It is an excellent adaptation of Baum's story with Beautiful illustrations and the clever way of how to use the jewel stickers! A true treasure

The Missing Jewel by A. W. Tozer is a timeless classic when it comes to the subject of worship. Christians today are bombarded with an diverse view of what worship should be like for the Christian. This book captures the timeless elements that every Christian (and leader in the church) should know and understand - even though the book was written many years ago. In particular you will enjoy Tozer's section on Acceptable Worship; defining the difference between false worship and acceptable worship.

My whole family has enjoyed this beautifully illustrated book. As a parent to a five year old I am very impressed by the teaching rhymes and realistic pictures. My son is entranced with the cute pictures of mama's with their babies. I would recommend this book to anyone with children.

After wearing out the copy at my local library, I decided it was time to buy my own copy of The Hawk and the Jewel. It was well worth it as I have read it many times since. I have been a reader my entire life, but Lori Wick is by far the most captivating author I have ever read. Perhaps it is because I should have been born in the eighteenth century, but Wick's series "Kensington Chronicles," from which this book comes, is one to read over and over.

Set in the English days of dukes and duchesses, peasants and servants, this novel relates the story of a young girl named Sunny and her coming to grips with herself, the Lord, and love. You will be captured into the moving story as Sunny learns that her family is not what she thought it was and is thrust into a new life completely different from anything she has ever known. You will feel Brandon's compassion as he watches Sunny try to cope with the hurt and betrayal she feels. You will rejoice with her family when she comes to know the Lord, and cry with her when she feels the knife of rejection. You will laugh at her spirited ideas, and feel the magic surrounding her as she grows older. You will experience Brandon's pain as his life seems to come crashing around him, and want to hold Holly as she deals with an unrequited love. If you are a lover of fairy tales, or simply want to get lost in a good story, allow Lori Wick to take you back a few hundred years and live in England for awhile. You will fall in love with it.

This was not the first Lori Wick book I've read but I Enjoyed it.I've read this book five times and each time I am captivated by sunny and brandon. I love Lori Wick's way of writing. I would like to encourage you to read her other books like; Wings of the morning,Who brings forth the wind, the kinight and the dove, Where the wild rose blooms, whispers of the moonlight, to know her by name, promise me tommorrow, sophies heart, beyond the picket fence, pretenseand also a place called home series as well as the Caliofornians, she is a great writer, I love her.She is inspiring

Praise to Lori Wick for her outstanding and truly profound way of writing. "The Hawk and the Jewel" was the third novel that I read by Lori Wick but it is my absolute favorite--I finished the book in about five hours. It was just that good. This book is a must-read for all ages. You will fall in love with the spirited Sunny and hope that you yourself can find a love like that, which is shared between Sunny and Brandon. This book is full of excitement, mystery and of course romance. You won't want to put it down.

Thirteen-year-old Eleanor is the oldest daughter of Count William Aquitaine, and heir to her Father's powerful empire even since her younger brother died at the age of four. Being a teenage girl, Eleanor and her younger sister Petronilla, live in the many beautiful palaces of her father and are under the care of their Grandmere, who also gave Eleanor this diary to write in. Mischieveous Eleanor is always a constant struggle to her Grandmere and ladies-in-waiting. However, Eleanor's light, happy life takes a turn when her careless father, dies of food-poisoning, on their pilgrimage to Spain. All of a sudden Eleanor finds herself owning a bunch of land and bethrothed, for political reasons, to sixteen-year-old Prince Louis VII of France. Eleanor knows that her father's many lands, which is even bigger than King Louis's empire is very much the reason for the bethrol. Through this all Eleanor wonders if she can ever marry only for love and nothing else. Her perseptives change though when she finally meets her young teenage husband, and the sparks between them fly. This is definitely my favorite Royal Diary. I am quite the romantic and I loved Prince Louis and Eleanor's romance, it was brilliantly written. I can tell much research was made to write this book and I recommend all fans to read it.

Yes, another member of the Royal Diaries clan!

This book was very interesting. It's about Eleanor, eldest daughter of Duke William X, who received a diary from her Grandmére, or grandmother, to write her thoughts in daily. In the diary, the reader finds out that Eleanor's younger brother Willie died at a very young age. Thus, she became heir of her father's powerful regime and land. (The amount of land he had was larger than the King's!) Eleanor and her younger sister Petronilla lives a happy and carefree life, but all of that quickly changes when their father goes on a pilgrimage to Spain and dies of food poisoning. The next thing she knows, she owns hundreds of acres of land, countless castles, and is betrothed to Prince Louis VII. After hearing about the betrothal, Eleanor ponders the thought of marriage. She wonders if she can be able to love the prince. On the day they first meet, Eleanor and Petronilla jump in the stream with the boys. The thing they didn't know was that the prince was one of them. Eleanor and Louis meet and a connection is born! I'll just leave you hanging from there. :P

This is a great addition to the Royal Diaries series. I thought that it was superiorly written. The relationships between the characters felt very tangible. I definitely recommend this book to all historical fiction and Royal Diaries fans.

This is an awesome book! Eleanor one day get's a diary from her grandmother. In this book you'll learn that her little brother Willie died at a very young age, her mother also has died, her father owns more land then even the king (she's not a princess she's more of a "Lady" it's pretty much the same thing), and that she has a thing for a knight named CLotaire. Eleanor and her sister live pretty carefree lives until her father goes on a pilgrimage to Spain and dies. Eleanor enherites all of his land and is set to be married to Prince Louis. The charecters are really well developed and the plot is great. I definantly reccomend this book, it's great! I also reccomend Cleopatra, Nzingha, Jahanara, Mary (queen of scots), Marie Antoinett, Anastsia....................oh just read them all!

It took about three monthes for me to get around to reading this book after reading Daughter of the Blood (book 1.) I admit I wasn't even looking for it when I went in to the bookstore. I was in a hurry and when I found that the original book I was looking for was not in stock, my mind went to any series that I had started reading, but had not finished. The Black Jewels Trilogy came to mind. As soon as I started reading and managed to dust the cobwebs off of my mind about certain instances in the plot I began to get deeply involved in the story.

It starts off with our Heiorine, Jeanelle, Witch, still deep in the abyss after suffering major emotional trauma. Saetan, the Dark Prince, returning to Kaeleer and winning parenthood of the little Queen. Lucivar, prisoner in the saltmines, being fed a nasty lie about his brother, Deameon, and his queen, Jeanelle. Deameon being thrown into the Twisted Kingdom by pain and confusion. And Dorthea and Hekatah still scheaming for ways to win the Dark Realm.

The plot only escalates from there. This book is exceptional for it includes wit, romance, pain, sorrow, joy, and courage all in one great plot. I was astounded and it left wanting more, more, more!!

It took about three months for me to get around to reading this book after reading Daughter of the Blood (book 1.) I admit I wasn't even looking for it when I went in to the bookstore. I was in a hurry and when I found that the original book I was looking for was not in stock, my mind went to any series that I had started reading, but had not finished. The Black Jewels Trilogy came to mind. As soon as I started reading and managed to dust the cobwebs off of my mind about certain instances in the plot I began to get deeply involved in the story.

It starts off with our Heiorine, Jeanelle, Witch, still deep in the abyss after suffering major emotional trauma. Saetan, the Dark Prince, returning to Kaeleer and winning parenthood of the little Queen. Lucivar, prisoner in the saltmines, being fed a nasty lie about his brother, Deameon, and his queen, Jeanelle. Deameon being thrown into the Twisted Kingdom by pain and confusion. And Dorthea and Hekatah still scheaming for ways to win the Dark Realm.

The plot only escalates from there. This book is exceptional for it includes wit, romance, pain, sorrow, joy, and courage all in one great plot. I was astounded and it left wanting more, more, more!!

I just wanted to write this not because my opinion has any weight, but because I wanted to express how very impressed I was with this book. I normally don't read any fantasy books, but I was told that Daughter of the Blood was such a good book. At first I wasn't so convinced of its reputation as a great book, but I slowly came to believe it as I read further and further into this dark world that Anne Bishop has so amazingly put together.

The very next week after I finally finished Daughter of the Blood I went out and bought the sequel, Heir to the Shadows. I found that book to be even better. I couldn't put it down and I have just finished it today. I just stumbled over this web site looking for the next book and well I thought I would write and just express how very happy I was with the two novels that Anne Bishop has written, and I am eagerly awaiting the third book of the Black Jewel trilogy!!!

Composed of 2 books, _the Dreamstone_ and the _Tree of Sword and Jewels_ this book has undergone multiple incarnations. Done in a tone similar to McKillips' _Forgotten Beasts of Eld_ the story has a certain richness that is perfectly contained in two volumes. The characters probably could have used more detailed development but that is a minor quibble.

It is definitely NOT for those who like fast pacing and detailed descriptions of battle so, the traditional sword and sorcery junkie will be left dissatisfied. On the other hand, for those who like a little more depth to their fantasy suffused with a certain melancholy then this book is for you.

I read this book when I was much younger and found it a bit slow, but after some time have picked it back up and now can appreciate it better. It is slow but worth the read nonetheless. Besides, how can one resist a book where Death is an actual character with his own motives and affections?

Anyway, if you are into slow melancholy toned Celtic fantasy than this is for you. Otherwise, you maybe disappointed in this work in which wizards, gory battle scenes and ludicrous love moments are absent.

Don't let someone's negative review from New Jersey put you off. If you're into anything Celtic, she has done her homework. One of the most convincing books I have ever read dealing with "the Otherworld" and its inhabitants. Magnificent read. I felt like I was literally walking through the pages with Arafel and the characters.

If you're looking for fast-action fantasy fluff, you'll probably only make it half-way through. If, however, you can cope with looking up a few terms in the glossary, you'll love it. She says more in one chapter than Robert Jordan can convey in 3/1,000 page books!!

Loved it!

This novel is unlike any of the other fantasy books I have read- and I have read several hundred. I have read it a half dozen times, and I'm sure I will do so again. Rather than give plot spoilers- because spoilers are really what they would be- I'd like to make some more general remarks.

This book conveys a sense of the tragic and the melancholy missing from the normal sword-and-sorcery affairs. (Elves have /never/ been handled better.) Cherryh makes an atmosphere that is nearly palpable, and subtly and lightly sketches the characters and their cares. The shifts of narrative pacing serve to place the importance where it ought to be, and the deft handling of scene and dialog allows the characters to express themselves without hammering the reader over the head with self-exposition and historical monologues. The overall affect is like that of a dream, or a beautiful tale you once heard- and all of this is only heightened by Cherryh's research and careful treatment of Celtic/Welsh folklore and language. Perhaps most remarkable, she has made in one volume a fantasy which most other authors would have felt the need to butcher over eight and who still would have been unable to equal let alone approach this effort.

Isabel is a fifteen year old girl when this book first starts. It is about her teen years as a princess. She had been ripped from her family and banished to Segovia by her half-brother, King Enrique. Along with being enslaved, she deals with her brother continually threatening to marry her to digusting old men, just to keep her in line, and choosing which brother to support for the thrown. Even though her half-brother wants to marry her off, she secretly makes plans to marry Ferdnando, Prince of Arogon.
This is an extremely awesome book and I would recommend it to anyone who asks me for a good book to read. It is a fun way of learning some history, along with any other book in this series.

Carolyn Meyer does the best fictionalized version of Isabel of Castilla I have seen yet. Out of many of the Royal Diaries, this is one of the most action packed.

Isabel of Castilla is daughter of King Juan II of Castilla and Leon, and Princess Isabel of Portugal, second wife of Juan II. After her father's death long ago, Isabel's half brother Enrique has taken the throne. He condemns Isabel to Segovia with his wanton wife, Queen Juana and his six year old daughter, Princess Juana. Isabel lacks freedom and is separated from her mother and her brother, Alfonso. Enrique is afraid the rebels will get Isabel on their side. The rebel grandes (nobels of Castilla and Leon) disapprove of Enrique and has made Isabel's younger brother, Alfonso the King. Isabel tries to be neutral but is severly angered by Enrique when he forces her to marry without her permission and by breaking a peace agreement after her brother's death. Isabel takes things into her own hands and marries in secret with Prince Ferdinand of Aragon.

The novel moved along quickly since Isabel had alot of twists in her young life at the age of 15. She had many marriage proposals but she wanted Ferindand in the end. I found her extremely brave at times but deeply religious. It showcased many exciting events to make sure the reader was not bored. Isabel was on disguise some parts, ran away to at times and risked her life throughout the book by disobeying Enrique. Meyer did a great job showcasing all the events and I learned alot in the end.

Other than Isabel's misguided 'projects' such as The Spanish Inquisition and reclaim of Granada from the Moors. Isabel, Queen of the future España led many great achievements. She has been nicknamed, 'Queen of the Americas' for funding of Christopher Columbus and making Spain, one of the most powerful, admired and cultured of that time.

Very interesting book! I enjoyed learning more about Isabel and her history. The story takes place when Isabel is 15 years old. Her father has been dead for several years, so her half-brother Enrique claims the throne. However, there are some who believe that Isabel's younger brother Alfonso should be king. So during this time of political unrest, Isabel is growing up and thinking of the future.

Isabel receives a total of six different marriage proposals from different countries. Enrique promises that he will not force her to marry, so long as he approves her choice. Again, his promise is broken, as it is many times during this book, and Isabel decides to make her own plans, despite her brother's wrath.

I swear Nora Roberts must get kickbacks from the Irish Tourism board. Who WOULDN'T want to go try and find a village like Ardmore, and the wonderful people in it? Some readers have complained of Jude's "weak" character, and if I had tossed the book away halfway through I might have agreed. But the point is that people do develop and grow, and we got to see Jude get over her insecurities. People who don't think she's a realistic character have clearly never been on the insecure side. And Aidan -- well, who wouldn't want to spend hours in his company? Charming, a captivating storyteller, a romantic, a man who knows himself and his home. I am so looking forward to reading about Shawn and Brenna, and then of course Darcy and ... whomever. I'm not normally into books where ghosts and faeries are spoken of matter-of-factly, but even that aspect of the story was enchanting. I read the book to my husband in 2 days of driving on the way back from vacation, and even he (a Stephen King fan) enjoyed it!

What can I possibly say about this book that will make you want to go out and buy it yourself? It's got romance, enchantement, broken hearts,and a beautiful Irish setting. This book is part of a trilogy by Nora Roberts, focusing on the Gallagher siblings: Aidan, Shawn, and Darcy. There's also an underlying storyline about a ghost that haunts the home of Jude. The ghost, Lady Gwen, is bound to walk the Irish shore and the home until 3 loves bloom. Only then will she be able to be reunited with her true love, Carrick, the fairy king. Now, on to the review.... Jude Murray, feeling more and more out of control of her life after her divorce, quits her prestigious psychology job in Chicago. Feeling the need to escape and discover her roots, she travels to Ardmore, Ireland. There she meets cousins, a few spirits and a man, Aidan, who can't seem to keep his hands off of her. Never in her life has she felt for a man the way she does Aidan. Aidan owns the locan pub in town. He's done his share of adventuring in his life and decides to that it's time to come home to Ireland and manage the family business. When he meets the beautiful "Yank" Jude, he's bound and determined to win her love. I began reading this book and 4 hours later I put it down, teary-eyed and bound and determined to write a review. Never in my life have I wanted to trade places with someone as much as I did Jude. You can actually feel yourself falling in love with Aidan as the story develops. Here is a man, a good man who wants so desperately to love this woman. And here is a woman, who is successful, witty, and loving who just can't see past the pain of her divorce to allow herself to be loved completely by him. In short, I suggest that any serious romance reader buy this book. Nora Roberts has outdone herself! She has such a talent for capturing Ireland and the people who live there. She also has a nack for capturing raw human emotions. I'm working on book two of the series, "Tears of the Moon",which involves the younger Gallagher brother, Shawn. Enjoy "Jewels of the Sun", I did!

If this story does not make you want to jaunt off to Ireland and fall in love with a charming rogue, you're either dead or a man!

At first I was surprised to read the reviews from people disappointed with the book. The more I thought about it, though, I had to admit that it is not your typical Nora Roberts mystery/suspense romance. Those who are familiar with her other works, and that of J.D. Robb, would no doubt be disappointed - there really is no mystery. You know in the end that Aidan and Jude will be together. But it's the journey that gets them there that should, and does, entertain you.

I have been a fan of Nora Roberts for a long, long time, and have yet to be disappointed with her work. This novel is a funny, entertaining, magical description of Aidan & Jude's romance.

I laughed along with Jude, for I, along with many others, I'm sure, can relate to her "neurotic" thinking sometimes. I do not, however, believe this makes her a "weak" heroine. It makes her real. I envied her for the friendships that bloomed between her, Darcy and Brenna. And I completely fell for Aidan. What more could a reader wish for in a book?

How long until the next one?

Sweet Revenge is pretty different from other Nora Roberts' works due to the fact that part of the story took place at Jaquir, a Middle-east country.

The story began with the marriage between Jaquir's King, Abdu, and a famous American actress, Phoebe. But the love between these two was not longlasting. Abdu treated Phoebe with so much cruelty that their only daughter, Princess Adrianne, suffered from nightmares even when she was in her twenties. For both she and her daughter's own good, Phoebe decided to bring Adrianne and try to escape from Abdu's clutches.

With the help of Phoebe's best friend, they escaped to America. Adrianne was only eight then but she never forgot the cruelty her father shown to her and her mother. She grew up with revenge in her mind, that is, to steal his most precious jewel, the Sun and the Moon. This piece was given to her mother with love from her father. But out of hatred, her father took it back.

Most characters in this book this book are very likeable. Adrianne was a very determined young lady but I don't understand how she could polish up her stealing skills with no guidance at all and these skills of hers were really superb. Philip was not like any other hero. He was a romantic, supported Adrianne when she was down and he was not stubborn. What was most attractive about Philip was: He loved his mother! Phoebe was a very sad character, maybe because of her fate. But her great love for Adrianne and the determination to protect her were really admirable. For Abdu, I have only one word to describe him: HATEFUL. There are many other loveable characters such as Celeste, Phoebe's best friend; Adrianne's grandmother; Adrianne's brother...

I think that this book came alive from the part when Philip and Adrianne met. I'm sure those of you who want to read this book will like it, but you have to bear with a few boring parts.

I really enjoyed "Sweet Revenge" by Nora Roberts. Although it is one of her less reality based stories, her ability to draw the reader into the world she has created stops this from being an issue. The two main characters are likeable and well-developed and the story is full of excitement. This book kept me turning pages half the night!
The beginning of the book is incredibly heart-rending and upsetting. The reader is introduced to Phoebe Spring, an american actress who has left her world behind to live with the man she loves, Abdu, in his native country of Jaquir (a fictitious Muslim country). When Phoebe gives birth to a girl and subsequently finds out she can no longer bear children, Abdu decides that he no longer has any use for her. He takes away the "Sun and the Moon" a priceless necklace containing a giant pearl and diamond, that was his bride gift to Phoebe. Abdu takes more wives and regularly beats and rapes Phoebe. On top of that, King Abdu despises Princess Adrianne, his first-born child, because she is a girl and because she came from Phoebe.
When Adrianne is 8 years old, Phoebe risks life and limb to escape from Jaquir and give Adrianne a life of freedom in America. Phoebe tries to return to a career in acting, but Abdu has broken her spirit and she suffers from terrible depression until she eventually dies from an overdose of pills and alcohol. This part of the story is very well-written.
We pick up the story with Princess Adrianne as an adult (in her twenties) living a life of glamour as a prominent figure in society. But this is just a front to cover up the fact that she is really a master jewel thief. Princess Adrianne then meets Phillip Chamberlain, a retired jewel thief who now works as an investigater for Interpol. The relationship that develops between these two is fresh and heart-warming, and as they learn to trust each other their scenes together really sizzle!
But Adrianne has never forgotten her father's cruelty to her mother and plans to get the ultimate revenge on him by stealing the "Sun and the Moon", his most prized possession. Together, Phillip and Adrianne travel to Jaquir to bring justice to Phoebe by punishing Abdu for his brutality. But their mission is the most dangerous either has ever embarked on, and any mistake will mean death for both of them!
This book is a great read. It is full of adventure and romance, and really keeps the reader's attention. So pick up this book, forget your troubles for a few hours, and get completely wrapped up in the lives of Adrianne and Phillip as they take their Sweet Revenge!

In the beginning when I started reading and realized that I had to go through Adriannes childhood in order to get to the present, I was almost going to stop reading, thinking it was going to be one of those books where it's a long and boring way to the point of the story. Luckily, I was mistaken. The way the story was written, the text, it just captivated you to continue reading. It made a very smooth and descriptive change to the present. Not once did I get bored. I just couldn't wait to have a break in my busy schedule to continue reading Sweet Revenge. Nora Roberts wrote it in a way that made the characters become part of you. I was very content with the ending, Adrianne needed and deserved what Phillip offered. I was so satisfied with this story from Nora Roberts, that I will look for more of her work, as this was the first book I read from her.