I WAS 15 YEARS OLD WHEN I READ THIS BOOK. I LOVED EVERYTHING ESPECIALLY THE CHARACTERS. THIS BOOK MADE ME WANT TO READ. I AM NOW 22 YEARS OLD AND I HAVEN'T STOP READING. THANKS MRS. DRYMON. THANKS FELICIA WRIGHT

Here is an author who knows how to write. Destiny's Splendor is the most romantic book ever to read. With every word, the love between Jessica and Star Hawk blossoms to exciting heights. You find yourself catching you breath as you witness all that Star Hawk goes through for his true love. There is much action, adventure, and romance on these pages. Destiny's Splendor is a "must read" for all romance lovers... Just don't start it too late at night, or you'll get no sleep until you finish

This is the first Historical Romance novel I have ever read. It was great, the relationship between Star Hawk and his Silver Star(Jessica Colton) is Awesome. Although Star Hawk kidnaps her Jessica falls in love with her dark captor and marries him, but their live together in bliss doesn't last long, when Jessica's cousin decides to have her kidnapped so he can get her married off to a man of his choosing that he can control. Star Hawk vows that he and his Silver Star will be together forever and starts off for England to reclaim his BRIDE. This book is definately a keeper. It took me forever to find it, but once I got it I don't want to loose it

I was so entranced by the book it was as if I was there with Dominic. His life was so horrible and yet he kept on going and looked for the tiny slivers of kindness where he could find them. I wish she had written a sequel or another book. If that is the only book she writes it is well worth it,it is fantastic.

The author tells us that the idea for this book came to her in a dream. Dominic, a dwarfish, but daunting human hero, introduces himself to her, and begins his story. Thank you, Ms. Robinson for telling his tale.

This soul endures and, beyond that, it soars!! The dark scenes are detailed, but never to the glory of evil. The human relationships are touching, believable. Any soul that has known ecstacy in Life/ movement/ nature, has had to climb out of the dark places of evil, has dared to BE in relationships, will find a story worth savoring.

As a Roman History major, I was astonished at Kathleen's accuracy of the period. As a human being, my heart soared on the life's experience of this noble character. I forced my wife to read it, she now shares this book with all of her friends. A great read

This is one of my all-time favorite management/OD books. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in learning how to improve manager-employee relationships, trust, and communication in organizations. I think it should be on the bookshelf of every Organization Development specialist, Human Resource manager, executive coach, and leadership trainer. It contains useful, thoughtful, and often unique advice for managers, team members, trainers, and anyone else interested in reducing the climate of fear in their workplace. Some of the ideas translate well to personal and family relationships too.

Fear is extremely damaging to organizations. It can harm trust, communication, quality, knowledge sharing, cooperation, innovation, retention, and overall organization effectiveness. Whether you are interested in improving morale, communication, and performance company-wide, or you just need to improve your relationship with one person, you'll find something useful here. This is not just the same old recycled advice you'll see in leadership books. Some of the ideas will be familiar to experienced people in the field, but the authors expand them and put them into a new perspective based on their work. They contribute many new ideas and examples that you won't find elsewhere.

Portions of the book are particularly helpful for well-intentioned managers who just don't understand why people don't fully trust them. If you're not getting the level of communication, ideas, and candor needed to bring your organization to the next level, fear may be the problem. If you hear a manager say, "I don't know why they didn't tell me sooner," give him or her this book. Most of us don't realize all the little things we do to discourage good communication.

My favorite concepts in this book include the cycle of mistrust and undiscussables. The cycle of mistrust provides a great understanding of how our perceptions and assumptions influence the behavior of other people. It's a great model for leadership, teambuilding and communication workshops. You'll be sure to recognize a few "undiscussables" in your own workplace. An undiscussable might be a sensitive issue that employees whisper about to one another, but not with those who might have the power to do something about it. It's just too risky to speak up. Management might not learn about it until they experience the shock of scathing comments in an anonymous employee survey, or they hear about it from someone in another company! You can prevent this from happening by driving fear out of the workplace and by creating an environment that makes it easier for people to speak up in the first place.

"Our work on this topic has been inspired primarily by personal consulting experiences over many years...Ten years ago, these experiences confirmed the teachings of W.Edwards Deming and others involved with continuous quality improvement. Deming asserted in his fourteen obligations of managment that quality was impossible where people are afraid to tell the truth...Besides Dming, other voices strongly reinforce the need to understand the dynamics and effects of fear. Chris Argyris's extensive body of work clarifies how invisible and self-reinforcing miscommunication due to fear can be. Peter Senge's explorations of systems thinking illuminate its far-reaching effects. Both of these thinkers underscore the need to understand the negative assumptions about people that keep fear in place. Peter Block's works on empowerment and stewardship demand a wholesale rethinking of the concepts of management and leadership as a way to escape thses destructive beliefs. Most recently, Thomas Stewart's examination of the rapidly emerging value of intellectual capital demands that even more attention be paid to reducing fear and building trust" (from the Preface).

In this context, Kathleen D.Ryan and Daniel K.Oestreich, with the following core questions, illustrate some important elements of the trust-fear continuum. They say that if your answers to these questions are all 'yes,' your workplace is clearly fear-based:

* Do a high proportion of people in your organization frequently hesitate to speak up about certain issues?

* Does a fear of speaking up exist at many levels in your organization?

* Are people in your workplace associating managers and supervisors with th presence of fear?

* Are leaders in your organization exhibiting behavior that causes employees to be afraid?

* Are people reacting with strong emotions to a perceived environment of fear?

* Is fear having an impact on work and how it is getting done?

Thus, by describing the following 'core behaviors,' they define the vision of a high-trust workplace: *mutual helpfulness and understanding, *serving as a reality check for one another, *providing feedback for one another, on strengths as well as areas that need improvement, *influencing each other's ideas and decisions; willingness to be influenced, *humor; enjoyment of each other's company, *creative, synergistic problem solving where the results are greater than the sum of the parts, *respect for different backgrounds and talents; reliance on one another's expertise to ensure the best results, *willingness and ability to work through conflicts and disagreements, *common commitment to the same goal; commitment to one another's success, *a high level of rapport and honesty with one another, *straightforward communication.

They argue that the vision of a high-trust workplace can draw people naturally away from the cycle of fear and mistrust toward a new set of possibilities for better workplace relationships, and hence high-performance organization.

Highly recommended.

A culture of fear permeates many organizations, draining them of their potential and vitality. Based on their interview findings, the authors examine how fear is a major obstacle to open communication and organizational effectiveness. The book also addresses fear during times of rapid change. In this work you will find strategies for building a high-trust work environment. The book is loaded with good, practical guidance for managers. From fear to trust is a quantum leap; this book can help you take that enlightening jump.

Killian's once beloved husband has turned into an abusive, jealous man. Under the threat of another violent attack, Killian and her 5 year old son flee into a foreign land, exchanging a dangerous situation for one of unknown peril. Set in Scotland in 1691, the history and culture are rich with tradition, feuds, and castles.

While this period in history had not been my typical choice in fiction, I had been impressed with the author's Brides of Culdee Creek series. I was pleasantly rewarded with a enthralling tale of mystery and love. Morgan's versatility as an author is
astounding. Morgan has a gift in weaving a story that exposes the soul of its characters, draws in the reader and wraps them in authentic culture and history. At the same time, the story presents the way to true, abundant and everlasting life. Amazing. A book worth experiencing.

I picked up this book in a store, not really knowing why. By the time I finished reading it, I had found my answer. This book deals with everyday struggles that keep us from having a deep, personal relationship with God. I would recommend this book to anyone. It was great!

I picked up this book in a store, not really knowing why. By the time I finished reading it, I had found my answer. This book deals with everyday struggles that keep us from having a deep, personal relationship with God. I would recommend this book to anyone. It was great!

Evie and her father are fortunate - they were slaves, but when their owner, a kind, elderly man, died, it was in his will that they become free. But Evie's mother belonged to a different man, and remained a slave. So for years, Evie's father saved up to buy her freedom, and finally he has enough. But when spitefull, predjudiced boys steal their freedom papers, everything they have worked so hard for is in jeopardy. Now Evie must save her family from a horrible fate - being sold back into slavery. I highly reccomend this book to historical fiction fans.

Evie was a slave but when her owner died it was in his will that Evie and her father would be freed. But Mama belonged to a different man. Evie's family saved up to buy Mama but the family's neighbors are determined that they will not be free and Evie and her family discover just how dangerous freedom can be.

This book is about Evie Peach, a free black girl in St. Louis. The day has finally come! Her Papa has saved up to buy Mama freedom. But being free is dangerous, especially when your Irish neighbors are your worst enemy.

My three year old loves this book--and so does my nine year old, who reads it to him. They both relate to the idea of encountering something new and coming to love it so much that, years later, you want to find it again. The beautiful, rich illustrations are a large part of the appeal of the book.

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and Kathleen Kolb have captured the essence of Will and Ada Urie perfectly. They lived a very simple life, worked hard and enjoyed everything around them. This book tells their story in a poignant way without being too sugary sweet. It will appeal to all children, especially those lucky enough to live in Vermont. I was extremely lucky to have Will and Ada Urie for my grandparents and spent many wonderful days visiting "a farm of their own". I am also very excited that my daughter, Meredith Ada McKelvey, posed for the blonde girl in braids in the book.

I am very pleased to see memories of childhood in print and glorious color. I grew up near Will and Ada Urie, and often visited their farm. Kathleen Kolb did a magnificent job rendering both of them. As I read the pages I could smell the bread baking in the oven. Natalie's words brought me back to my own childhood on my parents farm. Every child can benefit knowing how hard these two people worked for what they believed in. Back when life seemed so simple, yet more rewarding.

We never thought a science fair project could be so silly and fun. And, my kids learned about cooking too!

Reading the Science Spiders books is like going to the dentist. So why did I rate the books so highly? I have a very good dentist. He's friendly, interesting, and before we're finished with the small talk, he's finished with the injection. The worst part of going to the dentist is over before I know it's happening. The Science Spider books are simple, playful stories about a patient, scientifically inclined mom and her young children. The readers don't realize they're learning science until after it happens. My jaw gets numb just thinking about it. There's no math, but readers of all ages become familiar with chemical reactions, color theory, acids, bases, forces, energy, molecules, scientific method, air pressure, and center of gravity. The lucky children who are introduced to science by the Science Spiders will have a positive feeling for the subject that can only help them in future studies. Dr. Kain has a Ph.D in materials science and engineering. She barely conceals her identity in the books as "Mom." Mom is an excellent role model for all children, but especially girls. She and her kitchen experiments prove that science is very much woman's work. And apparently, so is dentistry.

Rick Kamen, author of HEIRLOOM STORIES FROM THE HARNESSMAKER'S SON

The "Science Spiders" series by Dr. Kain is a unique collection of books for kids who are ready to reach for their first experiences in science. One of the books, 'First Science Fair' is a delightful recipe for fun that provides a simple framework for developing the way kids think about doing scientific experiments. From the first observations of the Spider Family on the quality of their Mom's cupcakes (pretty bad!), to the final triumph of brother Pro's entry into a science fair, the story builds on tasty cupcake chemistry and common sense. "First Science Fair's" menu of kitchen science and math will clearly wet the appetites of kids who are just waiting for the chance to combine the right ingredients for their own first experiments.

The author's introduction could have knocked me over with a feather. It's beautiful! Buy the book just for the first few pages alone, but then enjoy each and every line of each and every poem Blease brings together in this little volume. I think it's the perfect gift for ANYONE on your list--from mothers-in-law (it will win you lots of points!) to secretaries (again, it will win you lots of points!)--and don't forget a copy for yourself.

I think this book is telling how friendship is more precious than anything and you have to cherish friendship forever.I am only 13 im almost 14 and i think of my friends as a sisters to me.And i think of my other best friends as brothers to me.That's how much i cherish our friendship together.And this book tells the truth of friendship and love of friendship.I wanna tell everyone out there who is thinking of getting this book GET IT because its a good book.And i recommend it to people of all ages.So please go out and get this book , it will tell you how you should take friendship and keep it forever.And remember you shouldn't take friendship for granted you never know what's in store for you later on.

Ithink this book is telling how friendship is more precious than anything and you have to cherish friendship forever.I am only 13 im almost 14 and i think of my friends as a sisters to me.And i think of my other best friends as brothers to me.That's how much i cherish our friendship together.And this book tells the truth of friendship and love of friendship.I wanna tell everyone out there who is thinking of getting this book GET IT because its a good book.And i recommend it to people of all ages.So please go out and get this book , it will tell you how you should take friendship and keep it forever.Thanks!

I really find that this is one of the best books on tarot that I have seen. I haven't had much luck with a lot of books because they tend to give lots of definitions and many of them are really vague. This book, however give straighforward and most importantly accurate meanings to the cards. It in one of the few books that makes the cards really usefull. Quick and easy but don't think that means fluff. This is a book that I will recomend to others, no matter what the age.

I was very engaged by this book... as an older "girl," I appreciate the way in which Olmstead presented tarot as a way to explore one's goals, hopes, and dreams. Through the self-examination encouraged by the excellent spreads, any girl can start her own journey towards wisdom. The explanations of the Rider-Waite deck are clear (well, as "clear" as tarot gets!) and the descriptions of little rituals and ways to learn the art (especially the "card-a-day" suggestion, brill) are reasonable AND fun. A great gift for a girl learning to read her own life and live with confidence.

I'm a Certified Tarot Reader and Member of the American Tarot Association. I've been reading for 12+ years and if there's a new Tarot book out there, chances are...i've seen it. This is a great one! Not only is it accurate, but it is also very easy to read. If you are looking for a book that makes you feel comfortable with the deck and is not overwhelming...look no more. There is a very personal feeling with this book, and the illustrations give you that mystical feeling that draws us to the tarot in the first place. She covers everything from card meanings and spreads (even ones for doing parties), to making tarot bags, and even tells you how to design your own deck. If you are a "tarot enthusiast", you'll definately want to own this book!!!

Welcome to a wonderful tale of fairies. To a book of pure magic. 'Good Night, Fairies' takes you away to a magnificent land where fairies comb mermaids' hair, paint butterflies' wings and teach unicorns to fly. The story line on each page is short, thus even very little ones stay entranced in the fantasy world of fairies. It is a book, that even as an adult, you will be mesmerized by the beautiful pictures of fairies sleeping on leaves in secret gardens, dancing in the moonlight in spider's silk and hanging stars in the sky so children will have a nightlight. Children, afterall, are the closest thing to fairies! So what could be better than fairies welcoming little ones to dreamland as they drift off to sleep.

There is nothing so wonderful as the magical, whimsical world of fairies. Join mother and child at bedtime, as she lulls her little one to sleep with enchanting details about these tiny winged creatures who help make the world a special place to live. Fairies hang the stars in the sky at night, so that every child will have a night-light, paint the colorful wings of butterflies, teach birds to sing, and unicorns to fly. They comb mermaids' hair, draw rainbows to cheer up the dark rainy sky, make the spring flowers bloom, and scatter the autumn leaves. But most of all, fairies love little children. "Of all the world's creatures, there is nothing so like a fairy as a child....." Husband and wife team, Kathleen and Michael Hague, have authored the perfect bedtime story. Everything about this picture book is elegant, engaging, and exquistite, from the beautiful script font, and quiet, soothing prose, to the marvelously intricate, lush, and expressive illustrations. Together word and art offer a gentle, sweet, and lovely trip to dreamland. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, with 321 little winged friends to discover and count, and a special red-capped fairy hidden on every page to find, Good Night, Fairies is a masterpiece, and a reassuring bedtime treasure to share and enjoy every night of the year.

Husband and wife team, Kathleen and Michael Hague have done it again! I have long been a fan of Michael Hague's lovely evocative illustrations and Kathleen's gentle prose for children but this book really is the perfect combination of their extensive talents. In a flowing script-like font the story takes us on a journey to Fairyland when a child asks his mother to tell him some things about fairy ways just as he is getting tucked into bed for the night. The mother knows lots of secret things about fairies. In Kathleen's light-hearted, kindly prose the mother explains that among many other things, they teach the birds how to sing, gather and care for all the toys that children have lost, comb the mermaids' hair, and dance in the twilight dressed in spiders' lace. Richly colored and filled with exquisite detail the double page illustrations are on every page so there are no dull pages with only text. Beautiful fairies and whimsical little gnomes and pixies crowd each page and engage in the many magics of the fairy realm. Mermaids of different races and ages relax and luxuriate in an ocean cove. There is one tiny fairy with a red cap that is hidden on each page so that a child may have the fun of pouring over the colorful details and searching to find him. The Hagues tell us that there are a total of 321 fairies in this book and challenge us to find all of them. This is a wonderful book to share with a child. I highly recommend it.