1987's The Joshua Tree was U2's breakout album. They had been a big success in Europe, but in America, they were somewhat popular, but not superstars. Up to that point, they had never had a top ten album or single. That all changed when The Joshua Tree was released. The album was an instant smash, spent a staggering 9 weeks at number one and spawned two number one singles, "With Or Without You" & "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". They became the biggest band in the world and rock and roll icons. This book deals with the creative process of the recording of this seminal release. You get some good insights into the thought process behind the album. The one drawback is the book's size. It comes in a cd jewel case and is the size of a cd booklet. It doesn't feel like you are actually reading a book. Other than that, if you love The Joshua Tree, then you should check this book out.

U2 es un grupo que mueve masas a traves del mundo entero, aúncuando en países como Colombia si bien es conocido por sus éxitos With or without you, I still haven`t found what I`m looking for y Where the streets have no name, no deja de ser simplemente eso: El grupo de pop creador de esas canciones. Pero mas allá de esas canciones, U2 es un lider político que quizás sin darse cuenta ha influenciado con su música muchos movimientos europeos de tinte socio-polìtico , sobre todo en regiones en conflicto como Irlanda del sur. Es indiscutible que el disco que consagró a U2 como el mejor grupo de pop- rock, fué The Joshua Tree, pero han pasado ya 9 años desde su grabación, y los trabajos posteriores reflejan el crecimiento mental y espiritual del grupo así como su sentir frente al desarrollo de la humanidad en estos años. Es por ello que U2 será siempre un grupo de vanguardia en los mensajes que trasmite, así como en su estilo musical, aún cuando conserve siempre su clásica guitarra y moderado bajo.

This book is so well written and full of history and interesting facts that I read it from cover to cover. The ojime pieces themselves are breathtaking and the photos are extremely clear. Worth every cent and will start you wanting to collect ojime yourself.

This book captures your mind visually and intellectually. It is a pleasure to scan as well. The unique range of objects demonstrate the vast breadth and depth of this artform from the Japanese. I plan on purchasing several for holiday gifts.

I have a weak spot for pirate stories and Tammy Hilz did not disappoint me. With a gutsy heroine and a sexy protective hero filled with swashbuckling adventure and humour, other romance fans will not be disappointed either! This book is the first in a series about the heroine and her two sisters and if the other books that follow are as strong as this one...I will be looking forward to the rest of the series with great anticipation!

What a great, engaging read! Daniel Tremeyne is convinced that Morgan Fisk the pirate has killed one of his employees, the captian of one of his ships. Because he hunts down pirates for King George and Morgan is a nuisance to the crown, Daniel is plenty motivated to see Morgan swing from the business end of a rope. Except he doesn't plan on her clever mind and her beauty. Both surprise him, and Daniel is forced to examine Morgan's motives for piracy while trying to fight his growing attraction for her. Morgan is a gutsy, take charge female with enough vulnerability to be real. Daniel is overwhelming at times. Big, sleek and sometimes angry, he is all man--and Morgan occasionally finds herself at a loss. Eventually these two souls come to understand each other and forge a great love. Before we get there, however, the sexual tension and story pacing will leave you breathless. This is is too much fun! Don't miss out!

For a first-time novelist, Joyce Lamb has a fantastically strong understanding of plot -- this book surprised me more than once. As a writer, I also know writing sex scenes is a difficult thing to pull off, but Lamb does it with good taste and nice "heat."

Moving from Chicago to Fort Myers, Florida is supposed to be the beginning of a new life for Meg Grant, a twenty-eight year old court reporter still coping with her parents' tragic deaths. Alone in the world and robbed of family ties, Meg has decided to resume the search for her birth parents, craving a connection to her blood kin -- any connection. Her uncanny resemblance to jewel thief and suspected murderer, Margot Rhinehart, is more than she bargained for, however. After an altercation at the airport (in which Meg is confronted by a cold-eyed stranger demanding to know what happened to his brother, Beau), events quickly spiral out of her control.

Suddenly, Meg and her best friend, Dayle, are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse they know absolutely nothing about. Convinced that Meg is Margot, a group of thugs approach the two women, who attempt to flee but are swiftly subdued, prompting Ryan Kama to step into the fray, gun in hand. Having followed his brother's lover from the airport, he's keen to keep Margot from vanishing into thin air again (like she did after Beau's murder three months ago). The FBI has been very tight-lipped about their investigation, and Ryan is tired of waiting for answers. If kidnapping the woman his brother foolishly fell in love with is the only way to seek vengeance -- and justice -- so be it...Hell, she should be grateful he's saving her treacherous neck from Slater Nielsen's pack of goons.

Ryan is almost tempted to believe the woman's protestations of innocence, though, and her tall tale about being a reporter. Oh, she's putting on a damn convincing act, that's for sure, but there's really no doubting the green-eyed beauty spouting such pretty lies is Margot Rhinehart. Who else could she be? A case of mistaken identity is an all too likely story, and besides, Ryan has a score to settle with Slater Nielsen, and he'll be damned if he'll play nicely by the rules...

Sometimes, I think romantic suspense must be as difficult to write -- and to get right -- as romantic comedy. But then an author will come along who electrifies the subgenre with a sensationally suspenseful plot that's as recklessly thrilling as any breath-stealing, white-knuckled ride at an amusement park. Joyce Lamb is just such an author, and has written a breathlessly paced debut novel (a real page turner, if ever there was one) readers will feverishly race through. Relative Strangers is strong, dynamic fiction, and is populated with equally strong, dynamic characters. If bits and pieces of the plot are cliched, Ms. Lamb's steady-handed storytelling skills will add new vigor to the not-quite-unexpected twists and turns.

A fast and furious read, action sequences help to keep the storyline rolling, and tumbling, and in a general state of agitation. Meg and Ryan's relationship is just as intense and attention grabbing as the physical skirmishes, however, especially once a sense of intimacy has been established. I was surprised Meg fell so quickly for Ryan, though, considering his rough treatment of her, and what his high-handed interference has cost her. In fact, I was literally inundated with frustration and outrage on Meg's behalf, and only warmed up to Ms. Lamb's hero gradually. (What can I say, I like to hold a grudge). Margot, on the other hand, is a surprisingly sympathetic character, although she's far from faultless or blameless in this escalating series of close calls and calculated casualties.

So if you're looking for a white-knuckled read of romantic suspense from an up and coming author, Relative Strangers is the perfect book for you! Joyce Lamb has roared onto the literary scene like a lion; you won't want to put her debut novel down or turn the last page, mark my words.

Reviewed by C.L. Jeffries

Good characters and good first book for this writer. I was drawn into the cultures and personalities almost imediatly and his blending of mystism and magic is quite good.
I look forward to the sequal.

I love fantasy novels. They create the illusion that there are worlds out there that are more interesting than ours, more magical than our every day existence. However, from Tolkien on down, they do have a way of all falling into a pattern. A magical land is threatened by the resurrection of some ancient evil, and the heros embark upon some lengthy and difficult journey to set it right. I say heros not to be sexist, but because that's the way it is. Most of the characters are male, and what few women there are, with only a few exceptions, are either token females or loyal helpmates of the heros.

Tim Rayborn breaks this pattern - in fact, he breaks a lot of patterns. While the basic plot is still the same, most of this book departs in a very noticeable way from other fantasy novels. The women are as powerful and heroic as the men - and on some occasions even more so. The Great Master, called the Land Spirit, who sets the heroines on their way is a foppish dandy, powerful, but not all-powerful, more concerned with his clothes than with explaining to his people exactly what they're supposed to accomplish. At least one of the protagonists actually doesn't like him!

Each of the main characters possesses a very special skill which the others lack.. The first protagonist we meet is Dorinen, an impulsive but dedicated Diana-type archer, a lover of the forests, with a high level of intuition, whom the Master sets on her way. Dorinen is instructed to awaken Mylth, an immortal immersed in a hundred-year meditation possessing the wisdom of six hundred years of living. Mylth, another archer, is the character that doesn't like the Master! In a separate story line, we meet Andra, a female bard who possesses a strange violet jewel with immense powers that are activated when she plays her instruments. Her companion is a monk named Narcom whose knowledge of the martial arts is unsurpassed.

Eventually, the two couples join forces with each other and with a rather abrasive dwarf called Bayark. The five of them face numerous hideous foes before triumphing over the evil. The villains are the Vordlai, a hideous demonlike race powerful enough to enslave other demonic races less powerful than they. But the Vordlai only serve the evil magician. I won't tell you who or what this character is!

Unlike some fantasy writers who feel obligated to write in a stiff and ponderous style, Rayborn's writing style is free-flowing, simple, and very easy to read. The story takes a number of twists and turns, and one of the female characters, despite her attraction to her companion, comes very close to entering into a lesbian relationship with a dancer who claims magical powers. There is just enough magic in the book to make it interesting, but not enough to outshine the skills, ingenuity and courage exhibited by the characters - who are so complex and well-drawn that the reader actually CARES about them. For me, this is what makes a good book. This is definitely a fascinating read, guaranteed to keep you awake at night!

According to the subtitle on the cover of the book, this is only the first in a trilogy. Speaking for myself, I can't wait to see the second volume!

Danielle Steel is so good at what she does and this book is no exception. She writes about a very passionate married couple who goes through many trials and tribulations only to be faced with shortcomings of one of their childern. That said, this book tells about how the wife literally wills her near death war inflicked husband back to life. She also, after his revival, births three more children to add to the first child (son) they had together and moves on to developing a career for herself and the family. Ergo, the title, Jewels, is about how she created an empire of jewelry that brought her fame and fortune. After a successful store of Jewelry in Paris, she moves on to open a store in New York and a couple other places. Before turning her business over to the grown children, she loses her husband (a veteran) to the military contracted illness. Nevertheless, this heroine pulls off a successful life for herself even after his death. If you love a love story, you absolutely must read this book.

Here's another book where I enjoyed it so much, I do admit I liked the TV movie as well. Bad, I know. However, this really is one of my favorite DS. Definately on the top 5. This story takes you to a time & place, you meet so many people...you feel you've lived it, been there...
Get a copy today!!

This book was the first, and the best book I have ever read by Danielle Steel. You have to have it.
I was so sad when it ended, and I just wanted more pages.
READ IT:)

PLANTAGENET TRILOGY in order: THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER........ THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL....... THE MARRIAGE PRIZE

IN addition to the synopsis above:

The one thing that bothered me most about this book is.... it took awhile for Simon and Eleanor's story to initiate. I found the first part quite tedious and a bit depressing. Tedious: 'cuz I think the story of Eleanor's first marriage could have been shortened. The more I read about Will Marshall and his attributes, the more I prefer him to be the hero of this book. Depressing: 'cuz I've formed a distinct liking towards Will Marshall in the first book, The Falcon and The Flower. He was a very honorable man. Capable of lifetime of love, loyalty and faithfulness. I was impressed by his character that I wanted more for him other than just a short-live life & happiness. I also didn't particularly favor his marriage to Princess Eleanor mainly because of their age difference. I really wished he married someone of his age and had found lasting love and happiness... However, as I was thinking, perhaps Will Marshall isn't a fictional character afterall. Sad as it may be, Will Marshall and his faith might even be somewhat true in HISTORY, that Virginia Henley have no choice but to write it as it is. I will definitely do some research about this matter as it has deeply piqued my curiosity. Anyway, as the story progressed, I begun to gain my good mood back. I enjoyed Simon and Eleanor's character and love story. I love the way Simon courted Eleanor. His playfullness, gentleness and his attitude towards her. He is so large, a mighty war-lord while she's so tiny. And yet Simon still manages to be very patient and loving towards Eleanor. Awww~! As for the Princess, well... I wasn't disturbed by her proud bearing, her spoiledness, her vanity or her extravagant ways. She is a PLANTAGENET PRINCESS, afterall. What do you expect? In my opinion, It would have been unbelievable and unrealistic for her to be otherwise. I admired her regal bearing as well as her love for Simon. Their love for each other was so strong, so convincing and oh so deep, that it scares me to read about them in the next book, THE MARRIAGE PRIZE, since I already know by historical facts what faith awaits Simon De Monfort. Ugh!

I have always been intrigued by the PLANTAGENETS. I've read historical facts about them in the past yet reading their history in this book mixed with romance made it more interesting for me. The historical facts captured me while the romance heightened it. I admired the way Virginia Henley corporated this trilogy. She developed her characters to the fullest, pulling you into their thoughts, making you understand them while instilling FACTS at the same time. She also leave small degrees to allow readers to form their own judgement about her characters, esp. those that are non-fictional. I don't know how she does that but I find it rather fascinating. I've read only 4 of Virginia Henley works but so far, I've notice her books are at least 70% filled of educational historical facts, which is blended uniquely with her own ideas of romantic interlude. I say that's quite impressive, don't u think? Read Virginia Henley's PLANTAGENET TRILOGY. It is educational yet entertaining and heart soaring. This is what HISTORICAL ROMANCE is all about.

This is the second book to the Plantagenet Trilogy. The first is FALCON AND THE FLOWER and the third is THE MARRIAGE PRIZE. This story is about Princess Eleanor Plantagenet, the King's "Precious Jewel". After King John died, his children King Henry III, Richard of Cornwall and Princess Eleanor were left alone to basically run England. Their mother Queen Isabella married another and moved on. This is the great love story of Princess Eleanor Plantagenet and the famous warlord Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester. This true story of these two passionate people is told with such flair and sensuality that only Virginia Henley could tell. True the story is compressed to about three years, when in reality is was more like thirty. But she pulls it off with no problem. The sequel, and last book to this trilogy begins in the year 1253, this book ends in 1240. That is the reason for the dropping off at the end. The story continues into the next book, for all those complaining about the sudden abrupt ending. The characters from the first book make many appearances in this one, namely their son Sir Rickard de Burgh. He is appointed the Princess's gaurd. In the beginning of the story their is about 190 pages of story between Eleanor and her first husband, the Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal. He was much older than her and when she became a widow at the age of 17, she took a vow of chastity of perpetual widowhood. Simon first saw her and fall in love. He had to have her at any cost. The passionate love these two shared and the enemies and treachery they endured, is awe inspiring. Simon is breathtaking, a great warlord of his time, and Eleanor is beautiful and strong willed. She is a woman ahead of her time. This story will make you smile and feel like you are there with Simon and Eleanor. Henley has an uncanny knack of bringing the reader into her world. I could almost hear the swords clanking and the King shouting. This is an excellent read, don't miss it. I have read this many times, and still find myself enthralled everytime. Virginia Henley is an extrememly talented writer, she brings these people to life and shows you the sacrifices they made for their beloved country, when civil war was knocking at England's door. Simon was a great warlord and leader, I think you will enjoy this great 13th century love story in all it's glory. It's a keeper.

This is my all time favorite Virginia Henley book! Simon de Montfort and Eleanor are the most romantic couple ever commited to paper! This books is full of rich historical details, intrigue and plenty of steam! Read and enjoy!

"Cordina's Crown Jewel" is the story of Camilla MacGee, the daughter of the couple featured in Roberts' 1986 "Affaire Royale." She's a runaway princess, burned out from all the responsibility and notoriety that comes with her position. She ends up in Vermont, her car the victim of a deer and a thunderstorm. There she ends up working for cantankerous archeologist Delaney Caine. Delaney knows she's hiding something, but not that she's a princess...

This is an old familiar plot -- princess hides out as "normal person" -- handled in the old familiar Roberts way. Anyone who has read a lot of Roberts knows that she has a lot of stock characters, and sometimes it feels as if whole chunks can be taken out of one book and transposed into another.

Still, millions read Roberts for a reason. Her writing is smooth and easy, and her characters are appealing and just complex enough to interest. Camilla's story flows well, and Delaney is a marvellously charming curmudgeon (even if he's too young to be a curmudgeon!).

A good, smooth read that fans of Roberts will truly enjoy.

Another winner by Nora Roberts.
Camilla needs some time alone, time to not be a princess. So off she goes on a trip alone. She gets a job working with an archeologist and thus begins the adventure of a lifetime. Del is interesting, sexy and in need of a feminine hand. As the sparks fly, Camilla learns to accept who she is and becomes ready to step into her role as leader of her country. Del has to come to grips with the fact that he has fallen in love and then with the information he has fallen in love with a princess.

A true romance and a true joy to read. It is short enough to read in a long night or a day. I enjoyed every minute of it and was sorry to see it end.

Enjoy.

I loved this book all the way done to the end and I was able to relate to Camilla needing some time to herself and founding out who she is and add in a cute guy to help her out you can't go wrong with that combination. I recommand this book to any Nora Robert's fan

also: River's End and True Betrayals

Reading the reviews about this book, I found most to fall into two categories: 5 star reviews by people who like Jewel, and 1 star reviews by people who do not. This is a fair enough way to rate the book since if a person does not like Jewel, they will probably not like her autobiography. I fall in between the two groups. I am a big fan of Jewel and absolutely loved her new album This Way . I did not, however, love her book.

The format of this memoir is a series of selections from her journal. We see personal glimpses of her life as she sees it. Jewel is reflecting on her life, her childhood, and where she is now. As far as we can tell, this is a very honest book and it is filled with some painful recollections of her childhood, and her family life. She also writes of her best friend and watching her die in the hospital. Jewel has a very open and clear writing style and this is a breeze to read.

I said that I did not love this book, and that much is true. It is not a horrible book, and I do not feel that it is worth a 1 star rating. This is simply a middle of the road book with nothing truly special about it. Had this not been written by Jewel, it would have disappeared quickly and probably not been read. As far as memoirs go, this one isn't anything special. As memoir by Jewel, it is probably only of interest to her fans. And then only to some of them.

Let me tell you this first. I am a huge Jewel fan. But to put it lightly i really did not care for her last book. When I went to the bookstore to purchase this book I was questioning my motives for buying it. I started to look through it before I bought it and decided it looked OK and there were some cool pictures and drawings so I decided to buy it. Well much to my surprise it is amazing. I love it. Jewel captures so much emotion in her words. She describes the memories of here childhood in Alaska with such beauty that I now want to go on vacation there. She also writes about here experiences with crazed fans and the feeling she gets before, during, and after concerts. There are even some very funny moments in the book. It is somewhat of an autobiography but more a glimpse into the mind of a very talented and deep thinking artist. A++++ I recomend this book if you are a fan of Jewel's or not. Go buy it even if you did not like the last one as I did not. You will not be let down!

Chasing down the Dawn was an amazing novel.Jewel's words were just like her lyrics--poetic & insightful to the human spirit.Rather than it being the story of her life--it was emotions of her experiences thar were written.It was a wonderfully beautiful novel that will light the way in literature --showing how a book should be written.The illustrations were very creative & altogether it was a very enjoyable book in which things were expressed that are in most hearts but Jewel was able to put on paper.I gave it a 5 stars which Chasing Down the dawn truly deserves for the heartfelt story that it is.

I must say that I felt Jade Island was the worst book I have ever read by Elizabeth Lowell. I have always loved her books!!! They were safe!!! When everyone else was going to what was "popular" she stayed with passion, intrigue, and lots of chemistry. That is no longer so. I felt Jade Island didn't have characters I liked. Kyle seemed weak and depended on his older brother way too much. I felt that Lianne was a sorry imitation of all the heroines of Elizabeth Lowell's past. I really didn't like any thing about her. And what is with today's authors making sex into some "it's no big deal thing"??? Isn't the genre of Romance supposed to be making a story about something amazing happening between two people? Kyle and Lianne were so commonplace about having sex it made my stomach turn. I have always loved the sparks that fly in an Lowell/Maxwell novel, but I must say that as much as I have loved her novels in the past, if the next one isn't better Elizabeth Lowell I will no longer be a novel I pick sight unseen.

Seeking independence and adventure, Kyle Donavon opens up his own business, leaving behind the family's international corporation run by his brother Archer. Being his own man allows Kyle to travel the globe searching for treasures. Archer asks Kyle to look into the claim of billionaire Dick Farmer, who insists that he possesses the legendary Jade Emperor. If he does have the fabled treasure, Kyle is to investigate how he obtained it since it was supposedly in the vault of Hong Kong's Tang family. The American and Chinese governments as well as the powerful Tang clan want answers before an international incident explodes over this national treasure.

Everyone believes that Lianne Blakely, a talented gemologist and illegitimate daughter of one of the Tangs, is the thief. Her father wants her to meet Kyle, who starts his inquiries with her based on a government lead. She insists that she is innocent and as he begins to care for her, he reluctantly believes her. Someone is setting up Lianne to take the fall and her only hope lies in a man she now loves, but does not trust.

The second tale in Elizabeth Lowell's "Donavon family" romantic suspense novels is a gem of a story that, like its best selling predecessor, requires enough time for a one-siting read. The story line is action packed and loaded with international intrigue. The lead lovers are a phenomenal duet, who begin to cherish each other, but struggle to trust their soulmate. The return of characters from AMBER BEACH adds a warm feeling of homecoming. With JADE ISLAND, Elizabeth Lowell has scribed a 24 carat best seller.

Harriet Klausner

"Jade Island" is book two in Elizabeth Lowell's Donovan series. I think it is her best novel of the four. As always, Ms. Lowell's writing style is tight, her characters so alive, (the Donovans are a terrific bunch that I cannot read enough about), and her plot and subplots are riveting - filled with adventure and suspense; not to mention her love/sex scenes, which are always hot! I especially like Lianne Blakely, a smart, independent lady who knows what she is about...and how to stand up for herself.

Kyle Donovan, a gemologist, has decided to go into business for himself, leaving the family corporation, Donovan International. On his own, Kyle can travel the globe at will, searching for gems, antiquities...and adventure. Archer Donovan, Kyle's brother and CEO of the family business, hires Kyle as a consultant to investigate the authenticity of "The Jade Emperor," purported to be recently acquired by a billionaire collector. The piece should be in the vaults of Hong Kong's Tang Family. If it is not there, then the priceless jade has been stolen and the theft could provoke an international incident. The US and Chinese governments are investigating also.

Lianne Blakely, a noted gemologist, is the illegitimate daughter of Johnny Tang. The Tang family does not accept her as one of their own, but trusts her and works with her because of her professional experience and her unacknowledged family connection. Her father asks her to seduce Kyle Donovan in order to have an inside track to Donovan International. The Tangs need the Donovan's for their continued success in the gem market.

Kyle, unaware of Lianne's motives, is out to seduce her himself. He wants to have an inside line to her family, and find out as much information as he can about the stolen jade. Archer, Kyle and the Tangs suspect that Lianne is involved in the theft.

The attraction between Kyle and Lianne is dynamite. The plot's tension increases when someone attempts to murder her. The research on jade is meticulous and the information fascinating. The history of Chinese family traditions is richly told, and more valuable to this reader than precious jade. What a fabulous book! I highly recommend it.