I almost gave up at about page 60 but I'm very glad I didn't. Once the story goes back in time to tell Clare's story it becomes hard to put down. Stirling pays attention to detail making each character stand out nicely - except for Striker who (perhaps purposely) is not as well fleshed out. The ending has a couple of neat twists, too.

it was wonderfully written about 18th century life ,and how people lived and worked and developed relationships. The characters are so real, and full of courage. Reading about life in the 18th century makes history come alive without opening a history book. Characters like Clare and Frederick are so sincere and represent everything true about the 18th century.

Not only an extremely helpful teaching tool, but well written and uniquely interesting -- a rare pleasure to read. Can't wait for more from these obviously well informed writers.

Wonderful resource. Amazing ideas.

Talking With Artists volume.3

This book is pretty interesting. It is about artists who share what they like to draw and about their lives. They are asked questions such as, "Do you have any kids or pets?" The illustrators show some of pictures that they drew when they were children. They also show how the children illustrators got their inspiration to draw.

I liked this book because it was neat to see how good some of the kids are at drawing and then to see them draw as they are older. Also that was cool it showed how to draw pictures in the back of the book. I recommend this book to people who are just stating to draw and people that want to read an interesting book.

I got this book at the library for my children, but I think I enjoyed it as much as they did! (I plan to buy a copy of my own!) Instead of a cool, impersonal presentation of artists and their work, this book provides a refreshingly personal view. The artists talk about their childhoods, how they spend their days (the answers are fun & honest!), their families, and best of all, they give us peeks inside their studios. I don't know about you, but I love seeing inside of an artist's private workspace! It's like a glimpse inside his/her mind.
The styles of the artists are very diverse and they use many different techniques that kids and adults alike would like to try out. I highly recommend this book!

*Identical twin sisters Bridget and Liz Van Zandt wanted families. And no way would their vacant ring fingers thwart their girlhood pledge to have babies--hubbies or no hubbies--by age thirty. So when the birthday bell tolled, the baby hunt began! But their pact didn't play out exactly as expected...
After her presto pregnacy at a sperm bank, sophisticated Bridget began to yearn for the set-in-stone bachelor Nick Raines. And in her quest for mommyhood, bold beauty Liz landed in the arms--and bed--of her enemy, Eric Statler. Would these two rich-and-dreamy half brothers give the twin lovelies what they truly desired all along--a double wedding?*
Well! That about says it all, except for some minor details, such as getting kicked out of a party, getting caught making-out at another one, false accusations, and early labors, you've got all the info you need to know that this two-in-one story would be sassy and sweet addition to your bookshelf. Happy reading!

Bridget and Liz Van Zandt feel their biological clocks tickingand both intend to do something about it. While neither has a husbandin sight or in mind, modern technology and modern morality should takecare of that problem, shouldn't it?

Using the device of a beautifulpair of identical twins, Kara Lennox has given us a fun and sexy rompof a story. Mistaken identities abound, and sexy half-brothers NickRaines and Eric Statler don't have a clue what is hitting them (or,half the time, who is doing the hitting).

By the time the brotherssort things out, the reader has enjoyed two charming romances for theprice of one. Bridget and Liz both get the babies they want, but boydo they end up with a lot more.

This is Kara Lennox's second bookwith Harlequin American and it is a complete winner.

By 1891 in the Scottish Hebrides Islands, Biddy Campbell is a wealthy widow. Her marriage left her without children and nothing to do with her deceased husband's family. Biddy tests perspective mates seeking a fertile future.

On the other hand also on the "Western Islands", her sister Innis remains married to ultra-pious Michael Tarrant. They have three children, but Innis buries her feelings to remain faithful and loyal to her demanding, acerbic husband, who once was her sister's lover.

The mix abruptly changes when widower Gillies Brown and his horde of children arrive in town. Innis finds herself extremely attracted to the new schoolmaster while pressure mounts for Biddy to remarry. As Innis relooks her marital and religious vows, Biddy takes in her teenage nephew with an uncertain future awaiting the two siblings.

The second installment in Jessica Sterling's highly regarded "The Isle of Mull" trilogy is a fabulous period piece that makes the late nineteenth century Scotland feel so vividly and passionately real. The story line centers on the differences and similarities of the two sisters. However, as expected from this wonderful author, the characters make the tale. Each individual (primary, secondary, and other) seems so complete and genuine, the audience will think they know everyone. THE WINDS FROM THE HILLS is not just sterling silver, it is 24K gold.

Harriet Klausner

By 1891 in the Scottish Hebrides Islands, Biddy Campbell is a wealthy widow. Her marriage left her without children and nothing to do with her deceased husband's family. Biddy tests perspective mates seeking a fertile future.

On the other hand also on the "Western Islands," her sister Innis remains married to ultra-pious Michael Tarrant. They have three children, but Innis buries her feelings to remain faithful and loyal to her demanding, acerbic husband, who once was her sister's lover.

The mix abruptly changes when widower Gillies Brown and his horde of children arrive in town. Innis finds herself extremely attracted to the new schoolmaster while pressure mounts for Biddy to remarry. As Innis relooks her marital and religious vows, Biddy takes in her teenage nephew with an uncertain future awaiting the two siblings.

The second installment in Jessica Sterling's highly regarded "The Isle of Mull" trilogy is a fabulous period piece that makes the late nineteenth century Scotland feel so vividly and passionately real. The story line centers on the differences and similarities of the two sisters. However, as expected from this wonderful author, the characters make the tale. Each individual (primary, secondary, and other) seems so complete and genuine, the audience will think they know everyone. THE WINDS FROM THE HILLS is not just sterling silver, it is 24K gold.

Harriet Klausner

When I finished reading this book I found myself strangely unmoved by it. It never seemed to delve deeply into its own story or my imagination. True, it's a short book, and that could have been part of the problem, but I've read many short books that still managed to leave a lasting impression. This book struck me as almost a speculative fiction equivalent to a cheap romance novel in its shallowness, predictability and overall forgetability.

Not only was this book uncompelling, but the main character was an unlikeable person who was constantly demeaning or insulting her more likeable sidekick--and she seemed to have a major gripe about just about everything else, as well. I can understand some of her objections, but she could stand to give it a rest sometimes. When I read a book, I generally imagine myself in the lead character's point of view, but Joan had such an unpleasant, unkind disposition that it was uncomfortable to ride her shoulder.

I guess I'd recommend this book if you want a quick read and don't want to have to think too much or get involved in the story or relate to the characters, but otherwise save your money.

Kara Dalkey is able to develope two well thought out characters for the reader to enjoy. They play off each other throughout the story. I only wished it was longer! The story mixes a modern day setting with fantasy elements, in an plausible and often times humorous fashion. Crystal Sage was a page turner until the end and a satisfying read throughout.

While reading this book I was aware only of being thoroughly caught up in the story. It was when I'd (reluctantly) put it down to for a while that I found myself marvelling at how well Ms. Dalkey wove her themes together. Celtic fairy legends mingle with Native American mythology. And both fantasy elements mingle with a realistic treatment of the very modern clash of values between those who love the wilderness and those prefer the controlled environment of buildings and roadways. It's rare for a book to be both this much fun and this thought-provoking at the same time. If there were a sequal I'd buy it today!

I bought and read "Men Made Easy" just as my divorce was going through and shortly before I began a new relationship. Kara Oh gives you practical advice on how to communicate with a man and understand what they are trying to communicate with you. Just knowing that men view sex as affection and a way of showing love helped me understand why they always seem preoccupied with it. I believe my "new" relationship had a much stronger start because of Kara Oh's book.

After hearing the author on a radio show I hoped this book would be the answer I'd been searching for. After 11 years of marriage things were at a stand still and I was beginning to feel like maybe I should cut my losses. I can't even put into words what a gift this book has been. It's like Tinkerbell came into our lives and sprinkled her fairy dust all over my husband and I. We're actually in love again.

I've read other relationship books but this was so simple to put into practice. It came naturally and has made a huge difference. I don't see how any woman can be without this information. And, like the author says, we women already know what's in the book but it's like we've forgotten it. What a great feeling to get reacquainted with it.

The twelve secrets are easy to understand and the newfound understanding I have for my husband has made my love for him come alive again. I've passed the book to two friends and they loved it too. It's like we have this special shared thing. It's nice. I think every woman who reads it will want to share it with her friends.

Every woman should read this book! As each of the 12 secrets are revealed, you will experience a better understanding of the man in your life. I love this book because it's real and packed with truth. Kara's unique story-telling style will captivate your attention.

I discovered Pamela Dean's _Tam Lin_ a couple of months ago, and ever since, I've been reading all the books in the Fairy Tale Series that I can get my hands on. _The Nightingale_ was the most recent one I read.

_The Nightingale_ makes a pretty decent "for-fun" read on a night when you just want to unwind with a story. However, it wasn't the enchantment I expected. Mostly I think that's because of the klunky historical detail that hit me over the head like an anvil every couple of words. No one ever just walks across the room in this book; they walk in their Authentic Japanese Shoes across the Authentic Japanese Floor, and arrive at the other side of the room, where they sit down on an Authentic Japanese Piece of Furniture. Dalkey wants to immerse us in the period; instead it feels like a history lecture at times. I contrast this with Ellen Steiber's novella "The Fox Wife"--in Steiber's story, we know full well that we're in feudal Japan, but the detail is subtle and flows naturally with the story. (To find "The Fox Wife", see the anthology _Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears_.) I also felt that the characters could have been developed more; the most interesting characters are the poet Shonasaki (who has only a sidekick's role), and Amaterasu, who's a goddess and not a "character" as such. Uguisu, the protagonist, just seems to be an innocuously nice girl who plays the flute much too well for a beginner, and once in a while shows some backbone that she keeps hidden the rest of the time.

Kudos, though, to the storyline involving Amaterasu (fun!) and the way the Uguisu/Takenoko/Emperor love triangle was resolved; it was done in a way that was true to the characters, rather than being formulaic. The book gets much better in the last section.

Also, if you get the chance, read her later short story "The Chrysanthemum Robe", in the anthology _The Armless Maiden_. It is better-written than this novel, and the story is absolutely heartbreaking.

Kara Dalkey, The Nightingale (Ace, 1988)

During the late eighties, Ace Book released a series based on fairytales, of which this is one. Dalkey retells the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale of the nightingale, changing the setting to Japan (because, she says, she knows more about Japan than she does China) and extending it to novel length.

A fine little work it is. Dalkey has taken the cast of characters form the tale, expanded on it, and fleshed out the existing bunch to give us a fine little tale. It is well-paced, intricate, and a joy to read. Along the way, the reader also
gains some knowledge of various Japanese cultural traditions. Quite fun, and highly recommended. ****

The Nightingale, written for Teri Windling's "Fairy Tales" series of fantasy novels based on popular fairy tales, is a charming and immensely enjoyable retelling of Andersen's story, set in 11th or 12th century Japan, during the end of the Heian period. Recommended, especially to those lovers of fantasy with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

I dreaded the contemporary fantasy setting, the supposed now-days teenage antics were so unrealistic, and too wild to believe it happened at all. This is the fiction of fiction, the characters were unbelieveabley fake.

Kara Dalkey is one of my favorite fantasy authors, but this book just totally turned me off, this is the worst book she's ever written. Hard core fantasy lovers, this is not your book.

From what I understand, Kara Dalkey is a friend of Emma Bull's...and so I understand, having read War for the Oaks, where Dalkey got many of her ideas for this novel...namely her friend's earlier novel. (Which by the way is being reprinted in Summer 2001).

The setting is Pittsburgh rather than Minneapolis...the heroine is a Performance Artist, not the singer in a band, and she deals primarily with Unseelie rather than the Sidhe Court. But many of the concepts and 'vocabulary' are the same, or subtly different.

Thus it loses a star for basic originality, but it is well done for what it sets out to do. I do recommend those who are interested in reading both read the Bull book and then this...it makes more sense to see the evolution of the concept that way.

This book starts in a light hearted ritual to summon a spirit. Constructed on a whim from our heroine of the book, she is much surprised when it actually works and she ends up with two new friends who lead her into all sorts of situations and new friends.

This beat-of-the-city fantacy is intense, involving an array of beings from the spectrum of spiritual creatures. The powers of light and dark are head to head in a battle which could destroy, or forever change the city. And this quirky performance artist holds the key to ending it.

If I am not mistaken, this book is meant to be a history book, not a novel for entertainment. (?)
Then if that is the case, it's not supposed to be "fantastic" or tell stories, it's supposed to give accurate fact and detail as genuine historical record. If you are looking for a sensationalized literature book based upon the Gempei war, then read "Tale of the Heike".

Like samurai?
Like vicious backstabbing and war?
Like demons, angered gods and magic?

Good! Genpei contains all of that. But oh, there's a problem. Genpei is entertaining if you really, truly crave samurai-themed books.

Everyone else is advised to beware.

Apparenly, Kara Dalkey modeled Genpei on ancient Japanese books like Shining Prince Genji, and therein lies the chief problem. Those old books are fantastic for historical reference, but in terms of entertainment value, they suffer.

Genpei is a dry and ponderous tome that feels twice as long as it actually is. Dalkey's writing is capable but stiff, lacking any voice or flourish. The dialogue is formal and devoid of wit, and the method of storytelling seems to be 'tell, don't show' (the story tracks decades in the lives of the Taira and Minamoto families, and much of the story is devoted to playing catch-up by summarizing what happened in the timespan between chapters).

It's hard to work up sympathy for anyone, as the characters all seem to be an array of scheming and politicking old men, mostly so similar that it's difficult to separate them -- and not just because of the Japanese name-changing and similarity customs. The whole thing is just... boring. Even the villains are weak.

A fantasy based on the Genpei wars could have been a fantastic read. It was a fascinating period in Japanese history, a time when courtly peace began its decay back into bickering feudalism. I was as giddy as a schoolgirl upon finding this novel in the library, knowing nothing about it. But after reading Genpei, I'd say unless you really, really, REALLY love samurai, you'd be better off skipping this one. I'm only giving it three stars because yes, I REALLY love samurai...

As a student of Japanese history, I found that learning of this time era in class extemely dull and confusing, but Dalkey is able to tell the same story adding in all the myth of ancient Japan makeing the story of the Gempei wars much more entertaining. The voice of the book was also well done, reminding me of the Tale of Genji, it made me feel like I was reading a true tale of that time without all the confusion that comes with translating ancient texts. Of course if you're not the least bit interested in Japanese history this book is not for you.