Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott Series is a delight and this book certainly does not disappoint. In this latest installment, Judge Knott presides at a case where four young men have vandalized a game owned by Tallahassee Ames, who is part owner of a carnival which is playing in town. Very shortly thereafter,Tallahassee's son is killed while Deborah is at the carnival. As she does some investigating, Deborah discovers that she is related to Tally and to her son, Braz. She pursues the investigation while trying to develop a relationship with Tally, a sometimes tricky balancing act. Deborah's large extended family, consisting of 11 older brothers and their families, provides background and several interesting characters for this book. Braz and his step-father had bought up the contents of several storage areas which had been auctioned off, so there were several angry people trying to get their property back who had a motive for killing Braz. The book contains a lot of information about living in and running a carnival, and even contains a glossary of carnival terms. It is nicely paced and even contains a little romance, which should combine to be very pleasing to both old and new Maron fans.

I have loved Margaret Maron's books for years, and have loved Deborah Knott and her huge family since "Bootlegger's Daughter.""Slow Dollar" has it all- the vivid, lovable, characters, rich local colour, a challenging mystery.Set in a carnival, Maron gives us a glimpse into a life many of us never know, and may never know.As others have said, there is an unexpected branch of the Knott family tree.While Cyl DeGraffenried is sorely missed, there is a delightful turn for the better in Deborah's private life.I found "Uncommon Clay" to be less compelling than "Storm Track," but "Slow Dollar" certainly makes up for it.

Deborah Knott, youngest of twelve children and only daughter of ex-bootlegger Kezzie Knott, is a circuit judge in rural North Carolina. On the bench, she's compassionate but firm; off the bench, she manages to avoid both marriage and speeding tickets -- barely.
A carnival comes to Deborah's own Colleton, County, North Carolina. Deborah and assorted cousins are enjoying the rides when the carnival owner's elder son is found murdered.
Deborah's personal and professional lives are intertwined as she helps her old friend, Sheriff Dwight Bryant, investigate the crime. The mystery is not a whodunit and many readers won't care when the villain is revealed. The strength of the book comes from strong writing, three-dimensional characters and the North Carolina rural setting.

As usual, Deborah's young cousins teeter on the edge of the law while her assorted brothers and sisters-in-law carry on family traditions of southern hospitality. And as Deborah faces re-election, she regrets her checkered history of relationships and considers a surprising proposition from someone close to her.
Slow Dollar evokes an unsentimental but loving picture of the Old South. Like the author, Deborah grew up in North Carolina, lived "up north" and returned home. She respects the heritage of the south while defying its traditions in her own life.

And the series is as warm and delicious as a southern baked biscuit with melted butter -- after you've consumed one, you're eager for the next. The Knott family might try Deborah's patience but they manage to be warm and supportive without degenerating into sentimental syrup. If you're new to the series, read a few of the earlier volumes first -- you'll enjoy this one even more.

I am a mother of two boys, ages 8 and 9. Though I had never heard of Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles I bought it anyway. What a smart move on my part! It was a fantastic book! We laughed most of the way through it. What adventurous characters she created. I have since purchased the book for my two nieces. Everyone, kids and grown-ups alike, should read this book at least once.

Love, Ruby Lavender is a great book! Ruby Lavender is a country girl who has three chickens. There is another girl, Melba Jane, that Ruby hates. They have many conflicts. Ruby's grandmother, Miss Eula, loves Ruby very much, and Ruby loves Miss Eula. But when her grandmother goes to Hawaii, what new friends will she meet, and what exiting and sad things will happen? If you like suspenceful, funny, and friendship stories I would highly recomend Love, Ruby Lavender.

Five stars for Love, Ruby Lavender!! Ruby and her grandmother, Miss Eula are best friends, especially since Ruby's grandfather is no longer with them. Together they save three chickens from going to market and paint Miss Eula's house pink. Everything in Ruby's life is perfect until her grandmother goes to Hawaii to visit her new grandbaby. Ruby must stay at home in Mississippi. What will she do all summer? Ruby must put up with Melba Jane, who is like a thorn in Ruby's side. She also meets Dove, the new teacher's niece. Dove helps Ruby settle some very important issues between Ruby and Melba Jane.

Love, Ruby Lavender is a very fast-pace read. Children of all ages will laugh at Ruby's adventures and cry with her heartaches. I highly recommend this book for all classroom libraries.

I recently completed a three month negotiation process at my job and came out from being the lowest paid executive to one of the top three with the help of Shadow Negotiation. What came as the biggest surprise was, after getting out of my own way and following the structured steps suggested by the authors, each phase of the negotiations left me stronger and more focused rather than at a loss as to what the next step could be. Through the guidelines set forth in this book, I feel I can shift a negotiation process intuitively rather than strong arming it as we as women have always been led to believe was the only option. Not only do I now realize I am smarter than I thought, I can more likely conclude a negotiation process with all parties feeling the winner. Thank you again for your book.

As I flipped through the Harvard Business Review's Top Ten Business Books Of 2000 , I was intrigued by the review of "The Shadow Negotiation". Having a background in sociology, my curiosity was piqued by the book's focus on gender issues and interpersonal communication.

It turned out to be a riveting read and I lost count of the number of times I thought "Hey, that's happened to me!"

The Shadow Negotiation teaches by example, and delves into the psychological and social intracacies of negotiation. This book has enriched my understanding of the layers of negotiations that occur long before arriving at the table.

This book is for both sexes, and applies to all sorts of negotiations that pop up in everyday life. As a consultant, I have applied it to my salary negotiations, and find that I can manage my business relationships with much greater confidence. A wonderful gift to all of your working friends and family!

This is a lively, engaging text with great ideas and wonderful stories. It's a MUST READ for all professional women. Reading this made it crystal clear how so much of what goes on during negotiation is below the surface. It's here, not in the give and take of formal bargaining, that women lose out. This book not only illuminated how the subtle "Shadow Negotiation" plays out, it gave me tools to engage in this aspect of the negotiation more effectively. I was pleasantly suprised at the range of situations covered by this book. It not only covers situations that I traditionally think of as "negotations." It made clear how everyday interactions, over who should attend a meeting or when to take vacations, for example, are also negotiations that have shadow processes. I have no doubt that reading this book will enable me to be more effective at work in more ways than I had ever imagined.

If you've ever wanted to just read a well written book with simple, practical advise on how to improve your life - this is it. Chris Alexander is an excellent writer who manages to get to the heart of a matter and make sense. Much emphasis is placed on a person's synergy and if that sounds too mystical to you - it's not. It's simply about the way one chooses to think and act everyday. Practical methods that you can use everyday will soon have you realize that much of the stress we put ourselves through is wasteful and unnecessary. This is a fast read and one that seems almost too simple and too good to be true. Well, I can only suggest reading it, but I found it to be very practical.

During my recovery from major surgery, I was fortunate to have Chris Alexander's book Creating Extraordinary Joy. I made a point to read it and experience it, daily. Even though my body was often wracked with pain, the exercises in the book allowed me to learn how to overcome my physical challenges by learning to focus, meditate, create affirmations, face my fears and review my entire life.
What a wonderful tool to have especially when you are forced to rest and when your main goal is to recuperate.
I would recommend this meaningful treasure to all who desire self-improvement and rapid healing. I personally experienced both! Thanks Chris!

As a kid, I dreamed about one day finding Aladdin's lamp and presenting the Genie with the perfect wish...something that wouldn't later backfire on me in some unexpected way. Finally, I hit upon the one truly foolproof wish - JOY! What could be simpler? So, to that extent at least, I was already on my way. I knew WHERE I wanted to be. My only question was HOW? Chris Alexander provided a clear, step-by-step process describing exactly how to not only get there but also how to stay there...connected to that newfound sense of joy.

CREATING EXTRAORDINARY JOY moves the reader towards the synergy found in creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. The different steps along the way, the various excerises and the many people you meet through a sharing of their individual stories combine to form a kind of road map. The journey revisits family and friends, goals and passions, guilts and fears. The destination is finally reached when you realize you're back where you started. The Genie is not out there...he's inside you...waiting to be freed.

An intelligent and insightful work, Chris Alexander has something for everyone at every point along their personal path to creating extraordinary joy.

I read the book after hearing about it on tv, and have sent it to my great nieces. You see I am like Willy I am also in a wheelchair. I have never gotten to see my great-nieces in person and hope that when they reed the book and their mom explains to them that I am (like Willy) in a wheelchair that they cn understand why I haven't been able to come see them (they are in Oregon and I am in Missouri). Willy is a courageous pup and we can all learn from him how to face life's adversities.

I find that the best inspirational tales come from real life - and this book is no exception. I saw the owner of Willy (yes, there actually is a real Willy) on Animal Planet and knew I just had to buy the book. It is as charming as expected and not just because of spunky little Willy, whose back legs are paralyzed and who has to learn to "walk" again, with the help of a special wheel-cart. It is just as inspiring to read of his owner's attempts to find a way to get him walking - using everything from acupuncture to helium balloons to hold up the back legs. A great read for the entire family!

Willy the Chihuahua lives at an animal hospital, because his back legs don't work. He dreams of having a home and a family and playing with other animals and chasing sticks. Then one day, a pretty lady comes and takes him home with her! Willy meets his new brother, another Chihuahua named Sweet Pea, and his new sister, a fluffy silver cat named Marshmallow.

Willy still can't walk or run, and has to use his front legs to drag himself from place to place, until his new mother tries some different ideas to help him get around--with often humorous results.

Filled with bright, gorgeous watercolor illustrations that even pre-readers can appreciate, HOW WILLY GOT HIS WHEELS is the story of a loveable and courageous little dog. Written for age levels 5-10, it's a book that everyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy on many levels. Authors Turner and Mohler have done a tremendous job of showing life from a physically disabled viewpoint without preaching or patronizing. Here's hoping we will get to hear more of Willy's adventures in the near future!

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews

As a poet and lover of words, I find myself looking for visual stimulation. This special book surprised me with it's raw beauty. Nothing is more sacred than Nature. And Laurie Bohlke has created a special gift for the "tenderest" of us. I have to admit that I do not keep it with my "coffee table" books, but next to my best friends; the Dictionary and Thesaurus.

More than a beautiful "coffee table" book, I found Prayers through the Seasons to offer inspiration and wisdom through its stunning photography and heartfelt prayers. In light of recent events, I have found it especially comforting as it speaks of God, simple beauty, faith and peace. Every page is a delight for the eyes and soul. I love it! (It would also make a wonderful gift).

114 stunning, full color nature photographs illustrate fifty-three Christian prayers in The Reverend Debora Kaiser-Cross' superbly presented Prayers For The Seasons: An Inspirational Collection Of Christian Prayers And Nature Photography. The beauty of her memorable and inspiring photographs is matched only in the devout sincerity of the accompanying devotionals. Prayers Through The Seasons is meant not just to be read, but to be meditated upon. This is a highly recommended gift book selection for any nature-lover and within a Christian perspective.

I'm not certain what book reviewer Laura Cella bought, but there are more than 75 recipes in this fabulous book, INCLUDING the Pearl Oyster Bar LOBSTER ROLL (page # 209) and their famous BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE PIE (page # 108.) My cover has a photo of the blueberry crumble pie right on the front. The oyster roll recipe also appears in the book, as well as a wonderful Blackberry Nectarine Crisp (which I just made using peaches instead of nectarinses and it came out great!) and all of the recipes for which Pearl Oyster Bar has been named one of the best restaurants in New York City. I travel to NYC once a month and never miss the chance to eat there. This book was a joy from beginning to end. Ms. Cella's review should be immediately removed for erroneous information. Buy the book, you'll love it!

Lobster Rolls and Blueberry Pie is more then just a cookbook, but a wonderfully blended compilation of stories and recipes from Rebecca Charles childhood in Maine. The stories give context to the food that is described here and motivates one to experiment with this type of cuisine. I have never spent a summer in Maine, but after creating a few meals with the book and sharing some of the related stories with gathered guests, I feel like I have insight into this historic American culture. A must have for any cook or foodie!

I love the Pearl Oyster Bar and go everytime I visit New York City. Just like Mario Batali says on the back cover, it's the best lunch spot around. So when I saw this in Amazon's cooking section, I was thrilled! This book is summer, the beach, and the ocean, which you swear you can hear in the background as you read. What a great story! I can't imagine not being allowed to stay in a hotel because I'm Jewish. As for the food, have made half dozen or so of the recipes already and they have turned out really well. The chef has great tips for cooking fish and gets to them without a lot of daunting culinary verbage.

I liked Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson. It is a book about a girl who likes to quilt and make things. I like to make things myself. I think it's important to learn how to make things that means something to you or to people. This book also takes place during a time in America's history when there were slaves. I would have given this 5 stars, but it was too short of a book. If you like books about quilts and history, I also recommend Lucy and the Liberty Quilt by Victoria London. It also is about a girl who likes to sew things with meaning.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom QuiltThis wonderful book``Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt'' was by Deborah Hopkinson. The Publisher is by Alfred A. Knope. The illustrator is James Ransome. There are 15 pages and the intended audience is 7-11 for kids to read.
Sweet Clara was a very brave girl. She really wants to get back to her mother. Sometimes I like to make quilts just like Clara. I like it when Clara starts making the freedom quilt.But I do not like it when Young Jack escapes too see Sweet Clara.
I did like the book ,because it was freeing the slaves.

Sweet Clara's aunt teachers her how to sew and she makes a quilt. She and young Jack leave because they were slaves, but you are going to have to find out if they make it to freedom or not. I liked this book. It was very interesting and I learned about history. I think you will like it too.

"Wilma Unlimited" is a stunning blend of art and history. Author Kathleen Krull and illustrator David Diaz have done an outstanding job in bringing to life the story of Olympic heroine Wilma Rudolph, the African-American runner who overcame a disabling childhood illness and ultimately triumphed at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Krull tells Wilma's story in a simple, straightforward way that should appeal to young readers. Her prose is accompanied by Diaz's truly memorable artwork. His full-color illustrations, which strike a perfect balance between realism and stylization, really convey the emotion of each stage in Wilma's incredible journey.

"Wilma Unlimited" is a story of working hard and overcoming adversity. Although much of the story is set in the world of sports, the message of this book is universal. If your child is struggling with some problem or setback and needs a book to renew his/her sense of hope, this might be the ideal choice. Krull and Diaz have created a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman.

This is a wonderful true story of one woman's accomplishments. Wilma Rudolph was a bouncy child who ran everywhere as soon as she could walk. When she contracted polio and scarlet fever at the same time, the doctor said she would never walk again. But Wilma had a mother who rode the bus with her 50 miles each way twice a week, to the nearest hospital that would treat black patients. She had 21 brothers and sisters to help her exercise and practice until she could walk, first with a brace, then (finally) all on her own. Wilma had watched the other children play for years, and she wanted to play basketball as soon as she could. Wilma's long legs, strength, and determination helped her to lead her high school basketball team to the state championships, where she caught the attention of a track and field coach who offered her a college scholarship. In 1960, Wilma made the US Olympic track and field team. She wasn't expected to win any events, but it was an honor for her just to compete. And then Wilma amazed everyone. She won her first gold medal when she flew past everyone in the 100 meter race -- and then won another in the 200 -- and then she won another gold when she anchored the 4 by 100 meter relay. Wilma Rudolph did what no one else had done before, and she earned the richly deserved title of fastest woman in the world. Her story is proof that strength can overcome almost any disadvantages

i am a reading specialist in Washington, DC and chose this book b/c i love David Diaz and because, like wilma, my children have many obstacles in their lives. i simply can not finish this book without nearly crying in front of my class. i've read it so many times, but the suspenseful writing and triumphant ending never get tiring. it is a truly wonderful story and wonderfully told and illustrated by this duo.

I reviewed Trying Again for my local infant loss support group after already having a subsequent pregnancy. This book is intended for women who have become pregnant after a loss without really understanding why their babies died the first time or what they can do about it. As such, it's much more medical than I expected, very clinical on a basic level, and without as many personal stories or tips about your emotional state than I would have expected given its length. The medical talk runs the risk of scaring women who may suddenly self-diagnose their pregnancies with everything that could possibly happen.

I was irritated by the title, since "Trying Again" means you failed, and I didn't fail when my baby died--I succeeded in giving birth to a beautiful baby girl who had a fatal birth defect. Loving my daughter was a success of a different sort, and I hate to see the death of a baby treated as a failure, even if it's only in the language the author uses in the title. The author also assumes that most parents' automatic response to the diagnosis of a birth defect is to terminate the pregnancy, so pro-life readers may be a little distressed whenever the subject arises.

It is said that no loss in life affects us as deeply and profoundly as that which we experience when a child of ours dies. Whether the child is a 6-week-old embryo, a 39-week-old fetus, or a grown adult, the mother or father in us feels a sadness that is hard to understand, describe, or come to terms with. Making the decision to try again can be courageous, impetuous, desperate--and a supreme physical and emotional sacrifice. This book can help make the decision informed.

Many books are available for people who are pregnant, who want to get pregnant, or who are grieving the loss of a baby. This book is different because it focuses on that fragile period between having lost a child and the decision to, and the act of, trying to become pregnant with another one. Instead of glossing over or whispering about death, this book faces this common experience head on, offering both compassion and practical information and advice about why this happens and how to go on from here. The personal accounts of the several women and men who went through miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant death are especially helpful, because readers can understand that this experience is not uncommon--even though their emotional response to it may be unique.

I wish this book had been available when I lost my first baby at 12 weeks into the pregnancy. It would have helped me get through the five months of grief, anger, resentment, guilt, and shattered trust and self-confidence that followed. I plan to give copies of this book to friends, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try again.

First, I must admit to a slight bias, as I was one of the bereaved parents, trying again, whom Ann Douglas interviewed for this book. Having eagerly awaited its publication, I can say that it is everything I was hoping to read and more.

Losing a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth is a tragedy that few people can imagine until they have had the unfortunate experience of living through it. Many people urge the bereaved couple to "try again" (as if that will make everything all better). They often do not realize how the loss of the previous pregnancy colours every facet of trying or being pregnant again.

As someone who has lived through the loss of a child and the birth of a subsequent baby -- as well as being a gifted writer on pregnancy and parenting issues -- Ann is uniquely qualified to explore every aspect of this largely unexplored subject. The book is thorough and presents lots of factual information, as well as the voices of bereaved parents who have made the courageous decision to try again to bring a living child home. For me, it was the stories and examples of these other bereaved parents that really "made" the book.

I would highly recommend this book for any bereaved parent struggling with the decision to try again or going through a subsequent pregnancy, as well as those in a position to provide support to these brave couples.