This is a beautiful book. It is beautifully made and more beautifully written. I got it at a time in my life that I felt spiritually dry. It has helped so much! It makes you realize that you have a loving Heavenly Father. Not One who is just waiting to punish you. It is like love letters from God. I thank God for such a blessing!

Come Away My Beloved is more than a devotional. These are love letters from God. My son, 15, says, "Mom, this really encourages me in my life to live more for my Heavenly Father."

I read the Psalms to be encouraged...and now I also read Come Away My Beloved..it's food for my spirit!

It will touch your heart, pierce your soul and correct wrong mindsets. It will make you weep Godly tears of joy. It will bring you closer to your Heavenly Father with words of wisdom and insight. A must for any Follower of Christ hungry for a deeper relationship with God. Ready for a touch of fire from the Holy Spirit? Then this book is for you. Read it often and always.

Pastor Francis Frangipane has collected some of his very
best messages on the spiritual battlegrounds that confront
any Christian-worker in today's world and church-world.
He identifies most of the major "traps and snares" and
how to deal with them in your own life and ministry.
I highly recommend ALL of his fine books and booklets; this
one is probably the best of its kind available anywhere.
ESPECIALLY if you are an intercessor: this book needs to
be in your library and read at least two or three times over.(!)

This extremely well written, so very easy to read book on the aspects of spiritual warfare is highly recommended.

The author displays wisdom and spiritual discernment that is so evident in his eloquent portrayal of deep Biblical truths.

I have listened to the author preach since I began reading this book and it is clear that he has a deep love for Jesus Christ.

The Three Battlegrounds is not a very long read and it can be used as a reference and read time and time again.

Christians cannot afford to be ignorant in the subjects covered here. Ignorance provides vulnerability. If you are able to obtain this book, then I would heartily encourage you to do so.

This book is the "Art of War" for the christian walk. I have read many great spiritual warfare books in my life but none so advantagous as this one. Francis clearly has spiritual insight as he proclaims "Every battle we face in life is over the Word and whether or not we can build our lives upon the faithfulness and integrity of God." If you are hungry for more information on why you keep stumbling in the same area time and again, pick up this book and read it. I have found that I have the power (through Christ)to overcome the enemy every time. I simply agree with him, that I am a sinner then I confess that sin before the Lord and rejoice. This book has given me the understanding that God sees every sin I do and if I want forgiveness, I have to confess the sin, no matter how embarrasing it may be or how horrible it is.

I know much of this seems simple and basic but the devil decieves us by making us think we are not decieved.
This book can really help open your eyes to what is wrong in your life and why God seems distant.

This book is of immeasurable value to anyone who wants to begin learning the essentials of Catholic theology. Mr. Sheed wrote this book in such a way that anyone can understand. As Scott Hahn writes in the introduction, "Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence...he wrote simply, but never simplistically." This book is an invaluable resource. I find myself going back to the pages I highlited when reading more complicated works.

The book is at its best in discussing some of the more complicated issues, such as the soul, the trinity, and grace. I learned a great deal from reading this book, and it gave me the impetus to read more advanced theological works.

I really can't praise this book enough. If you are a Catholic who wants to learn more about your faith, or someone from outside the church who wonders where Catholic practices come from, definitely read this book.

If you want to know God in a more profound way, this is the book to read. Sheed really delivers with his easy-to-understand, explanations about the mysteries of God, the Trinity, Mary and the Catholic faith. There were so many "lightbulbs turned on" in reading this book that I now feel immensely closer to God and more knowledgeable of His plan and His works. This book is invaluable as an introduction to Theology.

I am now reading Sheed's "Theology and Sanity", which is a deeper study of the subjects found in "Theology for Beginners".

"Theology for Beginners" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know God better.

A great recap for lots of areas. Worth buying for the trinity discussion alone. Very useful and clear. You will find yourself referring to the material in the book to explain things to your friends. Highly recommended.

This is the most romantic love story of all times. This book was the hook line and sinker for becoming an avid romance reader. Kane Taggart and Victoria's story is hot,passionate, exciting, and never ending. Francis Ray is my favorite writer. She makes you fall in love with each of the gorgeous men in her stories.

This was a beautiful story. Although with Victoria it was suppose to be strictly a business deal in order to save her business, Lavender and Lace, Kane changed that. I liked the way he went about doing it. Keep them coming Francis Ray!!

Talk about a true love story! Francis Ray does a wonderful job showing how true love cannot be ignored. Kane Taggert is a man dreams are made of. He's loving, persistent, confident, affectionate, dedicated and trusting. Victoria tried to fight her feelings, but they were just too strong. I recommend this book to anyone who want to find out just how wonderful true love could be. I look forward to reading "Heart of the Falcon." The second book in this series.

This book lays the best foundation for architectural study and design of any book ever published. It should be required reading at every university and would make a great primer for high school students with enlightened teachers.

After seeing this book on the shelf of a friend's architecture office, I bought it for my homeschooled children who are genuinely interested in architecture and building...Their dad (who teaches drafting and construction) and I could not put it down! The drawings are clear and so comprehensive. The book covers so much...Architectural styles, drawing types, etc. Mostly in drawings with very little text. So many architecture books are filled with heavy text, that you are lost in it, rather than learning the ideas and concepts. That is not a problem here. It is not to say that in any way this is a simplistic, elementary book...I'm sure it is used at the post-graduate and professional levels. The drawings and captions/info just say so much more than all those words! We are all learning a lot from this book, and are looking forward to buying more of this man's work.

This book is not just for reading, but for studying. Each page uses excellent graphics to demostrate and teach the principles of architectural design. Each page teaches a principle and the following pages build on that principle.

This book is a text book and a study guide all in one book. I would recommend this book for student & practicing architects and interior designers.

I'm 21, I remember reading this book when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I immediately fell in love with this book and the story. I could easily relate to what Ellen was going through with Michael. It's scary but what she was going through was exactly what I was going through at that time with my secret crush whose now my present boyfriend (whose name was also Michael). Anyway, it's a book that you'll read over and over again.....I know because I've done it! =)

I remember first reading Summer Dreams,Winter Love(the published title in England)seven years ago,when I was 16.It was amazing for me,as everything about it was sweet,tender and loving.It represented everything I was looking for at the time,someone to like me,as much as I liked them,someone who cared for me so much,nothing else mattered.Reading it was like my dreams coming true.I haven't read it in years,until recently I discovered it in a box amongst other stuff I hadn't seen in years.I'm about to start reading it again,and reading all these other reviews praising this wonderful story reminds me why this book just has to be read by anyone,who is lonely,looking for love,or someone older,like me,who did find that someone special.

This is a very touching story about High School love. I am 23 years old and read this book when I was 15. I had a flashback memory of reading this book and was extremely happy to have found it here at Amazon. I will be purchasing a copy of this book as soon as I can get my hands on one and would recommend it to any age reader with a romantic heart. This book is not only sweet and touching but the main character is an extremely motivated girl who can inspire any High School age female. I can't wait to read it again!

This is simply a wonderful work of history! Francis Parkman is considered by many scholars to be the greatest American historian ever. "Montcalm and Wolfe" is his masterpiece, written in 1884 as the final volume of his multi-volume work "France and England in North America." It tells the story of the French and Indian War, which is probably the most historically decisive war ever fought on the North American continent. Parkman writes with precision, eloquence, and objectivity. With his vivid and fast paced narrative, he demonstrates a wonderful flair dramatizing history. At the same time, his tremendous knowledge about this vast and complex subject is evident on every page. For me, the most fascinating parts of this book were the chapters which described the conflict for Acadia, and the ultimate forced evacuation of the Acadians by the British; Braddock's defeat; and the battles of Louisbourg and Quebec. Parkman's descriptions of these key events, and the personalities behind them, make them seem to come alive.

Parkman writes in the romantic style popular in the late nineteenth century; yet, his prose is of such high quality that it never seems dated. In fact, as I was reading, I found it difficult to remember that "Montcalm and Wolfe" was written 116 years ago! I highly recommend this book, which is already a timeless classic, as essential reading for those interested in learning more about the French and Indian War.

Parkman "wrote the book" on the French and Indian War and created a benchmark for historians that has stood on its merits since published in 1884. Moreover, Parkman creates a primer on making history real and exciting for the reader. His writing style bridges the century since he wrote it. This book is one of seven in Parkman's series "The French and English in North America". Each volume was intended to stand alone. This, the final and most popular volume, covers the fall of Quebec and events leading up to it. The first chapter alone, "The Combatents" does an extraordinary job of setting the scene in Europe that led to this savage wilderness war in North America. Also of interest will be the foreword which paints a vivid picture of the unusual Mr. Parkman. "Montcalm and Wolfe" reads well, provides a sense of "being there" and must be one of the great histories not only of the battle for North America, but of European history as well.

Parkman's Montcalm and Wolfe is more than history, it's American Literature. His prose flows elegantly and distinguishly across each page. The reader can definitely tell that Parkman was most passionate about this work, he spent most of his life researching and writing it. The care and attention he gave to the work shows. Granted this is probably not the best book for a high school student on the French and Indian war, but for someone who has read and enjoys to read history this is definitely worth a go.

What is so fascinating about this translation and the essay is that it deviates in important ways from the typical Christian Platonist conception of philosophy. Bllom is engaged in a war of sorts, it is stunning oh so many other academics fail to recognize how Bloom undermines their common assumptions about 'The Republic' and philosophy itself. Note the absence of comment on the 'Divided Line' of Book VI, and the entire discussion of the 'Theory of Forms' get short shrift. Why? There is a reason, if you follow the interpretitive essay, a parenthitic expression sends shivers- did Bloom really suggest 'The Just City in Speech' is not the best regime? Haunting. This view of 'The Republic' is deeply dependent on Leo Strauss' earlier groundbreaking sensitivity to irony. This is easy to say-IRONY- Plato was ironic, "The Republic' is ironic, but what does that really mean? An excellent read, and read, and read again.

Plato's Republic is really beyond reviews, and it would be presumptuous do anything other than encourage potential readers to study it for themselves. As the overt political slants of some of the other reviews suggest, his ideas resonate in the modern world as much as they did in his own. Whether a reader approaches Republic with positive or negative prejudices, the actual text of the argument forces constant reevaluation and refinement of those preexisting opinions.

Allan Bloom has created a literal translation that is ideal for those who truly wish to engage with Plato. Most other translators have used non-literal methods that attempt to convey in a more contemporary form what Plato "meant" by his arguments. However, in this process the translator's own interpretation of Plato's argument inevitably influences the language in which he renders his translation. Bloom has attempted, with a great degree of success, to separate the processes of translation and interpretation. Rather than imposing his reading on the text itself, he express it in a thought-provoking interpretive essay that follows the text

This is probably not the easiest translation of Plato to read, because Bloom does not attempt to serve as a baby-sitter for his readers. However, the extra time spent in reading this version will be well rewarded by a deeper understanding of Plato's argument.

The Republic is a challenging, intricate, subtle work in which every word counts. This is why a "literal" translation is necessary -- a translation that truly reflects the Greek. Bloom's introduction, in which he defends this approach, is an excellent argument against paraphrasing translations, which water down Plato and make him easy and unsurprising. (One exception to Bloom's literality: he translates "hyôn polis," 372d, as "city of sows" rather than the traditional "city of pigs." There is no justification for the female "sows" in the Greek, and I must assume that this is just Bloom's own chauvinist pigdom coming out.)

Bloom's interpretive essay presents his reading of the Republic as an implicit criticism of the thirst for absolute political justice. A plausible reading, but not as obvious as Bloom sometimes makes it sound. (To see the more subtle source of Bloom's ideas, read Leo Strauss's "The City and Man." And for a fictionalized portrait of Allan Bloom, see Saul Bellow's new novel, "Ravelstein.")

I hate to be a spoil sport since so many comments about Dunnett have been so effusive- however, I have to be honest and admit that I just don't get it. The plot lines are very confusing and the characters are not well enough developed to identify with. In Game of Kings Lymond communicates solely by spouting erudite witticisms in various languages. Every uttered sentence is either joking, tongue in cheek or nebulous in some way. I never felt for one moment that I understood this character. In fact, there is almost a comical aspect of the larger-than-life adventures that undermines the historical accuracy. Another problem is that Dunnett uses a lexicon that is so archaic and erudite that it becomes annoying after a while. I never thought that I would ever feel this way about a book since I love a good challenging read. This is over the top! I started reading this series in the sincere hope that I would discover something as wonderful and entrancing as the Patric O'Brian novels, I have been sorely disappointed. To tell the truth, I had to stop reading Queen's Play after the first few chapters.

I love Dunnett books because the characters are so well developed, and the plot so intricate yet discernable, I read in awed admiration. I have been fooled by the plot twists so many times, I have now come to expect it, and just smile when I see that I had been totally wrong yet agian. Dunnett has such a profound understanding of history and the human nature of both her characters and readers, that the story lives in my mind stronger than any movie that I have ever seen. I recommend this series to everyone, even if you don't speak French and Latin. It's worth the effort.

QUEEN'S PLAY was the first Lymond book I read--stumbled across it at the public library about 20 years ago. I then had to ransack the rest of Washington,DC's branch libraries to get my hands on the other books in the series, and ever since, Dorothy Dunnett has been my favorite historical fiction writer. She is not for the faint-hearted: you must be literate (in several languages if possible)and well read in history of the period if you are to appreciate the books to the fullest. Or, if you come "cold" to the book, the kind of person for whom a novel opens a door through which you begin to learn about the real contemporary history. Her characters are so well-educated and well-bred that I have no problem picturing them at the various European courts where Mrs. Dunnett places them. Modern politics seem very dull indeed in comparison (Tony Blair vs. Mary Tudor!) Mrs. Dunnett writes a beautiful, lush English--one of my major fantasies is inviting her to tea in ! order to find out if she's anything like one of her creations.

Dove's Way is the story of two very wounded people who find healing in each others arms. If you're in the mood for a moving romance (and a good cry) this book is a great choice.

Finnea Winslet grew up wild and free in Africa under the loving guidance of her father. When her dad dies Finnea is left all alone and must travel to Boston to meet the mother who deserted her nineteen years earlier. She is told that a fellow American named Matthew Hawthorne will accompany her safely home while she rides the dangerous African railway.

When Finnea first meets Matthew he is rude, threatening and does his best to scare her senseless but fails. Matthew only wanted to be left alone and is amazed that Finnea doesn't flinch when she glances at his facial scar. Finnea sees it as "character" and isn't bothered at all by his blustery attitude. When the train derails Matthew spends a harried night watching over Finnea until help arrives. When Finnea wakes Matthew is gone before she can thank him and she believes she'll never see him again.

A few months later Finnea is in Boston trying hard to fit in and learn all of the ridiculously stifling rules that a proper lady must follow when she meets up with Matthew again. He saves her from embarrassment during a dinner party and she decides then and there that he will teach her how to become a proper Boston lady. She does not care that he craves solitude. She is relentless and he soon caves in.

What follows is a very satisfying romance between two tortured souls. And I do mean tortured. Both Finnea and Matthew have deep emotional wounds and many trials to overcome before they find their happy ever after. This is an angst filled read but it never became overwhelmingly depressing because of the gentle humor interwoven into the story.

This book would have received five stars but I did feel a bit cheated because a pivotal scene that occurred in Africa was not included in the book - only alluded to throughout the story. This was very disappointing in an otherwise perfect book. Or maybe I'm just being greedy!

Finnea Winslet was born in Boston, but it's only a faint memories and the stuff of her father's stories, as she's spent most of her life with him in the Congo. When her father passes away, she realizes it's time to go back to Boston and find the mother's love that she's missed all these years. On the train she meets Matthew Hawthorne, who the Africans call The Wild White Man with the Scar. Their meeting eventful but brief. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, it's at a dinner party where Finnea is at a loss for how to act--she knows none of the rules of Boston society, like which cutlery to use, how to greet people, how to eat certain foods, how to sit, how to walk, how to dress...

Matthew feels something for Finnea, tho he doesn't know what or why. When she later badgers him to help her learn the how to be a lady he finally gives in--but he wonders if it can even be done and why she would want to change from who she is. DOVE'S WAY is the story of two wounded--both physically and emotionally--people drawn to each other but unwilling to suffer again the pain of loving. As Ms. Lee says in her the short interview at the back of the book (and how I love hearing tidbits like this from an author!) this novel is "part MY FAIR LADY, part OUT OF AFRICA."

I did have problems with this book, especially early on. I sometimes had difficulty believing people could be *so* cruel; both Boston society's reaction to Matthew and his scar (tho he was foul-tempered and scowled frequently) and Finnea's family in not trying to help her fit in and learn the manners and mores of Boston. I also would have liked to spend more time in Africa, but I know how publishers are afraid of romances not set in either America or Great Britain. However, DOVE'S WAY is a great choice when one is in the mood for a powerful, darkly compelling read.

Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews

From the extraordinary first page of DOVE'S WAY to the satisfying last, Linda Francis Lee pulls the reader into a lush world of scandal, Boston society and two unforgetable lovers. This book is richly written and highly sensual. With the use of exemplary descriptions, the opening scene with Finnea in Africa had me transported in time to 1890s Congo.

The inverview with Ms. Lee in the back of a book gave me insight into this author's life. A very clever idea on the publisher's part. I've never seen this done before.

DOVE'S WAY is going on my keeper shelf, and I can't wait to read SWAN'S GRACE.