I read this book with great sadness and hope. Almost all of what is described in this book has happened to me over a period of 18 years. I no longer felt quite so alone. It was a very difficult book to read, but it helped me educate psychology students in a nearby college about ritual abuse and MPD, which I was diagnosed with over a decade ago. Anyone who is a skeptic of ritual abuse should read this book. Ms. Smith starts with a reasonable arguement based with facts that ritual abuse does indeed exist. I also applaud the fact that this book was published in a cover that appeared non-threatening. (It's in soft pastel colors, unlike the red, black and white colors of the covers of some other books on ritual abuse.) Thank you Ms. Smith for your sensitivity and frankness. I hope this book will be on the published list once again.

There are many books today about ritual abuse. Some of them are wrtten by armchair sceptics, who, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, dismiss the whole subject as a "modern myth". Others are written by professionals who believe in the existence of ritual abuse but indeed write from a very distanced and academic point of view. This kind of books can of course be quite useful for researchers. But I think that the best boks about ritual abuse is written by survivors. This is one of these books. It is well written and pedagogic. I think it is a great recource for survivors, and to those who want to support them.

Unfortunatly this book told me about me. I hope people will read it and try to help the innocent victims of this terrible crime. I admire Margaret Smith's courage and strength to write this book in order to educate and help people know and understand, and that there is hope for survival.

Born and raised in Salem, Mass. I could certainly relate to all the landmarks, etc. mentioned in the book. The story of Martha Brailsford is indeed a tragic one. I thought the author did a superb job of telling the story with compassion and straight-forward information.
I literally couldn't put the book down from the first page and even a day later, Martha lingers in my mind.
The story was written with a good pace and left this reader looking to purchase another of Margaret Press's books.

Excellent read about this chilling case. This book was originally released as "Counterpoint: A Murder In Massachusetts Bay".

Press did a thorough job in this true tale of a man who could not take no for an answer. Her character build of Tom Maimoni, a slipshod liar, NASA imposter, fake collegiate alumnus and all around creepy guy kept me riveted to the end. The strange death of local Martha Brailsford sent the small, close knit sailing/witching community of Salem Mass into a tailspin. The tailspin turned hurricane when numbers of women came forward after her death to report they had been pawed and humiliated by Maimoni. Good research, nicely done reconstruction and time line and tightly packaged facts which read like a novel. Margaret, what is your next crime?

I read the book because my grandmother is the author. However, if you adore your family and have fond memories of the people in your community then you can appreciate the ancedotes in Senior Moments. Definitely a great gift for grandparents, especially if they live in a community similar to Barefoot Bay.

This little book is very heart-warming. It was very relaxing to sit and read for a little each night. The author's description of the wild-fires in Florida were amazing.

I also enjoyed the chapter on schools. It brought back memories of my school days. The last paragraph will make you cry... with glee. "...So how are your schools these days?"

I recommend everyone read the book.

Wonderful! I couldn't put it down. Everyone should read this. The author's love and compassion for people comes through. She helps you see the humor in everyday situations. She helped me to appreciate and be thankful for everything just like it is. Not to take life too seriously and to live life to the fullest and have fun! Most of all she gave me the idea that I never have to grow up no matter how old I get. This is a MUST read for all ages. Live, laugh, and enjoy! Congratulations Margaret.

First hand accounts of nearly anything except war, violent crime and weather, are scarce as hen's teeth for much of our history -- except of course for the lives of the endlessly quoted rich and famous. What Margaret Buchholz has done here is to collect an extraordinary range of first hand accounts from two centuries of observers concerning their visits to, occupations at, and thoughts about the New Jersey seashore. It may be easy to discount as mere anecdote, but historians and ethnographers turn again and again to the unimpeachable witness of those who actually lived in(as opposed to wrote opinions about) real places and real times. Hurrah for Buchholtz for finding, preserving and sharing such precious documents! The fact that this is a delightfully easy book to read only adds to the pleasure.

Visitors have been coming to the New Jersey shore for relaxation and recreation for 200 years. Some things have changed during that time. Not only did people at one time wear woolen "bathing costumes" in the ocean, they could rent them if they didn't have their own. (Yuck!) Before the Garden State Parkway was built, people experienced inconvenience and downright hardship to get to the shore. And yet, I also realized, reading this book, how little people at the seashore have really changed: Over the course of 200 years, people "bathed" or swam in the ocean or bay, held parties, ate their fill of seafood, walked the beaches or boardwalks in sunlight or by moonlight, went fishing and crabbing and hunting, flirted and otherwise had a good time--just as they do now. What I most like about the book is not just that it gives the reader a glimpse of the seashore over the past two centuries but also insight into the people who came to the shore, in their own words: What they thought about, what they hoped for, what they valued, how they lived, and how they played.

Through the words of those who have lived the history of the Jersey Shore, the authors have captured the essential spirit of this unique part of America. The people and their stories are fascinating. It was a real pleasure to read this book. Highly recommended!

For years I've read everything I could get my hands on. (That included my mom's copy of the Clan of the Cave Bear in third grade and Homer's Iliad in 5th grade!) I came across this story while systematically working my way through the middle school library and fell in love. I read it over and over again through middle school, and then forgot about it for a little while... but as a upperclassman in high school, I started to yearn for it again. I even thought about convincing my brother to check it out and "lose it"! ;-) I highly recommend that you read this book. Trust me, I've read just about every kind of book... and this one is really special. There's something about a beautiful, simple story about a special horse overcoming the odds that just rings true. "Sky Rocket" definately ranks among my all-time favorites.

I read Sky Rocket when I was young. I had no idea it was based on a true story! It was one of the best books ever written!

This is one of my favorite horse books. I ride and all of the circumstances about Madison Square Garden are similar to real life. I find this book facinating and love it a lot. I wish it was still in print, it's a loss to the equestrian world and everyone else that it isn't.

The illusion of true knowledge, the illusion of true freedom, people not living in the only true reality: the present moment.

WOW! This book is packed with words that blow your mind and also ring true at the same time. I'm still trying to organize all the information in my head so I can start to apply everything practically.

I KNEW there was something wrong with the world. The Matrix has most people!

Do you want to Awaken? If you want to experience genuine reality, and not the dance of delusion that many mistake for 'reality', this book holds the key.

In plain language, and without the usual New Age claptrap, Mr. Baines outlines the matter and method of Hermetic awakening and becoming a Stellar Man. It is both simple and profound, and with depths of insight that many writers wish they had.

If you feel a restlessness and urge to become more than what common society wants you to be, you will find this book, and its introductory companion "The Secret Science", a very helpful guide.

This book discusses the laws of nature in ways we can apply them to our own lives. If you want to take control of your life and not be a victim of the society's collective, this book is for you!

I've got one word to start this review off with: WOW. Shadows Within is one of the best books I've read in a very long time; and I'm really rather picky when it comes to all the different books flooding the market these days. Too many books, not enough financing to purchase all that I'd like to. So, of course, I'm quite picky when it comes to purchasing new books to read; they've really gotta catch my attention.

It goes without saying that this book captured my attention; it captured my imagination too. A young woman with an early childhood she can't remember, a best friend who also happens to be a pagan, and a bad guy that really makes you wanna knock him on his keister are the basis for this thrilling novel that will take you from the tucked away quiet of historical Seattle clear across the country to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts. Add in a dash of romance and quite a bit of action, and you've got a mix that's sure to please just about anyone.

The main characters, Morrigan and Selena, are endearing from the word go. They're average, everyday people whose lives get turned upside down by a mislaid shipment of historically accurate diaries from the Salem Witch Trials. And that's just the beginning. I won't ruin the entire plot for you; suffice it to say the well-written and well-researched story will keep your nose buried in the book until the very end. And you'll turn the last page with regret....... wishing there were still more to the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.

It's hard to believe that this book is the author's first published effort. Absolutely spellbinding...I couldn't put the book down! I am eagerly looking forward to seeing more books from this author.

Maggie- congrats-- proud of you my friend!! See you soon!

For those who havent read this book, I will say that she does her research and is quite knowlegable and is earnest in all that she does- this will have some great points of interest , inspiration ,challenging and a step out of the typical realm of reading! Set back and enjoy the read and pass the word along!!

Norwegian John

It is rare to find a book with excellent illustrations and story content. This book does both. My 5 and 2 1/2 yr old were spell bound waiting for "storms" coming. Perfect bedtime length!!A must for any childrens library!!

This book combines a cute story with very cute illustrations (the pastels are wonderful, but be aware that on a computer screen the colors look a lot less vibrant). It quickly became one of my daughter's favorite books (she's 2 years old), even though the story is slightly longer than other books we typically read to her. She especially likes the climax of the story, where the animals think that "storm" has finally cornered them in the barn. Mom and I like the story and pictures too, so it's not so bad having to read this one over and over.

I can't for the life of me figure out why our local bookstore doesn't display this book more prominently, as I think it would fly off the shelves with a little more prominent placement. I hope Tekavec and Spengler collaborate on another story soon.

A very cute story. Excellent illustrations. This is a must for any childs library. The story is written with much flair in all the animals in this humorous little book.

Ms Cochran has succeeded in gently blindsiding the unsuspecting adult reader who thinks he/she is reading a modern day fairy tale to the little ones. Subtle and not so subtle messages abound about what we say and what we model to our children. With thoughtful reflection, this book can be a springboard for meaningful discussions with our children...and something to think about while caught in traffic. The illustrations are superb and the writing style entertaining. Several copies sit in my pediatric waiting room.

This is an undiscovered gem! I read this book with my daughters and we all found something different to enjoy, whether it be the story, the pictures, the message or the cast of characters. This book has sparked conversation on our family and style of parenting, we keep going back to look at it again. By the way, my daughters are 20 and 22 and wondering what sort of parents they may be.

As a physician I have often wished that Human Beings came with 'service manuals' - instructions for optimal care and feeding of the soul. Sylvia is the ticket. Read it and read it again. Share it with the Human Being you love!

I had never heard of this author but was intrigued by the cover art and the book's synopsis. Now I can't wait to read her other book "A wicked Way to Burn". This book kept me interested the whole way through up to the very last page.Definetly would recommend this/

Ms. Miles' second Bracebridge Mystery is that rarest of items, a follow up that meets or exceeds the quality of the original novel. As before, her research is impeccable, and the depiction of Colonial Massachusetts rings absolutely true. I was fascinated by the descriptions of early practices of inoculation that are central to this story. Additionally, I believe Ms. Miles' prose to be among the best in the genre. It flows with an elegance and balance that is joy to read - and which contributes significantly to the experience of the language and conversation of the period. As before, the characters are well drawn and engaging. This author deserves to be far more widely read. Pick up this series, you will be glad that you did.

In this second of Margaret Miles' mysteries set in the New England village of Bracebridge, the characters gather "Decameron"-style to escape an outbreak of smallpox in Boston. In addition to the sensible Charlotte Willett and her neighbor Richard Longfellow, who were featured in "A Wicked Way to Burn," readers are treated to increased exposure to Richard's sister Diana. A shrewdly flirtatious vixen worthy of Jane Austen, she has agreed, after much cajoling, to travel to Bracebridge to receive and recuperate from a state-of-the-art smallpox inoculation. Her letters home to her Boston friends about the privations of such a dreary backwater sparkle with hilarious and revealing observations.

Not so humorous are the suicide and murder that arise from the confluence of these and other characters, including a down-at-the-heels doctor, a young woman from Concord affianced to a local lad, and a flamboyant adventurer with a secretive past. The stalwart English Captain Edmund Montague makes a return appearance, as do the Reverend Christian Rowe and a number of other colorful villagers. As if getting to know these characters were not pleasure enough, Ms. Miles provides a sterlingly-plotted mystery and rich historical context on the state of medicine, marriage, and the mores of 18th-century New England. This delightful combination of entertainment and erudition is sure to put Bracebridge on every mystery-lover's map.

Karen Lyon