Anthea Bright has relocated to Haven, Kansas from the east to take a position as the small town's schoolteacher. She has fine polish that states she has grown up with money and manners. Her ways are gentle and yet she must be strong and strict to handle this bunch of midwestern children. Gabriel Jackson, comes to the school one day to confront this new teacher that is obviously not qualified as such and finds that she is a lot more resilient than he would have guessed. As Gabriel begins to complain to Anthea about what his daughter should be taught, he discovers she has a fierce passion for her teaching and her students and he best not second-guess her.

The Bad Man's Bride was a satisfying read. It was a pleasing narrative and the leads are unique, likable and captivating characters. The story's pace faltered about halfway through the book and that is really the main reason for the four star rating rather than a five star. Although I enjoyed this story, I was not compelled to keep reading because it was a book that fascinated me. It didn't fall into that "couldn't put down" category. It was just a good, tame read.

The hero, Gabriel, although supposedly this bad man (thus the title), brings a bastard child, a nine year old girl into his house to raise as his own, when her mother, a prostitute, dies. This child is not Gabriel's. He was raised as a bastard himself and wants to protect this little girl who has no one to take care of her. He lets everyone assume it is his child who he has neglected for years until the mother died. This child is very dear and fragile. She adds so much to this story. Children in a romance novel usually don't add much to the story but this one does.

The sweet, proper heroine is not a virgin! She isn't the victim of some awful rape either. And it makes no difference to the hero. Their relationship does not fall into the same old romantic plot lines. Gabriel and Anthea get along very well and do not pick on each other or have disagreements. They both have some unspoken doubts concerning their relationship but these doubts were actually normal. They made sense under the circumstances. I guess I am saying that the book was actually believable all the way through!

This book is about the romance between Gabriel and Anthea. It has a couple of side plots that take up few pages. I love it when a romance novel is about a romance. Gabriel and Anthea are the primary focus of this tale and they spend a lot of time together. If you have read many of my reviews, you know that this is a really important facet to me about a romance novel. I want to see the romance relationship mature. I want to read pages of Gabriel and Anthea interacting. I was certainly not disappointed on that point.

The sensual scenes rate about a four out of five (see More About Me for rating guidelines). These scenes appear after the first half and really enhance the story line. You see genuine feelings developing between these two and there is depth to their relationship almost from the beginning. I do have to agree with one reviewer about the name of the book. The Bad Man's Bride is not really a representative title. The heroine could not be described as a bride for a good portion of the story. And, in my opinion, this man does not have the history to be considered a "bad man" by the town and doesn't behave like a "bad man" currently.

This is my first book to read by Susan Kay Law. I certainly look forward to working my way through her backlist.

I loved this book. It's the first I've read by Ms. Law, but certainly not the last! This book is about Anthea Bright, who goes to Kansas to be a school teacher. The parent of one of her children, Gabriel Jackson, comes in and complains about her curriculum, saying that it won't do his child Lily any good to learn manners and deportment instead of math, writing, and reading. Anthea agrees to help Lily after school and ends up also spending more time with Gabriel, much to the dissatisfaction of the townspeople. Gabriel has a bad rep around town and the people don't want him or Lily there. The attraction between him and Anthea grows until they find themselves in a compromising position and must marry. Will Anthea, Gabriel, and Lily learn to become a family, or will their temporary solution never become permanent?

Both lead characters were wonderful. Gabriel is the town bad boy who is just trying to make things work for himself and provide for Lily. Anthea is determined and smart, as well as uncaring about Gabriel's sordid past. Secondary characters such as Philip Cox and his wife Cleo also add to the story, and I also enjoyed reading about how things turned out for them. All the children amused and made the story fun.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys a good romance and I hope to read many more fabulous books by Ms. Law. If you enjoyed this book I recommend Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Lowell as well. Happy Reading!

In post Civil War Kansas, Anthea Bright has taken the position of school teacher in order to support her sisters living back east in Philadelphia. Anthea never bargained to meet Gabriel Jackson,'father' of Lily, one of Anthea's students. Though he frustrates her, Anthea finds herself drawn to Gabriel, an attraction which she can ill-afford. For Gabriel is shunned by the more respectable members of the town of Haven given the fact that his mother was never married.

Gabriel's gruff kindness astounds Anthea as she comes to know him better and begins to care for Lily. Unforseen circumstances force the pair to marry to save Anthea's reputation. Will their marriage last, or will they go their separate ways, never to see one another again?

Readers looking for a witty and delightful read will be sure to enjoy this book. While the emotions between the hero and heroine are intense enough to satisfy many a reader, the elements of humor cleverly interspersed in this novel lend a feeling of reality to the protagonists. A truly entertaining read!

Margaret shows us that taking a chance leads into a life she would have never dreamed of. The mysterious Kieran is to dream about.

This is a very sweet, well-written and satisfying romance. Margaret, at the very old romance novel age of 35, is a poor, struggling spinster shocked by the handsome and frozen man who falls into her doorway during a winter storm. The book has a nice rhythm. My one slight criticism is that too much of the plot is resolved away from the reader.

This book had me hooked from page one to the last page ~~ it's witty, quick and brash and at the same time, it is bittersweet. It's a wonderful Southern lit book ~~ and it's one of my favorites. This is the first time I have ever heard of Mary Kay Andrews and I am hooked.

Weezie Foley lands in the midst of a murder-scandal accidentally while looking for a bathroom at an estate sale ~~ and how she gets out of it is a hilarious tale in itself. Then revelations about family members, ex-husband, new boyfriend and friends spice up the entire book with their tales ~~ this book keeps you on its toes and never lets up till the last page is turned!

If you like mystery with a good dash of romance ~~ this book is for you. Not only is it fun ~~ it is hilarious in some places ~~ these Southerners have a great sarcasm and it shows. Nothing seems to stop them except extreme humidity ~~ and an icy gin and tonic can cure that. So grab that bottle of suntan lotion and head for the lake or the nearest shade and enjoy! Don't forget your iced tea ~~ this book will leave you with a hankering for a drink!

4-25-03

Put in a stock of good wine, seafood and especially chocolate before beginning this highly original culinary/antique/vintage/kitschy cozy. A deliciously wordy dip into a part of the Savannah landscape that Behrendt missed, complete with an antebellum plantation house, an outrageous ex-husband, wonderfully dysFUNctional family issues, and a bit of beefcake. Weezie is a thoroughly wronged ex-wife, with a business in picking treasure from junk piles. Living in the carriage house/garage behind the Savannah townhouse she helped buy and restore (only to be booted out of by her ex- and the home wrecking Caroline). Weezie is managing her life though, until an emergency trip to the bathroom lands her in jail. Accused of breaking and entering as well as a being a suspect for the murder of Caroline. This book rejoices the issues of family, good friends, knowing yourself, helping but not judging and keeping your sense humor - as well a glimpse into a historic city. I found it positively delightful and give it five stars in the beach read category.

The mystery does not totally conclude when you close the cover of this book, I'd suggest a dance over to the author's website, where another mystery unfolds.

As soon as I had read the first few pages I knew this was going to be a wonderful book.This story is filled with funny quirky characters, great antiques, wonderful food and antebellum houses.////After 10 yrs. of marriage, Eloise's (Weezie) husband Tal left her for another woman named Caroline. Weezie moved into the carriage house in back of the town house that Tal and Carolina now lived in.///Weezie is an antique picker, so wanting to get a head start on an estate sale to be held at "Beaulieu", she and her best friend BeBe decided to camp out at the site of the sale. During the night, Weezie broke into the house to use the bathroom and fell onto a murdered body and became the prime suspect.///Daniel, a boyfriend from long ago has reappeared in her life and they run into many problems that tend to keep them apart.///Weezie's uncle, James, a former catholic priest becomes her lawyer.///A few interesting developments occur to make for a wonderful book from beginning to end.///You won't be disappointed if you read this book.

April, 2002
You should read Managing Upward by Patti Hathaway & Susan Schubert. The topic touches most everyone. Since I just changed jobs, it came at just the right time.

It has all the ingredients I look for in a book:
-- A relevant topic - like most of us, I have a boss.
-- Easy to read - without the fluff.
-- Short chapters I can read in those brief periods of idle time.
-- Practical suggestions I can immediately apply.

The one complaint is there are too many self-assessments. But don't let that stand in your way of a valuable addition to your library.

Not only do I recommend the book for you in dealing with your boss; I encourage you to provide copies for your direct reports.

'Managing Upward' A practical step by step guide for learning, or reminding of the many nuances of effective communication. It does this by focusing on the characteristics of good relationships, communication gaps, and misaligned goals and expectations between a worker and a boss. It strikes me, there doesn't seem to be many books as concise, quick to read, and solely dedicated towards addressing this single challenging issue.

The book includes many exercises designed to aid with self assessment with regard to understanding one's own ability to communicate and to comprehend the many facets of effective communication. If you are having difficulty in your relationship with your boss, all is not lost. This book can help you put matters into perspective and assist you in understanding the parts which may be missing, but are essential to good communication. I felt, depending on the scenario, some of the exercises may not be realistic to practice as described. One example was an exercise designed to be completed jointly by the worker and the boss - this might seem like a near impossible task in light of a serious communication issue. A worker may prefer taking a bone away from a ravenous dog, rather than handing their boss a questioner to fill out. All kidding aside - I do agree, regardless of the scenario, the exercises are all well suited to help build insight towards the particular facet of communication it addresses.

One insight I had about this book - it seems by it's title and design to imply it was written to cater to the worker's perspective towards understanding how to better communicate with their boss, thus enabling them to 'Manage Upward'. I feel the the book is much more versatile - the concept of 'Managing Upward' is a desirable dynamic for all involved. Managers who better understand the common road-blocks and essential elements to enable effective communication are better poised to produce it in their environment. If you are a boss and detect communication challenges among you and your staff, or you are just interested in fine tuning communication practices within your department, you'll enjoy this guide-book - a combination of unique and tried and true communication concepts. Don't be afraid to hand them out to your staff!

I have gone through a job change after seventeen years in the same department. A colleague knew my job skills and recommended me for a top-level position with an opportunity to grow. This book was particularly helpful to me. It reassured me that this move was the right move and for the right reasons. The book helped me see that I have increased my self-confidence and motivation. I have found that the new office staff and
I share the same big picture focus and work well as team players. The clean organizational goals and values provide me with a sense of direction, mission, and pride.

My supervisor is a perfectionist as the book describes: "Perfectionist
always find a better way to do something, and they have trouble knowing when to stop. They have high expectations for themselves and others."

The job change has reduced my stress and I can now reserve energy for tougher workdays. I enjoy my new job responsibility and can focus on the big picture. My supervisor has confidence in my job skills and my relationships with others.

I was really looking forward to this book, after hearing how highly recommended it was.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of thinking this was a 'serious' historical romance novel. Instead, what we get is a.... Adulterous hero, 'tortured' by being the only 'available' bachelor in town. And heroine, Priscilla, so prim and proper she came off as a caricature. This is really a book on the 'lighter side' of reading.

While doubtless, this novel will appeal to some, I found the adulterous hero... Well, a bit on the icky side, and the prim heroine, while amusing, grated on my nerves. The dialog, as well, seemed too modern for an "Historical" novel.

I would recommend this novel to those who are looking for a light humorous read. Readers looking for serious Historical should look elsewhere...

Lucas Garrett was living every man's dream. Laundry done, good home cooking, and all the, um, tender, loving care he could handle. Only. . . he was tired of handling it. The demands of being the last man in town proved to be overwhelming and exhausting. He needs a way out. So he turns to Pricilla Wentworth, his best friend from childhood and the only one he can trust to get him out of this predicament. If they can convince the man-hungry females that his "engagement" to the very upstanding, proper Pricilla is for real, maybe Lucas can get some rest.

In the meantime, Pricilla has one condition of her own. In return for saving Lucas's neck, he must find her suitable candidates for a husband. Not an easy task, since all the men but Lucas have left town, following the rumors of a huge gold strike out west. She regrets not pursuing the matter of marriage while the iron was hot, especially since prospects are now so slim.

But while he is busy avoiding entanglement and she is chasing it, they discover feelings for one another that had never complicated their relationship before. Can he let go of the fear of losing his best friend if he complicates it with his heart? Is she better off playing it safe with a steady, established older man, giving up the dream of Lucas?

Ms. Law presents readers with an original theme and characters with spunk and sparkle. Way to go!

GREAT STORY -- Great story teller [author] --
But Adultery????? HuH! takes all kinds!
Loved the pic of Lucas [grin] can't really imagine it! And Priscilla, a very determined little lady who worked at living.
Pic on back must have been the sister, Jeanette, the little scoundrel.
Would like to hear more about Mick and does Jeanette ever really find Robert? Flora was some piece of work! It was so easy to get involved with all of these characters and that makes a great story.
I Highly Recommend this book to all mature readers with an Excellent --M but don't look for this kind of guy in real life - he will break your heart.

The Senate has long been characterized as the Old Boy's Club, a place where the political process is insulated from the pressures of cultural change. The nine women currently holding seats in the Senate have been, in very diverse ways, part of the winds of change that have swept through the American legislature. Nine and Counting chronicles the personal and political travails and triumphs of these extraordinary women. Though they come from very different backgrounds, they are consistently advocates for their constituents and have been important role models for women who are committed to public life. The book's narrative thrust is aided by skillful commentary from Catherine Whitley, interwoven with personal stories and comments from each of the Senators. The book is easy to read and steers away from explicitly political agendas or advocacy, instead focusing on the realities of women's lives and the importance of bringing diverse voices, male and female, Democrat and Republican, to the legislative process. As a young woman in politics, I found it fun and, in its own way, inspirational.

I particularly enjoyed reading this book because the stories and experiences of the nine women senators came in a short-story format, as opposed to long, drawn-out chapters on each individual. The book is a role model in many respects - one, for writers who want to captivate their reader's attention, the writing style and means of collaborating nine different stories into an interesting read; to young girls who aspire to be leaders of the next generation; to all citizens alike - men, women, of all races, ethnic groups, and religious backgrounds - this book is an inspiration of who we should consider as our role models. These nine women of the United States Senate have created a new path, one as Robert Frost poetically wrote that had not yet been taken, and one that serves as an excellent example for future generations.

The book also reflects the delicate balance of the social pressures of being a public service official with the humanity of these nine women and their families.

"Nine and counting" is a book all houses, schools, and libraries should have on their shelves.

The nine extraordinary women of the United states Senate have collaborated with writer Catherine Whitney to present an informative and absorbing read. Following the lives of all of the women who've served, Nine & Counting intermingles the fascinating personal stories of each of the nine women currently holding office. This is the greatest number ever to serve at the same time. And that's the point. The women of the Senate want to inspire others to join them. The first woman Senator, the formidable Rebecca Felton of Georgia, was appointed as a token gesture, and allowed to serve only one day in 1922. And it was stunning to be reminded once again that women didn't have the right to vote until 1920. Political offcie for a woman was a rare accomplishment. Dedicated to the Girl Scout Organization, with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to them, Nine and Counting is a lot of fun to read. It was obviously written to inspire young women to emulate today's nine women Senators, to show them what courage and perseverance can accomplish. And that's exactly what it does. An entertaining, enjoyable read, it should become a lasting part of the historical record of this great nation.

Susan Friedmann has wrote a couple of more extensive and more complete books about how to produce the maximum out of a trade show. Never the less, this is a very reduced, easy to read introduction to the subjet, which works perfectly if it's your first reading about it. It's quick, substantial, and gives you a lot of tips.

Everyone knows the Teddy Bear is named after Theodore Roosevelt, but most people don't know exactly why. This fanciful story is half political and half a fairy tale. I don't mind reading it to children because it happens to be true. The illustrations are beautiful. The total effect is enchanting.

I'd just like to comment on the review: 1. Joshua says that he'd "had more than enough of the south during the war" and he had joined the war because that was where "everyone" he "knew was going, and so" he "went, too". I think that speaks quite clearly of the Civil War, or the "war between the states". 2. The expression, "pinch hitter" only means that the book was written in the 1900's (and not then).

In the third of the Starbridge series we get a closer look at Neville Ayesgarth, who was at loggerheads with Jon Darrow in the second book. Here it is Ayesgarth’s turn to be stripped apart and laid bare by Howatch’s expert scalpel! I have to admit that though I didn’t dislike this book, I didn’t like it as much as others in the series. It began promisingly enough, with Neville falling under the spell of the young flibbertigibbet Dido. Dido – who later becomes famous in the series as a loose cannon - resists his advances until… well, that would be giving things away. I felt though that the second part of the book gets bogged down in the dissection of Neville’s past. I found it not so interesting to read about his background as he tells it to his spiritual director; as such the characters who are so important to Neville - his mother, his father, Uncle Willoughby – never came alive for me and his recounting of them felt rather slow. However, it is still a great book and indispensable to the series - but it should be read in the right order, after its two predecessors. I have started an online discussion and reading group around Susan Howatch’s novels (...).

In the third of the Starbridge series we get a closer look at Neville Ayesgarth, who was at loggerheads with Jon Darrow in the second book. Here it is Ayesgarth's turn to be stripped apart and laid bare by Howatch's expert scalpel! I have to admit that though I didn't dislike this book, I didn't like it as much as others in the series. It began promisingly enough, with Neville falling under the spell of the young flibbertigibbet Dido. Dido ' who later becomes famous in the series as a loose cannon - resists his advances until' well, that would be giving things away. I felt though that the second part of the book gets bogged down in the dissection of Neville's past. I found it not so interesting to read about his background as he tells it to his spiritual director; as such the characters who are so important to Neville - his mother, his father, Uncle Willoughby ' never came alive for me and his recounting of them felt rather slow. However, it is still a great book and indispensable to the series. (...)

For all that the plots of her novels tend to cross the border to melodrama, Susan Howatch's gift for characterisation, and for the integration of superb spiritual insight (into the dialogue, if not the lives of the individuals depicted!) is impeccable. Neville Aysgarth, whose commitment and faith are unquestionable, is an odd but interesting blend of hard sense and the ability to create a personal world of his own, where his natural dedication is lost in the inability to have any real compassion or understanding. Others in his life, though he remains clearly unaware of this and, indeed, capable of believing he has a remarkable and favourable role, are "prizes" which he creates for his own benefit.

The bizarre love match of Neville and Dido will keep anyone with interests in psychology or odd relationships pondering its aspects. However, Susan does not disappoint those used to her excellent spiritual and theological insights. Some of her other "clergy," for all of their failings, remain great men. Neville, by contrast, is one who has genuinely good qualities that show his ever unrecognised potential to be in that category as well, but this can never be achieved. He can see the truth and wisdom in concepts such as Aidan and Jonathan present, or the ideals of his modernist heroes, yet can never get past his inability to accept his own weakness, any need for others beyond their being his prizes, nor his tendency towards deceit in the garb of theological integrity.

With vivid characters and an intriguing, if rather bizarre, plot, even those readers who do not wish to be inspired can be assured they'll never be bored.