From RENDEVOUS

Ardith Atkins craves something different, something exotic. She finds both when she takes a job teaching in Saudi Arabia. What she doesn't bargain for is two interesting men in her life--handsome prince Hassan and a charming American self-appointed protector, Jeff Wells. ARDITH has the irresitible appeal of a well-wrought foreign locale.The unique, vivid contrasts of Saudi Arabia seen through the eyes of impressionable Ardith make the country as memorable as any character.This thoroughly modern, believable tale of romance in the Middle East represents a fine first novel by Phyllis Morris. Solid characterizations hold up well against the unusual backdrop. For an exotic romance, travel across the sea with Ardith and experince love in the fascinating Middle East.

From GOTHIC JOURNAL

A talented writer, Morris does a grand job of sweeping the reader into an exotic and unfamiliar environment

"Parables: Stories Jesus Told" features text adapted by Mary Hoffman and art by Jackie Morris. This children's book presents several of the classic parables of Jesus of Nazareth. The retold stories include the parables of the good Samaritan, the sower, the prodigal son, the unforgiving servant, and more.

The stories are retold with effective simplicity. Morris' artwork is truly wonderful; her warm, rich tones bring to life the Middle East of Jesus' era. Her human faces are full of emotion, and she is also masterful at illustrating sheep, a wheatfield, flatbreads, and other elements.

The only bad thing about this book are the preachy, hit-you-over-the-head afterwords that follow each retold parable. These stories are some of the world's great literature, and should be allowed to speak for themselves; for a children's book, they only need the accompaniment of great artwork.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I love reading it to my children, who love to listen to it. I hope Mary Hoffman will write another, as her prose is so well understood by my kids. Just wonderful!