I was just searching for this for a friend and saw it was out of print--what a travesty!

Like another reviewer, I examined countless wedding planning guides, which usually contained more fluff than substance. Even the venerable Martha Stewart has very little practicality in her planner.

This book has everything, from a 1 year calender which gets more detailed as time goes by, to a place for the guest list that has convenient boxes to check off as you send the invitaitons, receive RSVPs, receive shower and/or wedding gifts, send thank-yous. They have spaces for researching dresses, for diagramming the reception site, for remembering what to pack with you on the blessed day. They have info sheets for you to photocopy for your vendors. They remind you of everything!

If you don't want to forget a single thing in planning your wedding, and do it in an organized and calm manner, this is the book. And as an added bonus, it was inexpensive!

Publishers, please republish this book. If you find it somewhere, buy it.

This is an extremely useful text which combines checklists and a workbook with helpful wedding information. I used this everyday up until the day of my wedding. An excellent resource.

I have been married for five years and I still recommend this book to anyone getting married. I tried several different books and techniques and didn't find anything that came close to comparing.

To a collector of Scholastic's late, lamented young adult historical romances, the tale of Kathleen is the "holy grail". Is it worth it? Not as moving as Emily but it features so much more than your typical Sunfire. Kathleen watches her world crumble around her - sometimes, literally. She loses her home, her family, and finds herself alone in an 1840's Boston that is none to friendly to the Irish. Kathleen finds work at the grand Thornley mansion, and meets David... but while the ending seems too pat, too easy in those last two pages the journey there is just as vivid - Ransom's gift for painting images of a long-ago time and place is just as strong here as it was in Emily, Susannah and Amanda. Hint for hunters: their large size would often mean that the first 15 Sunfires are often incorrectly stuck in the regular romance, not children's, section at many a used bookstore. Just a tip!

I read this book when it was first published in 1985. I seem to recall that my mother bought it for me when I cleaned up my room! The Sunfire series is excellent. This book, Kathleen by Candice F. Ransom, is rich in history and very informative about the Irish working class in America in the late 1840's. Kathleen is a heroine who had to overcome great odds to come to America, only to find life just as hard. I recommend this book to any young girl who is interested in a time gone by. I have saved all 32 Sunfires books published for my own two little girls.

I love this book because it shows poverty and wealth in all aspects. Kathleen is so strong and brave it makes me think, a girl who has lost almost all and still has hope. From famine in Ireland to hope in America, Kathleen shows how a very special girl survives to many things. I checked it out of my school library thinking maybe I didn't like it, but I absolutely loved it! I recommend it to EVERYONE who is 12 and up.

I finished this book in one day. I was impressed about how the author took the reader from everyday life into another world, a world that is full of disaster and a great love story that will touch both young and old. Kathleen Duey is a great writer and you can tell from the first sentence in this book she knows alot about life back in the 19th Century.
This story is about a wealthy girl, that has everything. But when she falls in love with a Cajun worker in her Father's plantation, she knows her father will disaproves. So they meet in secret, hoping they can marry...read more to find out. If you like this book, I recommend her other novel, San Francisco Earthquake, 1906, which is another great romance novel.
This historical novel, deserves more than five stars.
Happy Readings!!

I Loved the book! I just finished reading it and it really was awesome. I wanted to be Madaline through out the whole book. It really lets your imagination soar. They are so in love and it is so exciting because you wonder if they will be caught and it keeps you reading until you're done. I would definetly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romances.

This story deserves so many more stars if only just for the love story in it. The only fault that I found in it was that it was way too short. The ending came rather abruptly and unexpectedly but it was still extremely good and romantic. HURRICANE is a story about Madelaine LeBlanc, a plantation owner's daughter, who falls in love with Francoise, a Cajun hired hand who comes to work on the LeBlanc plantation after hurricanes ravage it. The disaster is downplayed a little too much. The love scenes are phenomenal and Ms. Duey did a splendid job with the dialogue between Phillipe and Francoise. I would recommend this book to any cheesy romance lover or any just regular romance lover (it's not that cheesy, really, I don't think)!!!!

Last 2 months I read 20 books about e-marketing issues and this book is the most structured and easy to read book i have ever read. They give visual examples and this makes the understanding more easy... If you want to please your customers please yourself with this book...

I am a final student who major in Marketing in City University of Hong Kong. I have got a lot of learning insight from this book. This book give me an overview of different types of loyalty and how it can uses in the e-commerce. This book is divide into three parts. The introduction of eCRM, the eCRM customer loyalty business process and the eCRM customer loyalty infrastructure. Actually, I agree very much that loyalty is very important especially for e-business to encourage customer to repeat purchase. This book also give many technical support to those who want to build an e-business to their business. This book gives me a lot and I hope you also can find something insides it such as me!

"Loyalty Marketing for the Internet Age offers managers a variety of ways to secure loyal customers and customer retention strategies. I found the end of the success stories, checklists and case examples extremely helpful.

Kathleen Brehony's book makes reminds you each day about the truism; "if not me Who,if not now, When! The author makes a strong argument for Who really benefits most, the receiver or the giver. The Giver wins each time in Ordinary Grace.

Kathleen Brehony's Ordinary Grace just makes you feel good all over. I have sent copies along with letters to several friends who could have been in her book and it gave me an excuse to register how much I have been touched by THEIR ORDINARY GRACE!

I just happened to find this book one day while browsing around in a bookstore and was intrigued by the title. Little did I realize what a gift I had stumbled on. I have cried and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed every story told by the author. I will definitely be sharing it with friends and family. What a necessary reminder that there are good deeds done everyday if we choose to notice them. This book is a perfect antidote to the evening news or front page of the newspaper and will surely put a smile on your face!

This book is truly inspirational and reminds us of the true meaning of love and compassion. A must read which I have recommended to family and friends.

Cyrus Cromwell was the scum of the earth. She thought she was going to be rid of him forever when her mother had her mental breakdown, and he disappeared. Now, it didn't really appear that way after all. Her horrible, debilitating stage fright had struck again and caused her to make a terrible bargain with her employer. Madeline Fairbanks has to find her unscrupulous and dastardly stepfather, and produce him at the party on St. John's Eve for a no-holds-barred interview with Feydor, her boss. Do that, and she will be back in his good graces, and could save this job that she so badly needs. The problem was that she had no idea of where he was or of how to find him, and Feydor had given her only until his party to find and produce Cyrus.

Madeline is sure that things could not get any worse. If the three week deadline wasn't bad enough, she could always remind herself that the rent on her apartment is going up, and with her mother's expenses in the hospital, she won't be able to afford the new rate. If it wasn't for Tildy Maehara's timely offer of a place to stay for the summer, Madeline might even be out on the street. Tildy had come through with an offer for her to house sit while she weighed her options. So, faster than her head could spin, she was now ensconced in a room at Tildy's and the only thing she has to worry about is Tildy's enigmatic house guest. He is not the aged widower she expected, but a force with which to be reckoned. He is the epitome of masculine beauty, of hard-bodied male, brimming with vibrancy, vitality, virility, and undeniable sensuality.

Music is his heart and soul, integral to his being, along with the spirit and rhythms of Kaf, his home world. The Minstrel of Kaf knew his place and his duty. Zayne is The Minstrel, and he is alone in this, there are no others who could take over for him. There is not even a youngster in training, so something must be done quickly. The uncertain flaring of his ma-at and the wildness of new and strange stirrings brought disharmony and were disturbing to him and to Kaf. The music clashed and became discordant, and the delicate and finely tuned balances in his ma-at and within Kaf itself are being disrupted. Ma-at must dominate, because it was the essence of the music and the essence of Kaf. If he should fail to control this strange new energy that is so disrupting, the very fabric of his life, his people, and his world could be destroyed.

Divination has shown him the path he should take. It is a sure path, and one he has waited far too long to travel. If there were several Minstrels, as there had been in the past, the need would not be so urgent. The Minstrels of Kaf always held the balance in their hands, and in this, Zayne was no different. He protected the balance of Kaf, but that was not enough anymore. It was long past the time for him to find his own balance. If he doesn't meet this need, Kaf would definitely suffer. What Zayne, Minstrel of Kaf, needs is a partner who will stand by his side and counter his masculine energy, a female to sing the counterpoint, to provide the harmony for his life. In short, Zayne needs a zaniya, a wife. The divination has even shown her to Zayne and given him her name. There is only one catch....she is Terran, and he must go there to find her.

Kathleen Nance has done it again! In her new release, Spellbound, her exquisite blend of fire and air meet earth and water, come together in another heart-pounding and sensual trip into realms of magic and love. Spellbound reacquaints us with Zayne, Minstrel of Kaf, who is experiencing a very unsettling disruption in his ma-at. This disruption can have catastrophic repercussions if he cannot resolve his balance issues. Zayne needs Madeline, and as it turns out, Madeline needs Zayne. Madeline teams up with Tildy's houseguest, although it doesn't seem like the most productive way to find her evil stepfather Cyrus Cromwell, until she hears Zayne play.

The divination he performed has led him to Madeline Fairbanks, but there is a drawback. Zayne needs a singing partner, a woman of unparalleled vocal ability, and Madeline can't carry a tune. Was the divination wrong? The heady mix of love, sensuality, and dangers of various sorts abound in this newest adventure into ma-at and magic. Terra and Kaf, inextricably bound for eons, must once again join forces to restore balance, and as before the trip is wonderfully entertaining. Spellbound is another masterpiece that has been carefully woven, intricately carved, and crafted for the reader's ultimate pleasure by Kathleen, and brought to you as a June release from Dorchester's Love Spell books. It is coming to a book store near you. I highly recommend Spellbound.

Reviewed by Rosemarie Brungard

In the land of the djinni, the elemental powers of ma'at flow freely. Without a minstrel to lend balance and harmony to Kaf, however, the landscape would literally be torn asunder. For many cycles, Zayne has maintained this delicate balance through song and the strings of his oud -- but a competing power has recently disrupted his ma'at, and brought discord to his melodies. Although his music can still sweeten the air, inspire passion and put wings to the wind, it has also wreaked havoc on Kaf.

To restore the land's natural order, Zayne must perform a divination to seek out the woman who will be his zaniya or wife; a woman whose voice will blend with the harmonies of his own, and soothe the dark desires burning within him. As the sole Minstrel of Kaf, his responsibilities to the land and the people are clear, after all, and by Solomon, he'll shoulder this burden gladly! But can a woman from Terra with changeable eyes really be a minstrel's zaniya?

His body's response to Madeline Fairbanks would seem to indicate that, yes, a Terran female is his soul mate. As beautiful and desirable as she is, however, Madeline is cursed with paralyzing stage fright, and can't sing a single note in tune. In fact, her job with reclusive author, Feydor Blaze, is in peril because of her inability to speak -- much less sing or dance -- in front of a crowd of people. If she can arrange an interview with her hated stepfather, Cyrus Cromwell, all may not be lost.

The trouble is she doesn't know where to begin her search for the man who skyrocketed her mother to fame, and then disappeared shortly after Irena's mental collapse. At least Madeline has a place to stay, now that the rent for her apartment has grown beyond her means. House-sitting for her eccentric neighbor, Tildy, has unforeseen complications, though: There's something otherworldly about the amenity-challenged houseguest she's sharing quarters with. And sure enough, Madeline soon learns that Zayne is a djinni -- a genie, for crying out loud! -- and possesses magic powers. Exactly why he has chosen to visit the alien environment of New Orleans is a mystery, but the heat in the handsome djinni's eyes is quite, well, spellbinding...

A reader's wish is Kathleen Nance's command in this captivating djinni romance. Spellbound is the forth novel in what I heartily hope will be a long, successful series featuring Kaf and its earthly counterpart. (I'd like to take a spare moment, in fact, to request the stories of three secondary characters: Natalie, Feydor and Alesander). The possibilities are endless, I think, when ma'at and physical attraction are involved.

Ms. Nance's prose is still as magical as ever, conjuring vivid images of an enchanted land and spell casting genies, of moon-drenched sand and shimmering oases. The main attraction of this novel, however, is the sizzling sexual tension between Zayne and Madeline. Their relationship is as far from the ordinary as passion-scented flowers and levitating pillows -- and twice as confusing to pragmatic, levelheaded Madeline. She's been sorely misused in the past, you see, and has had to bottle her emotions out of fear and self-preservation. Zayne, meanwhile, is struggling to understand how his zaniya can be a human so utterly lacking in musical talent, and what his true origins are.

Of course, Zayne and Madeline eventually make, err, beautiful music together. An enchanting escape from the ordinary, Spellbound is a delightful blend of fantasy and romance, and will hold readers in its thrall from beginning to end. No spell casting required.

Reviewed by C.L. Jeffries

I have read all of Kathleen Nance's books and this was the best one yet. I love her genies and the very well-thought-out stories. May she write many more!!! I;ve read hundreds, maybe thousands of books and this is one of my very rare "keepers" to read again.

Georgia's Ghostly Getaways
By Kathleen Walls
ISBN: 0-9728513-0-5
...
a review by Sarah Mankowski

Georgia's Ghostly Getaways is a journey across Georgia, as well as a journey through time. While it is hardly surprising that ghost stories and sightings would become closely associated with places of historical significance, I found it intriguing that so much history of a state could be gleamed from its ghost stories.

Recommended for those planning a vacation is Georgia and for those interested in Georgia's history.

Do you believe in Ghosts? A lot of people say there is no such thing. Oh yea? Then you haven't read about the Ghosts of Georgia. Having lived in Georgia for over ten years, I can tell you that the ghosts in the book by Ms. Walls do exist. There are hundreds of people, both tourist and residents alike, who have seen them.

If you travel on vacation, you might stop in some of these places in Georgia. You might even become a believer and see your own ghost.

This book is well written and authentic. A must read for those who believe in the supernatural, and even for those who don't.

Reviewed by Bobby Ruble, Award winning author

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of "This is the Place" and "Harkening"

In Georgia's Ghostly Getaways, Kathleen Walls shares her love of mystery, mayhem and marvelous stories. She has given those who savor the paranormal plenty of material to ponder and new places to go.

This book is divided into areas or districts. A reader might read this book for the fun of it or for the research of it and then, if they can only give over a few days for a romp among specters, choose a specific locale in Georgia to explore. An example is the Americus and Plains, Ga., area where Jimmy Carter grew up and where the Habitat for Humanity was birthed. If you read Carter's book, Why Not the Best? you'd know about a house that haunted his memory but you might not put that knowledge to work in a way that would result in a trip to the region.

Walls wrote the mystery "Last Step." She knows the area intimately and shares all the ghostly possibilities for this rural region. She also gives the reader helpful contacts including telephone numbers and some websites at the end of this and every other chapter. She covers everyplace from genteel Savannah, "Georgia's Hostess City", to the "Bloody Fields of War."

Georgia's Ghostly Getaways is well researched. The credits at the back of the book might even serve as a guide of sorts for a traveler destined to experience the spirits and specters of our American South. The book rings with phrases like "Man in Black" and "Whispers Coffee House." Brrrrr. What fun for those so inclined!

(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's "This is the Place," won eight awards. "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remember" won two.)

I first read lives of the musicians when I was about 7 yearsold or so. Then, I thought it was terrific. I still do. However, I amnow 12 years old, and now that I have paid more attention to it, I see several faults, but overall it is still a very good book. First of all, their choice of musicians is not the best. I would have recommended Debussy and Schubert, like the Kirkus Reviewer. Some of the composers I have hardly ever heard of, like Igor Stravinsky or Nadia Boulanger. And while Clara Schumann was a great pianist, I think they should have focused more on her husband, Robert, a prolific composer, whose works are among the very best. Also, some of the parts of the biographies are questionable. Frederic Chopin may not have actually been romantically involved with Aurore Dudevant (George Sand), but in love with the Countess Delphine Potocka. The book states that the Waltz in D-Flat, or Minute Waltz, was written for George Sand's dog, when in fact it was probably written for Potocka. However, the book was still very well written, and I enjoyed it, despite the possible mistakes. I recommend this book to anyone who likes music, classical or not. So sit back and enjoy!

I loved this book because it made those musicians seem like real people instead of great-all-star-super-geniuses. It is full of strange little facts about all the famous musicians like Bach,Gershwin,Beethoven and Schmann.

---Megan W.

This book provides interesting insight into the lives of composers. I teach music to elementary and high school students and I read this book to all of my students. They all enjoy learning the details of the composers lives. The book presents the composers in such a way that the students remember the information about the composers. The book does not provide information about what the composers' music sounds like, and that is something I also like to teach. A great book to gain kids'interest in famous composers.

Caught in the middle of war. That's a pretty good discription of Mary's situation. Mary's Father is a die heart Tory,(he's loyal to the king of England, that is) witch poses a problem, seeing as her 18 year old brother, William, is a Patriot. On the night of the Peal's ball, which they have been preparing for since page one, Mary discovers an unexpected suprise in the shed... This story deals with alot of emotional subjects: :loyalty, family pride, the deep love of sister for brother, and, no matter how stubborn both might be, father for son. I thought what Mary's father did near the end was great. It brings to mind the old phrase: Actions Speak Louder Then Words. My love of history made me want to try this, and I'm very glad I did.

I Loved this book!!!!

As the daughter of a wealthy loyalist couple during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777, twelve-year-old Mary lives a life filled with luxury. But all is not right with her family - her older brother, William, is a patriot who ran away to join Washington's army. Because of this, William was disowned, and Marry hasn't heard from him since then. But now, on the eve of a ball hosted by her parents for British officers, Mary discovers William lying wounded in the shed. Mary must get help for her brother and hide him from her parents and the officers. This was an excellant story that showed how the Revolution tore a family apart, and how a brave, loyal young girl strives to bring them back together.

This is the best book ever. I am intending to read more of the series. What surprised me is it takes place in one day!!! Kathleen Duey is a great writer. I think her best will always be American Diaries: Mary Alice Peale / 1777.

I am part of an eleven-member book group. Our selections in the past 18 months have mostly been from Oprah's list, and so I thought I would step out of the familiar and choose something a little bit challenging. Tomorrow night is our discussion--and all eleven members are saying they are going to come (unheard of attendance! :). Now I'm not so sure about the risk I took. Please pray for us. To the reviewer who noted that this book would be good for a book group discussion, you are the one who convinced me to use it. My other idea was to have us read something by Anne LaMott. Anyone ever read anything by her?

Anyway, on the my reaction to "Quotidian Mysteries" Did anyone else have a hard time knowing anything about all the names of the saints and authors Norris refers to? I guess I'm 'out-of'it'! I found her use of quotes confusing and not always helpful. But the intrinsic ideas are going to help us as we struggle to find meaning in this alienating and full of 'acedia' world. I'll let you know how the discussion goes!

Life is not glorious all the time. You still have to brush your teeth, go to the bathroom, take your shower. Does this have a spiritual value? Kathleen Norris has a way, the way only a poet can, of zeroing into the basic heart of the matter. As she has done in her previous works, I believe she is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit to communicate to us that there can be a heavenly value to all the mundane things we have to do in this mortal life, which applied with love, can lead us to be the person we'd like to be so eternity will be our reward. I would love to have her insight. This book has to read, again and again. We shall be so much better for doing so. The "best we can do" is only a destination. We should really "strive to be better." Thank you, Kathleen, for your inspiration.

This book is changing the way I look at my daily life. It is slowing me down, refreshing me, and teaching me to appreciate the daily chores and routines which usually bog me down. Norris' wisdom and honesty amazes me.