I love this book! I first saw Sex Flex when I went to a friend's house. He had it on his desk right next to his muscle mags. I laughed when I saw it. A guide for working out with your partner while being intimate? Hah! No way!!!!! (In all truth, I was a little excited by the idea.)

A week later, I broke down and bought it, especially since my girlfriend and I had been having some problems budgeting quality time. Now, we can't get enough of Sex Flex. We've worked our way through all of the exercises - and we've even made up some of our own. (If the authors are interested, they can contact me at the above e-mail address!)

Thanks to the authors for their great info and the solid base on which to build new exercises. My relationship's the better for it!

This book was great! My wife and I are very busy, and this is great for us to spend some time together. We get to do something that we both enjoy. We are also more limber than we have been in a long time! The pictures were great. Nina and John really looked like they were having a good time, which actually made it easier for us to relax. Reading the credits, I was pleased to see the use of an actual couple for the photos, and not just two models who didn't know each other. That way when I see them smiling in the pictures, I know it is genuine.

This book offers creative and unique approaches to enhanced intimacy for couples. Not only does it offer techniques to improve personal physicality, it gives couples the opportunity to better themselves as a pair. Having been married for less than a year, my husband and I found this book to be a way to bond and improve the more intimate aspects of our relationship. The husband and wife models did a great job and were easy to identify with. We will incorportate this into our lifestyle for years to come.

As a young woman is cleaning a church, the pastor's widow arrives for a last look around. They find a jar filled with little trinkets from previous church members. The widow explained the jar was "a story jar" and that each item had a special story behind it. Thus three stories emerge about some of the items.

*** A special book just in time for Mother's Day! In between each novella are poems and short true tales from various other people. Many of them are author names I recognize. However, several are not. I saw some poems from children about their mothers. It was so special and gave me such a warm feeling. The stories are inspirational. I found myself near tears of sadness at times, joy at others, and a few times a feeling of awe and wonder that only another mother could understand. Fabulous! ***

This book isn't just for Mother's Day--if you are a mother, have a mother, or would like to BE a mother, this book is for you. The three authors have given us such different stories--they cover all aspects of motherhood, including the desperate wanting to be a mother an infertile woman feels. A lovely book that's as honest as anything I've read lately. There are no easy answers, but God is faithful. I highly recommend!

A collection of heartwarming stories that honors mothers of all ages can be found in "The Story Jar." Top inspirational writers Robin Lee Hatcher, Deborah Bedford and Angela Elwell Hunt team up to produce a continuity story about an ordinary jar that holds an extraordinary power to encourage and heal the heart. The story jar was placed on the alter of a small country church each Mother's Day, and the mothers of the church would each contribute some small memento that has meant something to them during the previous year. Those mementos are the basis for a tale that weaves through several generations of women, and how they drew strength and encouragement from the lessons learned. Also included in "The Story Jar" are tributes from some of the country's top inspirational writers to their mothers including Lori Copeland, Linda Windsor and Jerry Jenkins. This book will inspire women everywhere to rejoice in the gift of children, and after all, this is the reason behind Mother's Day! Now, go get your mom a present!

"Girls can't drive harness horses," Theo muttered. "Stupid."
Theo loves pacing horses. Every day she stares off to the International Stock Feed Farm and dreams of horses. But her mother doesn't think horses are worthwhile. She's always talking about Theo's wonderful sister Claudia. Theo is furious. Then, when her sister becomes ill with polio, Theo slips away, dressed as a boy, to get a lousy job of picking things up around the stable. She meets Dan Patch, her idol horse, but it is still a tall ladder to her dream of driving--but Theo decides to climb it. But how long can she live a lie?
This book is excellent. It makes you feel like you are really there and feeling Theo's emotions. You can almost hear the horses snorting, see the sweat shine on Dan Patch's bay flanks, and smell the horse sweat. You can feel the horror of Claudia's sickness and the joy of meeting legendary pacers. A great introduction to the somewhat unpopular world of harness racing.

Since I'm not a big horse fan, I wasn't too excited when I checked this book out. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It's so well written, everything is described well and you get a real feel for the characters, especially the main character: Theo. It's inspiring, and shows that sometimes the same dream can take a different shape. There's a good romance going on throughout the book, which adds to it's charm. I definitly recommend this book toanyone, especially girls, horselovers, or aspiring writers between the ages of 8 and 15

Since I'm not a big horse fan, I wasn't to excited when I checked this book out. When I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It's so well written, everything is described well and you get a real feel for the characterS, Especially the main character: Theo. It's inspiring, and shows that sometimes the same dream can take a different same. I definitly recommend this book toanyone, especially girls, horselovers, or aspiring writters between the ages of 8 and 15

We haven't adopted yet, but I found this book so helpful and informative. We want to be informed, loving parents and I would say this book is a must for people in that category. Lots of help, lots of hope. Great book. We also treasured our adoption journal, Waiting for You, by Kirsten Davis (ISBN: 0972394206). We got it on Amazon.com also and it is a real blessing. It gave us space to process some of our thoughts this book evoked. God bless!

If you only plan to read one book about adoption, make it this one! It covers pretty much everything you would need to know about the emotional impact of adoption, from infancy to adulthood. It is an intense book, both in terms of its emotional content (some of the case studies are heart-wrenching) and its depth of information. The author really knows her stuff, both from extensive reading of the research literature and from many years of personal experience as a therapist. She covers the various stages of attachment, what kids need to attach well, what happens when the process goes wrong, and what to do to help kids make healthy attachments to their new families. Even if you are adopting an infant and don't expect any problems, this book will help you make the attachment process as smooth as possible. There is also extensive discussion of the issues adoptive kids experience later on, such as the search for identity, fantasies about who their birth parents really were and whether they will be reunited, grief over losing parents, etc. It is ultimately a very positive book, demonstrating that even seriously damaged kids can work through their issues and become happy, well-adjusted adults, and anyone who had a rocky relationship with their own parents will probably find some surprising insights here -- poor attachment can happen in any family. Required reading!

Attaching In Adoption: Practical Tools For Today's Parents by attachment therapist Deborah Gray is a solid, practical, informational resource and reference for adoptive parents, particularly those who must help a young child adapt and cope with trauma, grief, or anxiety. Filled with examples, case studies, research, and useful advice, Attaching in Adoption is an excellent primer adoptive or would-be adoptive parents and a highly recommended addition to adoption agency and community library collections.

Deborah Pacini Hernandez offers an excellently researched, intelligently written, and amazingly detailed history of the Dominican Republic's Bachata music. Be forewarned ... this is not an easy book to read; this is not a glib magazine article with a superficial history of Bachata. On the contrary, Ms. Hernandez analyzes the growth of Bachata from a socio-economic / political and cultural point of view and her discussions and overall presentation often read like a doctoral dissertation.

Despite the book's academic tone, it is a wonderfully rich, engrossing study of Bachata and I highly recommend it. The book covers the birth of Bachata (circa the early 1960's) and traces its growth up until the early 1990's. I would like Ms. Hernandez to write another book that covers the explosive growth and popularity of Bachata from the mid 1990's up to the present. Ms. Hernandez is to be commended on her extraordinary research and intelligent presentation. I rate this book: A+.

Un curioso estudio, un libro de bachata. La primera vez que lo vi no me anime a leerlo. Pensé como todo mal dominicano con el complejo de gazcue que un libro sobre una música que no me gusta no merecía que le dedicara tiempo. Tuvo que pasar un año y un despertar de mi entendimiento para saber que no importa que la música no me guste o que sea de clase baja o que sea vulgar y yo solo escuche música clásica o rock; lo importante es que es nuestra música, nuestra identidad nos guste o no. El libro como una disección cuidadosamente hecha por una antropóloga trata el tema no con la frialdad de un descubrimiento arqueológico sino con la calidez de un tema humano, bueno con toda la calidez que puede hacerlo una norteamericana. Ella trata el tema de la bachata desde la historia de la etimología de la palabra. No sabia y ahora sé que la palabra bachata significa jolgorio, reunión en que las personas tocan música con guitarras. Las influencias de la bachata según la autora provienen de cuba.

El método de investigación de la autora consistió en residir en Republica Dominicana por un tiempo, mientras entrevistaba a los bachateros de radio guarachita, a artistas famosos, a historiadores y sociólogos. El libro escrito en ingles, también posee unas cuantas letras de bachatas famosas con su respectiva traducción, una galería de fotos de bachateros y merengueros y muestra el avance de la música y su aceptación final al llegar bachata rosa de Juan Luis Guerra al escenario y darle un impulso internacional a la bachata. La autora después de este acontecimiento tuvo que cambiar su foco narrativo, porque esta música lentamente se empieza a aceptar en la radio y ha dejado de ser marginada. Me agrada mucho ver que de todas estas cosas salen estudios, libros, análisis y que mi país esta bien representado. Ojala que autores dominicanos se enfrenten a la labor de exaltar lo nuestro y dejemos nuestro complejo gazcuense, nuestra exaltación de lo extranjero sobre lo nacional y nos pongamos a escribir sobre mas cosas de nuestro país.

Luis Méndez.

This is a great book, one that challenges white male assumptions about class and its relation to music. A valuable book for anyone interested in combatting stereotypes, and patriarchal and racist interpretations of 'popular' music. I was reading a somewhat pompous academic's book about hiphop musical culture by someone named Russell Potter, and it almost made me swear off academic books about music. But Deborah Pacini Hernandez is unusual in that she understands, appreciates, and identifies with the best of Dominican popular music. What a great book!

A Band of Angels tells the story of Grandma Ella, a character who is inspired by Ella Sheppard Moore who was a pianist for the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. We learn that Grandma Ella was born into slavery and freed at fourteen when the civil war ended. The story details how young Ella worked tirelessly to save money to attend a new school for freed slaves known as Fisk School. After saving her money and arriving at Fisk, Ella continues working so that she can stay in school and also joins the school chorus. In spite of her personal efforts, she still faced the very real possibility of having to leave school because the school itself was experiencing great financial hardship. While school officials had pretty much given up hope of keeping the school open, the school chorus and Professor White, the choir director, believe that they can help save the school by doing concerts throughout the North. The story then chronicles the experiences of the choir which range from jubilant moments to performing in virtually empty concert halls.

A Band of Angels is a book that provides a colorful way to share a proud part of African American heritage with your children. Colon's illustrations add greater depth to the story and will help children better visualize the events that take place. While this is a work of fiction, the story is based on real people who selflessly used their talents to keep Fisk's doors open. The book also provides a good introduction to Negro Spirituals, which were kept alive through the voices of the Jubilee Singers. In addition, readers will see how this brave group of singers would not let racism quiet their talented voices. Above all, the story will help inspire children to hold fast to their dreams in spite of the hurdles or difficulties they may encounter along the way.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

If you have read Andrew Ward's new book about the Jubilee Singers, Dark Midnight When I Rise, you will also be interested in this award-winning book that introduces children to their inspiring history.

When I heard about this book on NPR I wished there were more places to hear about children's books like this one. It seems as though bookstores often carry only light and fluffy or series books. I love to share historical fiction with my children and love books like A BAND OF ANGELS.

The Jerusalem Post Internet Store chose this book as Product of the Week, June 1, 1998. It says: '"The Ultimate Family Sourcebook" fills a long standing need for families all over the world who want to celebrate their child's special day. Suitable for all denominations of Judaism and those without formal affiliation, this book includes English speaking reliable contacts, web sites, e-mail addresses and fax numbers. In short, everything you need to plan a trouble-free event."

"To those who know how difficult it can be to plan a bar/bat mitzvah at the corner synagogue, it may sound completely absurd to try planning one half a world away. But for parents who believe that their child's coming of age would be enhanced by holding the festivities in the Promised Land, there's a new book written by two mothers who have done just that." "Aside from an exhaustive list of synagogues, schools, and kibbutzim all over the country that cater to English-speaking guests of various financial means and religious affiliations, the book covers every base imaginable." "Even if you weren't thinking of holding your child's celebration (or your own; there's information for adult bnai mitzvah, too) in Israel, take a look through this book. It may just inspire you to change your plans." Abigail Klein Leichman, The Jewish Standard/Jewish Community News, April 10, 1998

Dear Deborah, Your book is wonderful - from conception to finished product. It makes me wish my children were under twelve. In fact, it's the only thing that makes me wish my children were all under twelve. Kol HaKavod, as we say in Hebrew.
Judith Labensohn, B'nai Mitzvah Coordinator, Neot Kedumim, Biblical Landscape Reserve, Israel

Deborah Bruss' Book! Book! Book! is a must-have for any home or school library. As an elementary school librarian, I find it a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of visiting the library. The simple storyline delights its readers as barnyard animals make their first trek to the library. Each animal, in its own language, asks the librarian for a book. First and second graders laugh when the hen gets what she wants. Then, still, another surprise comes on the last page. Tiphanie Beeke's illustrations draw the reader and the audience in. Bright, bold colors capture the interest of my students and make it an enjoyable book to share with a class. Book! Book! Book! is a favorite that my students ask me to read again and again.

The poor farm animals are bored. The kids have all gone back to school and left them alone. The horse hung his head, the cow complained, the goat grumbled, the pig pouted, the duck dozed and the hen heaved a sigh and squawked "I'm bored! And I'm heading to town to find something to do!" So off they all went. Soon they got to town and found themselves in front of the library. It looked like a good place to visit since the people coming out all had smiles on their faces, so the horse went inside, approached the librarian and said neigh neigh. The librarian just stood there and looked puzzled. The horse hung his head and left. Next the cow (moo moo) tried, then the goat (baaah baaah) and pig (oink oink), with the same results. Finally the feisty hen went inside and spoke "Book, Book, Book!" with different results..... Deborah Bruss has written a funny, gentle story that will capture your little one's imaginations. Her simple text is beautifully complemented by Tiphanie Beeke's cheerful, humorous, childlike illustrations and youngsters will enjoy all the entertaining detail on each page. Perfect for preschoolers, Ms Bruss' debut picture book is a winner.

Author Deborah Bruss and illustrator Tiffani Beeke have created a world where rules are broken and expectations are turned upside down. The punchline on the last page is only one part of the joke. Who wouldn't laugh at barnyard animals in the library, a blue horse, and storytime led by a cow? The book offers different levels of participation-barnyard noises for the youngest readers, and, later, repetitive phrases. Other readers will enjoy tracking the location of a well-read amphibian in each bright scene. All will enjoy the plucky animals who give up complaining, grumbling, and pouting when they discover the treasures in the public library. Book! Book! Book! is a perfect preschool storytime read!

Using the Soul Cards as a tool to delve into my deeper psyche has been invaluable as I've been tearing down my beliefs and re-examining them. The Soul Cards are by no means an attempt at divination, but to be used to trigger the unconscious to reveal itself to the conscious.

I bought this deck because an on line group was working with the cards and I was enjoying the conversation. I was apprehensive about the cards, but once they were in-hand I was delighted. Any on line pictures cannot do the artwork justice. It was a delight to "break out of" using tarot cards that have many preconceived ideas locked into them that are hard to expand on. I use these cards to explore my consciousness, and for divination/insight. The images draw out your natural ability to be intuitive. Absolutely fabulous, and I'll be purchasing Soul Cards 2 soon to expand the possibilities!

This 60 cards deck has become one of my favourites instantly - the cards touch the soul and speak with it directly.

The accompanying tiny white book doesnt list any titles or meanings to the cards - the pictures are intuitively understood, somehow their meaning is self-explanatory/evident.

The cards themselves are of the highest quality I've seen yet - good cardboard with shining coating that, in combination with the excellent art, are, IMO, good enough to be hanged on an art gallery's wall.

The cards can be used for both reflection and divination, and I almost immediately started using it for myself in place of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

The one small thing I dont like about this deck is it's somewhat dark colours, which gave a couple of my friends a first impression of being, well, somewhat dark and scary.

The box, which is of good material, doesnt have any mechanism to keep it closed, so I keep the cover closed with a ruber band.

And a clarification - this is not a tarot deck proper, as it appears that some reviewers expect of it to be. Though some of the cards are comparable to tarot cards, it does not derive from the 78 cards tarot decks, doesnt have suits or minor/major arcanas.

Lord Lucifer, aka Lucius Daventry, has withdrawn from society because of damage done to his once-devastating face. Believe me. Lucius doesn't need an unmarred face to be devastating, and withdrawing from society only gives him the opportunity to develop his other admirable qualities. Take, for example, this quick-witted response:
"Though I have never touched lips with a horse, I believe I can say with some authority that yours are far preferable to kiss."

Angela Lacewood agrees to a pretend engagement with Lucius because they both want to make his dying grandfather's final days happy, but Angela is no fortune hunter, the only type of woman Lucius believes he can now attract. Instead, she's warm and tender-hearted, and Lucius would rather have her love than her pity. He's far easier to love than he thinks. With his sense of humour and ability to write love letters, this is a champion any woman would be wise to grab. Needless to say, Angela's no fool and this couple's "happily ever after" is justly deserved.

Deborah Hale has done it again. I had barely begun Beauty and the Baron when I found myself as enchanted by her characters as I once was by the princes and princesses of fairy tales. Yet in Deborah's delicately wrought story, it is the hero who must be rescued by the lady--in this case, an irrepressible beauty with a weakness for sweets and a touching empathy for those who are wounded or alone. It is this empathy that allows Angela to brave the dark world Lucius inhabits. He shows her the beauty only visible in darkness, the beauty of the stars. And, having partaken of this beauty, she determines to return the favor--she teaches him to recognize the even greater loveliness of his own soul. In Beauty and the Baron, Deborah Hale shows us just how bright a happily-ever-after can be.

The familiar theme of a scarred hero rescued from his tortured past by a warm-hearted heroine has never been more riveting as they are in Deborah Hale's Beauty and The Baron. The hero, Lord Lucius Daventry, and the heroine, Angela Lacewood, are as the author tells us, as night is to day. With rich, powerful characterization, the seamless weaving of historical detail into the story, and elegant writing, Deborah Hale gives you everything you look for in a well written historical romance.