Under the Quilt of Night was a wonderful historical fiction story of an adolescent girl's experience with the Underground Railroad. The young girl takes the lead in her family's flight from slavery. She shows strength, courage, and determination. The fluid illustrations give the reader a feeling of urgency. The reader can understand the feelings of the characters through the pictures. Deborah Hopkinson captivates her readers as she takes them through the journey of running, waiting, watching, hiding, traveling, and singing. The main character remains anonymous throughout the book forcing the reader to focus on the journey.

This is a beautiful book by the same author and illustrator of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. However, this time, the narrator remains anonymous but is not forgotten. Without undue melodrama, she tells how part of her family is about to be sold off; the time is now or never to escape, which she and part of her family does. Though the slaves are fleeing their cruel owners, the book focuses on the good, kind people along the underground railroad who help the runaways find safety in Canada. Noteworthy are the secret codes the fleeing slaves and their protectors used, such as the owl hoot, lantern, and log cabin quilt patterns. The latter idea is drawn from "Hidden in Plain View," an adult book that unlocks much of the secret communication that enabled thousands of slaves find safety and freedom. (I recommend "Hidden in Plain View" highly.) The illustrations are breathtaking; I particularly like the geese flying north when the family reaches a northern US church (flying geese is another quilt code pattern). This book should be read with "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd." The story of the Underground Railroad is a story of how conscientious good can overcome evil. "Under the Quilt of Night" is a story that needs to be told and remembered

"I'm young/but my legs are strong./I can run.// I run so fast,/I lead the way;/the ones I love race right behind./Pounding dirt and grass,/jumping rocks and roots,/my feet make drumbeats/on the path..." So begins our young narrator's race for freedom on the Underground Railroad. She and her family travel "under the quilt of night", through the woods and across rivers and streams to a safe house where they receive dry clothes, food and a place to sleep before they're secreted away in a false bottomed wagon to the next stop on their way to Canada and freedom. And always behind them the men and their dogs, tracking this brave band of slaves. It's a harrowing journey. "...We can't turn back - /we would be beaten, sold away,/our chances gone for good./We must go on or die./I hang on tight./Fear is so real, it lies here beside me..." But this is a "ride" that must be taken; the trip to freedom..... Deborah Hopkinson and James Ransome's marvelous sequel to Sweet Clara And The Freedom Quilt is a powerful, tense, and compelling introduction to the Underground Railroad and pre-Civil War history. Ms Hopkinson's stirring text, written in free verse is full of imagery and magic, and enhanced by Mr Ransome's evocative and expressive illustrations, done in dark and ominous tones. Together word and art transport the reader back 150 years to the dark of night for an unforgettable ride, and youngsters will experience both the fear of escape and discovery, and the sheer joy of freedom at journey's end. Perfect for children 7 and older, Under The Quilt Of Night includes an author's note at the end to explain and enrich the story. "Freedom!/I take a deep breath/and when I let go/my voice flies up in a song./My own song/of running in sunshine/and dancing through fields./I'll jump every fence in my way."

I just recently lost a close friend to a car accident and reading this book made me feel like I wasn't alone. So many of the teen quotes from the book were exactly what I was thinking. A lot of the things the book said showed me that I wasn't alone and that so many people were feeling the same thing. I'm passing the book around to friends who've also shared the same loss. I suggest this book to ANYONE who's suffered a loss, of a friend, a parent, a lover, a sibling, a son or daughter, just any loss. It really helped and I'm glad there's a book like this out there.

A simple book, just the right length, that answers all the questions teens have at this difficult time... plus the questions they are too scared to ask. With quotes from other teens, feelings and facts, permission to feel, to cry, to be scared, and most importantly, permission to go on.

This book is excellent for teens, pre-teens, and even adults facing the death of a friend.

My neice lost a best friend. Both were l7 at the time. I ordered this book for her to read. Well- written and to the point.

I'm a swing dancer and I love this book because it tells how to deal with vintage clothes you actually WEAR! Some books seem to think everybody who buys vintage clothes is some kind of museum. Or that they're rich and only buy perfect clothes in fancy boutiques. This book gives instructions for real-life cleaning, mending, and altering to fit you (for men's clothes too). And how to work with vintage patterns to make your own repros. This book ROCKS!

I wish I had know about this book years ago ! Needless to say I'm going to order copies for friends too. The layout is clear and easy to follow. The topic covered are comprehensive. There is plenty of information given to progress your knowledge further. All in all a great addition to the historic costumiers library.

An excellent companion to a pattern book. Covers all aspects of costuming, creation, altering, and mending.

This book is a bargain at its full price, but given the offer, it is a true find. Grab it! Deborah Madison is an accomplished food writer with several other vegetarian cookbooks to her credit. This one focuses on traditional American foods and ingredients. I made several recipes out of this book over the holidays-Corn Pudding and Hominy Grits Casserole are two that were especially popular. The book is visually pleasing, and the recipes turn out like the photographs. Madison is a lucid, non-preachy writer and the recipes are easy to follow. She does not insult the reader with hard-to-find ingredients or complicated procedures. While American culinary traditions are thought of as meat-oriented, she has done a fine job of reminding us that our heritage includes worthy vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products. Although not for vegans, this collection works well for ovo-lactos as well as carnivores who are seeking ways to complement or de-emphasize meat in their diets.

This was the first book from the Vegetarian Table series that I purchased, and it remains one of my favorites. The recipes are not only attractive, but easy to make. The book is illustrated with great photos.

Everything from Pear Chutney to Fried Green Tomatoes! Deborah Madison certainly livened up some old favorites but still kept them simple and fairly quick. My personal favorite is the Broiled Eggplant with Tomatoes and Cheese!! There is nothing boring nor to extreme in this vegetarian cookbook. I am not a diehard vegan so this is a good compromise with dairy and veggies.

Jan Brett's illustrations are so colorful and richly drawn that you could tell the story without the words if you wanted to. Her illustrations are magical.
This book is a wonderful telling of the fairy tale. The true meaning of the tale comes shining through. The illustrations bring life to the printed words.
You will love this book.

Jan Brett's books are always richly and beautifully illustrated. There is always a little extra "story" in the illustrations. In this one, you will be watching the animal servants throughout the book. Pay close attention to the tapestries in the background to see who these animals really are. My favorite are the monkeys. This version is very much like the original French fairy fale, and is well told.

I got this book years ago when I worked for the publisher. I've given this book as a gift many times. The illustrations are just breathtaking and whimsical. You will find yourself stopping and searching the pictures in the middle of the story. The story is very nicely done and my kids enjoy it much more than the Dineyized version storybook they have.

The discovery of "Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns" has greatly enhanced my family's vacation experience. The variety of inns and accomodations has been amazing. We have used the book on both coasts and have not been disappointed one time. Even though we are always on a budget, the wonderful 2 for 1 coupon allows us to go places we normally could not afford.

My hat off to the publisher, editor, and producer of this very fine listing--the book's ease of use and tremendous value and breadth deserves at least one trial. My family and I look forward to the little "sidetrips" that naturally come with going with something a little different.

Now in a newly revised and expanded 12th edition, Bed & Breakfasts And Country Inns continues to be the premier reference for anyone seeking the best and most memorable lodgings for overnight trips ranging from weekend excursions to cross-country traveling. Deborah Sakach's easy-to-use reference covers more than 1500 selected inns spanning all 50 states, Canada, and U.S. territories. State maps locating each inn are provided, and the informative descriptions are enhanced with more than 500 illustrations. Bed & Breakfasts And Country Inns is the only travel lodging guide anyone will need to ensure memorable, adventurous, thoroughly delightful experiences.

This book is a must have all of us B&B lovers. If you love to get away with that special someone this is the best guide available as well as the coupon included (serious money saver) Find the most romantic, quiet, off the beaten track and wonderful relaxing B&B's and Country Inns around! So sit back, relax and enjoy!

Comprehensive and well-organised. DeGraff has simplified the complexities of Chinese healing into words easy to understand. There are categorised topics on helps and cures for various symptoms like cold, cold sores, weight gain with/without overeating, stress. Complete with diagrams to illustrate massage points for the different parts of your body. If you are facing health problems that Western medicine cannot help, this will be the book for you.

This is an easy reading informative view of caring for yourself and the different aspects of your spiritual and physical side. Lots of comprehensive suggestions of how to take care of everyday problems in a body's life. Open minded to both western and eastern medicine with alternative views for your to maintain a healthy, happy body/home for your inward self. Recommend highly.

DeGraff has simplified the complexities of Chinese healing into words easy to understand. There are categorised topics on helps and cures for various symptoms like cold, cold sores, weight gain with/without overeating, stress. Complete with diagrams to illustrate massage points for the different parts of your body. If you are facing health problems that Western medicine cannot help, this will be the book for you.

This is a wonderful book. It is a series of different women's narrations of experiences with their epilepsy. The women range in age and interest, as well as to the severety with which their epilepsy has affected their lives. It felt great to put my own difficulties with this illness into context through hearing of other epileptic women.
This is a great book to read if you are an epileptic woman, or the husband/ partner/ boyfriend/ girlfriend friend or relative of one.
So far my father has read it, and I think it has given him a better starting off point with which to talk about my epilepsy with me. (I already have a line of friends and family waiting to read this book.)
The book's author Dr. Krishnamurthy, also heads a comprehensive epilepsy center through Boston's Beth Isreal Hospital. More information about the center is in the book and it is definatly worth investigating.

As a 34 year old adult woman with epielpsy, I found this book to be a godsend. I was given this book by Dr. Schachter this year. In reading this book, I found that other women share my trials and triumphs with epilepsy. I recommend this book as well as the other "Brainstorms" books. This book should be read by all women with epilespy.

As a 50 year old woman recently diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizures, this book has been a godsend. I actually thought I was losing my mind; but reading this has helped me to understand that I am not alone. I will now pass this book on to my children and family to read along with my friends so they will also understand just what I am going through. At last, I can have some peace of mind knowing that others have felt the same as I have..... Great book, very easy to read. All women diagnosed with epilepsy should read this book.

"First novelist Raney has fashioned a startlingly honest portrayal of love, commitment, and redemption in the midst of tragedy...recommended for public libraries." --Library Journal, February 1, 1996

"Raney deals with the effects of Alzheimer's disease on a family through the eyes of husband Jake. Raney accurately portrays the disease's many faces and utter devastation. Because of Raney's writing style, readers can easily identify with the issues each character faces... Raney satisfactorily resolves all the issues she explores, offering hope and encouragement about a disease that increasingly more people will confront as America's population ages. Recommend this book not just to people dealing with Alzheimer's, but to anyone who enjoys a good romance with a believable plot and characters." --Bookstore Journal, March 1996

"If you're in the mood for a poignant love story, this novel is for you... The author paints a realistic, victorious picture of the difficulties facing families involved with Alzheimer's... Every married couple would benefit from reading this book. Every Christian who will ever know a couple struggling with the "for worse" part of their marriage vows should read it." --Christian Woman, September/October 1996

"Raney's first novel touches both the heart and mind. A "must" for any congregational library, the book explores the heart-wrenching challenge facing family and friends when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease... The reader learns a lot within the context of a good family story and the author has balanced the fiction with the reality of Alzheimer's well... Despite the sadness, Raney has written with inspiration and empathy." --Church and Synagogue Library Association, December 1998

"Raney addresses a contemporary issue with tenderness and understanding. The novel is well written and a good choice for your library." --Church Libraries, Fall 1996

"Raney writes lovingly and with great understanding... This book has much to recommend it... It is refreshing to read of characters facing ethical questions in the context of everyday tests of faith, rather than starting with the sin and filling the rest of the pages with remorse and repentance... Many passages are very moving, demonstrating the author's gift for capturing in a tiny moment much about a life or relationship." --Laura Addison in The Wichita Eagle, May 11, 1996

"Though a work of fiction, this powerful story reminds readers that "in sickness and in health" is a vow to cherish." --Church Media Library, September 1996

"A Vow To Cherish tugs at your heart strings... This fast-reading novel (you don't want to put it down)...will bring tears to your eyes." --The Good News Messenger, April 25, 1996

"Don't read this one without a whole box of tissues! What a moving book!" --Mary Holle, Redeemer Resource Library News  

It is so refreshing to read a love story which portrays committment in marriage even during agonizingly difficult circumstances, and "doing the right thing" even when faced with overwhelming (and understandable) temptation to seek comfort and companionship in the arms of another. You brought tears even to my husband's eyes, Ms. Raney, and we loved the ending! I wish all young people considering marriage could read this book!

It always amazes me how people can take a movie or a book, and write about everything but god. I think that it was a good book bc the man believed. If he hadn't he would have probably divorced her. I have only seen the movie, but i thought that it was very spiritual. A definite one to see again.

My second foray with Deborah Hale - I read "A Gentleman of Substance" last year.

The plot of this novel was an interesting idea although I have seen the reverse Pygmalion concept better done; Judith Ivory's The Proposition is better, in my view. Ivory's quality of prose is better than Hale's and her characters are better rounded. My main problem with this story was that the male protagonist was not well enough developed. The idea of using an enlisted man (rather than an officer/member of the nobility, etc, etc) was good but it just did not stand up to scrutiny as we do not know enough about his army experiences to understand the adult man. We know about his past as a footman and are given insight into how this effected him (eg he enlisted)and although we are given to understand Morse Archer was something of a hero in the Peninsula, we aren't given enough detail to sketch in his character.

Although Richard Sharpe (of the famous Bernard Cornwell series) was an enlisted man promoted from the ranks to officer, he never was accepted in the drawing room as Morse Archer is and Sharpe had more "elevated" tutoresses than Archer. So, this is a rather dangerous idea to write about without some better understanding of the social and military history of the times.

I don't think that Leonora was particularly sympathetic although eventually she does come to a good degree of personal insight and I was glad she woke up and went after her man! I don't think her behaviour was particularly beliveable within the contemporary context of her times. However, she matured and developed in a more believeable way than Sgt Archer.

I also question the plot device of having Algie fall in love with and expect to marry a servant - no matter how clever and sweet she might have been (and stupid but sweet he was), they both would have been ostracised from polite society and most certainly never accepted by her class either. A nice idea but ultimately completely unbelievable and therefore unsustainable.

I found the first half the the book somewhat boring and it was not until I was into the second half that the characters and the story began to satisfy. The pace was too slow; not enough happened and I kept waiting for some satisfying character development.

The author clearly has some talent but needs sharper editing to crisp up her writing and plotting. I shan't give up on her yet as I think she has potential and she was not afraid to take an unusual plot device and try it out.

Deb Hale's story is a twist on one of my favourite Bernard Shaw books. This is another keeper in my eyes. A well thought out tale loaded with back story and great motivation, The Wedding Wager is one of those stories that keeps you up at night. The hero is to die for. Who could ever resist a handsome soldier? I found the setting vivid and fascinating. The tension between the hero, Morse, and the heroine, Lenora has depth and orginality. I loved the ending, but won't give it away here. This story is too good for that.

Deborah Hale takes a bit of Pygmalion, a dash of Cinderella and adds her own special spices to create a charming and delightful story. Ms. Hale is also a virtuoso when it comes to imagery, which is always appropriate to the time period and the character's histories. A wonderful read!