satisfied with this remarkable novel. For readers who require that extra edge and are willing to explore the deeply challenging issues of life, particularly now in the wake of the NY bombing, THE FIRE WITHIN will certainly light their fire. Very highly recommended.

In the last month, I've found myself checking out books and authors I hadn't in the past. Based on comments from other readers, I decided to pick up "The Fire Within" by Kathryn Shay, Harlequin Supperomance #1018 October 2001, a continuation of her original America's Bravest trilogy. The timing of this release could not have been better for me.

Both the hero and the heroine--he a fire department psychologist, she a private psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior--battle private demons from the past (and their attraction to each other) while trying to deal with the present and helping the men and women of the Rockford Fire Department cope with the death of a fellow firefighter in the line of duty.

I found "The Fire Within" to be an excellent book. Very apropos for this time. With the events of past month, I found myself wanting to read stories like this. I believe that in the months to come, we will be seeing more with Firefighter/EMS/police heroes, because in *my* book they are the ultimate heroes. I'm not ashamed to say I cried when the story got to the point where the hero (suffering with PTSD) finally opens up to the first person ever--the heroine--and tells her what happened on that horrific day that changed his life forever. He'd been a real jerk to her for much of the previous story, but at his point, I understood and forgave him. His was a terrible burden to bear.

This is the first book I've read from this author, but I immediately found the rest of her books online and ordered them.

I love this book and was disappointed to see that it is out of print. I logged on with the intention of buying a copy as a gift for a friend who has discovered gardening - and to get an additional copy to take me to 2006.

I love the layout that allows for maximum flexibility and the thoughtful prompting of categories.

This makes a great personal garden diary and a wonderful gift idea.

A wonderful journal to track the progress of your garden. Useful for long-term gardeners and those who are just starting to learn. The pages are layed out so 5 years show on a 2page spread, sections for week 1 of january, week 2 of january, etc. Categories you can fill in include weather, flowers(what was blooming when), shrubs & trees, lawns, vegetables & fruit (when did you plant tomatoes last year? ), greenhouse, and a section for notes. There is room for putting down basic information - this isn't a book for writing down detailed information. It is a reference to use morelike a calendar (when was the first hard freeze in previous years? ) A great book. I haven't been able to find another one like it.

Having previously used The Royal Horticultural Society Gardener's Five Year Record Book (now out-of-print), we were delighted with this journal. It is nicely bound with a ribbon to tie it closed. It is divided by weeks, so that one can see "August, Week 1" on 2 facing pages. Prompts for Weather, Bulbs and Flowers, Shrubs and Trees, etc. are listed down the left side. Five columns (for each year) with blank lined spaces are spread across 2 pages. Having used this type of journal before, we have enjoyed seeing what we experienced in weather and blooming in previous years. It is also helpful to remember what was planted. Nice photography and seasonal illustrations throughout. Appendices includes places for yearly summaries, lists of suppliers, notes, etc. A clever envelope holding gridded paper for planting plans is glued inside the back cover. Everyone to whom we've shown this book has exclaimed over it.

This is the second CD I've heard from the talented team of Winters, Wilder and Wilder. Once again, I'm left very impressed by their thoughtful insights, keen strategies, and practical teaching methods. Junior golfers (not to mention kids in other sports or walks of life) can improve their confidence and self-esteem greatly from hearing the messages in this CD. Additionally, parents, teachers, and coaches can help reinforce the lessons by practicing the recommended drills. The authors have hit on a key area of development for all people to realize their true potential. And this CD should enable all listeners to get there.

What a fun, and informative CD! Now, I understand the importance of golf-psychology, golf-confidence, and golf-esteem for young golfers. Winters and Wilder are sport psychologists who teach athletes how to play golf with confidence, and how to have a present-oriented mindset on the course. Dr. Wilder's sister, Karen Wilder, is an LPGA Instructor who offers simple and fun drills that junior golfers can practice to improve their golf mechanics. This CD is an impressive presentation of the mental and physical aspects of golf.

I listened to this CD myself and found that it had so many great ideas for how to improve my "mental" game. I have already started to make improvements in my scores. I have even revealed to some of my golf buddies the source of my new found inner game. I highly recommend this CD for any age. I have even found myself using some of the ideas to bolster my confidence in other areas of my life. I can't wait for more from this dynamic team.