I read Patricia's other books and I always felt her books were lacking in some way. Not with this book. This book was a laugh out loud, funny, and sexy book about two thiefs with insercurities. They are not perfect, but they are good people who deserved the ending they got.

I am so glad to see Patricia Gaffney enjoying well-deserved success -- especially as it means a return to print of one of my all time favorite romances. Crooked Hearts has it all, wonderful, unique, fully fleshed characters, witty dialogue, adventure and a deep, soul-fulfilling love. Not only is there one copy on my keeper shelf, but two-- one to lend, and one to cherish.

Grace and Reuben are a couple of con artists who meet by chance while traveling (in disguise, of course: she, a nun; he, a blind spaniard.) Hilarity and hijinks ensue as a result of one's belief that the other can't see, etc. Meeting one another was an intriguing diversion, nothing more, considering the two would probably never cross paths again...that is, until their stagecoach is robbed, their "winnings" are stolen, and their false identities exposed in the process. As help is sought from the authorities after the bandits are subdued, Grace and Reuben, fearing questioning by the police, make their escape on horseback with nothing but the clothes on their back and a small, mysterious chinese figurine that seemed to be of special interst to the robbers.

Back at Reuben's San Fransiscan apartment, the two decide to partner up, just for a scam or two, until they can recoup their lost winnings. They develop a certain friendly-but-somewhat-suspicious camraderie, and, finding that they work rather well together, decide to see what they can get out of the figurine.

Grace and Reuben are wonderful characters - quite a refreshing change from the typical romance genre. Both are somewhat jaded and devious, yet the reader sees glimpses of basic goodness and kindness - even innocence - that only desperate circumstances and hard luck has served to temper in both of them.

The book drew me in immediately - action-packed from the get-go. The dialogue was quite clever, with lots of quite funny moments, as well as a couple of intricately impressive con schemes (where DOES Ms. Gaffney come up with this stuff?) Reuben and Grace are endearing, and I think any reader would soon find themself cheering for this couple.

Grace and Reuben develop a certain honor-among-thieves trust and friendship, and even grow to depend on one another (though they'd never admit it), and though there is a mutual attraction, they each inwardly determine to keep things neutral...until they find themselves caught up in the dangerous world of a deadly chinese mafia in Chinatown, the leader of which wants the little figurine quite desparately...and wants Grace even more.

Though the story is lively and witty, a deep, abiding love is developing between Grace and Reuben that is really quite touching and very deeply sexy. Reuben, though a shaking coward where knives are involved, a devious con-man when the moment calls for one, and a comic with an appreciation for the absurd, is probably the sexiest hero I've ever "met" in the pages of a book!

Adding The Emperor of Nature to your "must read" list will be one resolution that you will find a joy to keep. The author's graceful style in this scholarly, yet never pedantic, biography of the complex, heretofore little recognized naturalist and ornithologist, Charles-Lucien Bonaparte, is sparked by insightful and witty asides. Players in this intellectual and political history--the contraversial Bonaparte family, both its men and women, James Audubon, Thomas Say and other natural historians--emerge as distinct personalities as we read Bonaparte's lively--often impassioned--correspondence. The drama of Bonaparte's life, marked by his lifelong dedication to the science of natural history, is deftly enhanced by rich descriptive detail as each "scene is set". Equal attention is given to the underbrush of family and scientific disputes and jealousies, to the complications of early 19th century travel and the preservation of specimens, and to physical and psychological health issues. The abundant illustrations throughout, including many from the author's own collection, (it is always so disappointing when the illustrations in a biography, no matter how erudite, are limited to a tiny center folio of tired old photographs!) were a delight to this fascinated reader.

Fans of the Bonaparte family and of 19th-century science have had to wait a long time for a biography of Charles-Lucien Bonaparte, Napoleon's nephew and the leading ornithologist of his age -- this is the first. Happily, it has been worth the wait. Stroud has crafted a masterly portrait of a gregarious, complicated, hugely talented man, who published the first volume of his famous American Ornithology when he was just 22. By drawing on Bonaparte's own voluminous correspondence and those of others to and about him, which fortunately survive in great abundance, Stroud brings alive a man full of contradictions. Bonaparte was fiercely devoted to his scientific efforts, though drawn away from them by radical politics. He loved his wife and children dearly but neglected them, often for months at a time. He was ever concerned about money, yet on numerous occasions gambled away what little he had. Bonaparte's time and contemporaries are equally well-drawn, with some of the foremost scientific, literary, and political figures of the day drifting in and out of Bonaparte's rich life with pleasing regularity -- luminaries like Louis Agassiz, James Fenimore Cooper, Isadore Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, and, of course, Napoleon himself. One of the book's great contributions is a highly readable fleshing out of Bonaparte's close yet often tempestuous relationship with Audubon. Stroud has enlivened Emperor of Nature with luscious illustrations (including a beautiful color insert) chronicling every stage of Bonaparte's life, and she supplies complete reference notes and bibliography. If you liked Stroud's biography of the naturalist Thomas Say, you'll love this.

One does not have to be an ornithologist, and I am not, to become absorbed in this scholarly yet eminently approachable biography. The life of the nephew of the Emperor Napoleon is placed confidently in the turbulent times on both sides of the Atlantic. While its focus is on the man who "helped to lay the foundation for the modern science of ornitholoy, upon which Darwin based his theory of evolution," it is, at the same time, a history of the era in which he lived. Ms. Stroud turns quite a phrase ("the ground rumbling with revolution") and I surprised myself by reading it from start to finish in one long pleasant afternoon.

Please see my review of 'Dream of Fair Horses' which I believe must be the same book!

This story is a true, sometimes saddening account of how a young, poor girl attains her dream of riding a refined show pony at the huge English show, Wembley. Along the way, Gillian realizes her dreams and the ultimate realities that go along with those dreams.

After reading "The Fields of Praise" I sat with it in my hands knowing I held tangible proof that the impetus which draws us to horses is as real as the sun is bright. Like a kindred soul Ms. Leitch recognizes the sun which dances within horses. She bottles its substance and sprinkles it on every page, but not before shaking it all together with life's hardest lessons. More than a tale of a horse crazy girl, this is about the death of childhood dreams. I first read it 18 years ago and to me it is a classic; what "Black Beauty" is to the cruelty and kindness of humanity, "The Fields of Praise" is to truth and beauty.

After reading a copy of Fit Happens from our local library, I had to purchase a copy for my home library. I had been looking for a book that presented overall fitness and nutrional information--not diet hype--and found it. Fit Happens presents a great balance of detailed information with tables and bulleted lists that make looking up information convenient. Information summarized in tables ranges from causes and remedies for such symptoms as heartburn and insomnia to calories burned during specific exercises and every day routines like vacuuming. The only drawback to this book was the presentation of exercises. There weren't very many and no pictures to demonstrate. She should have considered other reference books or videos for exercises. As far as nutritional information and the real reasons why we should exercise, this book is tops!

As an "old" fan of the Joanie Greggans video exercise tapes of the 80's I wondered if this book would give some new insights into the old question, "How can I be better all the way around - physically, mentally and emotionally?" She does a great job of putting common sense information in front of us in such a way that everyone can deal with it in a realistic manner. It was a great pick-me-up to know I was actually doing some ok things but it gave some wonderful insight on ways I could improve in areas of eating, exercising, and destressing. Believe it or not, it even had some great exercises to strengthen muscles to improve your sex life - way to go Joannie!

This is a great book! It is full of factual information, grounded in real science and loaded with common sense. If you are fed up with the search for the "magic bullet" and ready to get serious about fitness this book is for you! This is NOT another best selling author promoting the latest fad. I was impressed with Ms. Greggains straightforward no nonsense approach to her topic and her honesty. While I was disappointed to learn that there really is no "magic" I was inspired by the authors belief in the power of good information to help people transform themselves. This book does the job quite nicely!

This Eyewithness book is up-to-date and very practical. It contains a lot of pictures which is extremely usefull if you are planning a trip. When planning the trip it makes the book in a way easier to use than for example the Lonely Planet of Boston since you got a clear picture of the surroundings.

I live in New England and this is another of my favorite books from this region of the country. DK has always published quality books in their Eyewitness Travel Guides and they have done an excellent job with this volume on Boston. Unless you visit Boston on a frequent basis it is easy to get disoriented. I really found this book quite useful and the colorful layout of this book with maps, illustrations, photographs and text really inspired me to delve into its pages and check out one of New England's premier cities. The historical information on Boston was invaluable. I never realized some of the things I used to walk past. I think it is also very informative, not only from a historical perspective, but also as a point of reference for sightseeing, travel and enjoyment.

The Eyewitness Travel Guide to Boston was recommended to me in a bookstore and it was perfect for a recent 5-day trip to Boston. The guide is laid out by area, so you really get a feel for what else is around you when you are at a particular destination. The overall maps are very good and well detailed and the book is chock full of great photos. It also includes great history and background info. My Boston friend kept asking me "how do you know all this stuff?"

A review by Eric Newell
April 10, 2002
The Crisis of Care is moving away from the technological, managerial aspect of caring. The need is to restore the concern and compassion for the need of the care receiver. Persons care for the wrong reasons. If it is not the aspect of filling the prescribed attention to a patient, very often there is the one who is interested to help or assist because they feel a sense of moral commitment or the sense that it will make them feel good. The editors quote Wuthnow's survey report that 42% of Americans were interested giving themselves for the benefit of others. The percentage dropped to 15% when asked if they were willing to sacrifice to help another person." (1994, p.23)
"From the time we were children, we were told by our parents and our grammar school teachers to "Pay Attention!" Even though we have grown inured to this injunction and shrug it off, there are few things in life more important." (1994, p. 28) Restoring those concerns for the individual, the context of their situation and what it is that needs to be protected for the care receiver is important.
Steven Covey in his writing cautioned against responding to the "Tyranny of the Urgent". In "The Crisis of Care," the chapter, "Teach Us to Care and Not to Care," says the caregiver who offers standardized responses to the needs or responds to that which gives only immediate relief, is not giving the full extent of care. There needs to be the caregiver who is will not only to pray for the receiver only, as an immediate answer to the problem, but who is willing to take the time to teach the receiver how to pray. This awareness of how to pray helps the person begin to understand that value can be found even in the experience of their suffering.
Creating a context of care, listening and reducing isolation are all important in care giving. It is not enough to know the facts about a person or even the facts about their situation. The concern is that one knows the issues and reasons, which surround those facts. This is important whether it involves the student in the school or the patient wrestling with the quality of life. "From a theological standpoint, any notions of caring we might have grow out of our divine vocation, to reflect in our lives together in the world the character of God, manifest in his covenant love, (the compassionate behavior of God)."
Phillips and Benner blend the use of narrative, dialogue and instruction to emphasize the strengths and weaknesses in present day care giving. The reoccurring issues of finding the context, the willingness to listen and the autonomy of the care receiver emphasize the point of the writing that care giving needs to move beyond the mechanical and technological response.

Phillips and Benner have edited nine narratives written on "redesigning the structures and processes of our public caregiving institutions in order to better facilitate practices of caring," (vii) an excellent resource for those in the helping professions and for those who care. The narratives are actual circumstances with real people who practice within the caring professions. The authors invite the reader to examine the narratives in terms of the practices of care illustrated by them (vii). Because the narratives are written by practitioners and theorists who are experts in their field (10), each has spoken out against the objectification and commodification of persons and practices that mask contemporary helping professions (11).
These are examples of the experts. Robert Bellah, a sociologist, argues for a rich, interpersonal world as he pleads for Americans to listen and see, by adopting an ethic of responsibility, of moral discourse, instead of control and commodification (13).
Patricia Benner, a professor of physiological nursing, advocates that, "effective caregiving requires more than intent or sentiment. It requires skill and knowledge and being in relation with others in ways that foster mutuality, empowerment, and growth" (45).
As a pastor and theology professor, Eugene H. Peterson describes the difference between genuine caring and control veiled as caring. Dr. Peterson believes that we are meant to open out toward our neighbors and open upward towards God, and that we can be whole and healthy humans only to the degree that we do this (69).
Pediatrician E. Dawn Swaby-Ellis states that "whatever the competing factions my challenge is the same: to be effective, efficient, and empathic" (84). Furthermore, she believes that caring for patients must come out of true concern and love for them (90). Her personal caring relationship with her patients was deeply validated by her exposure to the biopsychosocial model proposes by George Engel and expanded by Paul Tournie to include the spiritual dimension. Although, Dr. Swaby-Ellis praises many of her teachers, she declares the Holy Spirit to be her greatest teacher. "It is one thing to be a Christian who wishes to live a life of obedience to God by showing love to mankind. It is another thing to integrate our faith into the fabric of our being so that our actions mirror our spiritual belief" (93).
To Anna Richert, an educator, all teaching practice must help kids to grow through caring. Although there are increasing challenges and dangers educators deal with daily as they attempt to care by teaching in urban chaos, still "children need care and they also need to learn to care for one another. Ultimately they need to learn to care for themselves" (109). I agree with Richert that fundamental to teaching children to care is the fact that children "need to feel and be safe" which includes "needing to trust others, and having a sense that others believe in them" (109).

Insightful, humane, challenging, reflective, and practical are words that describe, The Crisis of Care: Affirming and Restoring Caring Practices in the Helping Professions, edited by Susan Phillips and Patricia Benner. The nine chapters followed the format of a story narrative followed by a pertinent and complimentary discourse. Phillips wrote: "Teaching, nursing, medicine, psychotherapy, and pastoral ministry are written of from the inside in terms of excellent practice" (vii). Inevitably, "care is relational, creating more than we expect and at other times showing us the limits of 'helping'" (10).
Phillips' book is a positive example of how ritual and relationship can fuse to embrace the unique personhood of students, patients, clients, and parishioners; thereby, humanizing what has been viewed as merely objective clinical processes and procedures. The distinguished practitioners and scholars who contributed stories and essays are to be commended for their efforts in providing authentic care themselves and in sharing their insights.
The stories are powerful. A Holocaust descendant's anxiety is relieved because the psychotherapist heard with an inner ear, the patient's real and heretofore unexpressed need. Attention to the not said and the unseen on the part of the caregiver is of terrific value when providing care. An abortion case is reviewed with some of the multiplicity of implications that are involved. "Sammy," a six years old Amish boy, kicked by a mule, is restored to health. The preparation of a simple meal and the opportunity to learn the history of an African-American woman's family (Ambrosia Jones) helped pave a road to recovery. Death by choice in a chapter of the same name is provocative. Blake's story is about the unattractive child. It presents the compassionate value of a mother's love, and reveals a doctor's openness to in-seeing and in-hearing, and thereby some profound learning occurs. Mrs. Clark's paralysis and the visiting male nurse's ritual and relationship pastoral care story are inspiring.
The insights are powerful. Benner wrote: "If we were able to replace our disease care system with caring practices that foster illness prevention and health promotion so that clinical wisdom could be fostered from caregivers and receivers alike, we would alter dramatically how we are spending our health care dollar" (59). Eugene Peterson described the pastor's task: "Pastors identify God in the action, God in the language" (74). Peterson's challenge was to learn when to care, and not to care. The Atlanta, Georgia pediatrician, Dr. E. Dawn Swaby-Ellis learned: "My greatest teacher in learning how to care has been the Holy Spirit" (93). Clinical Psychologist Mima Baird echoed the sentiment by contributing: "To care is to listen; to hear is to care" (96). Teacher Anna Richert noted that it lies within the ability to make authentic connections that the capacity for care is enhanced, and by implication, the significant educable moment can be realized. Professor Joel Green draws attention in his summary statement: "Just as we know the character of God only in the concreteness of our lives, especially within the community of God's people, so we recognize the threads and hues of human reflection of God's character only in the fabric of social life in the everyday world" (165).
Quickly paced, tightly written, and imaginative stories, and longer, but nevertheless interesting reflections and observations, make The Crisis of Care an excellent addition to every caregivers memory storehouse and personal library.

This is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. I borrowed it from a friend and now I don't think I'll give it back just yet - I want to read it again. The characters were so authentic, the scenes of schooldays so funny and so poignant, the ordeals of the conscientious objector and the soldier in the Vietnam war so frighteningly realistic - the memory of this book will stay with me for a long, long time.

A great story told in an easy, coversational style. It's funny, it's frightening - it should be an eyeopener to us all.

Two thumbs up for this one ! Best thing I've read in a long time. Funny, sad, poignant, rewarding, I couldn't put it down. See how Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War impacted on the people who had to fight it whether as conscientous objectors or soldiers. Highly recommended.

I liked this book, the photos are lovely and the text is nice, only the size is bad.

A beautiful little book for a beautiful lady

This small book is filled with pictures of Diana from the days when she was a kindergarten teacher to her marriage to Prince Charles. Also, she is shown comforting Elton John at a mutual friend's funeral in Italy just one month prior to her own tragic death. Some of the pictures which are shown in black and white, one has seen before in color.

This is the story of a young girl who grew up before our eyes in the glare of public scrutiny. She was born Honorable Diana Spencer, became Lady Diana Spencer upon the death of her paternal grandfather, and became Her Royal Highness, Diana, Princess of Wales, when she married. Sadly, when her marriage ended, it was agreed that whe would be addressed as Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana was the only child in the Spencer family who did not have a Royal as a godparent.

Diana, Princess of Wales, sponsored many organizations and took all of her duties seriously. However, she liked her role as MUMMY more than any other role. Her bedroom was within hearing distance of the nursery, and whenever she heard a cry, she was there instantly. This was certainly not in tradition in Royal Families. She was heard to say, "A Mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." Diana wanted her children to experience the wold outside the palace, as well as, in the confines of the palace. She tried to give them as normal a childhood as possible which she succeeded in doing.

Diana was known not just in Britain, but the world over. People from all over the world loved Diana, and she became not only a princess, but queen of their hearts.

This is a mini hardback book

Patricia Oliver starts this book with a betrothal between Athena Standish and Viscount Peregrine Fairmont. She is seeking security for her young daughter and his father the Earl of St. Aubyn is not enamored of the match. The Earl plots, his Aunt plots, Miss Rathbone plots, and the tale evolves. If you like this book you may also like others I have reviewed, backtrack through my member page.

This is another well-written, entertaining novel from the pen of Patricia Oliver, one of the best writers in this genre. Although I was initially disappointed to discover that this book is not part of her Seven Corinthians series (and what happened to that series? I don't think she finished it), I still never regretted buying it.

Oliver uses one of the classic plot-lines in this book, that of indigent widow latching onto a young and naive man, who persuades himself that he's in love and wants to marry her. The twist, however, is that in this version of the plot the lady is no villain or harpy, as would usually be the case. Athena knows that she's not being entirely fair by Peregrine and feels guilty, but Peregine insists that he does love her, and he's very kind indeed to her daughter.

Peregrine's father, the Earl of St Aubyn, is (not surprisingly) none too happy about the engagement, and sets himself the task of separating the couple. However, he finds himself attracted to Athena, much against his will.

Again, Oliver doesn't resort to stereotypes: St Aubyn is by no means the heartless father. In fact, he is a sincere, caring and very moral man who hates what he has to do to detach Athena from his son, but does it because he loves his son. He does actually recognise Athena's merits, and the portrayal of his own dilemma makes this story all the more interesting.

In addition, Peregrine is also drawn very sympathetically. Even when - as could be expected - he falls in love with someone else, he doesn't forget his obligations, and he still keeps undertakings he's made to Athena's daughter.

All in all, a very enjoyable book, with a great cast of characters, including some minor ones who sound as if they deserve their own story!

Usually a heroine becoming engaged to an unsuitable, younger man runs the risk of being considered either a gold digger or a fool. Oliver instead creates a sympathetic heroine who truly wants to do the right thing...once she figures out what the "right thing" is, and who--unlike many Regency heroines -- seems to have more to worry about than what to wear to her next ball.

Usually a hero who deliberately sets out to destroy the heroine's happiness is an arrogant, conceited jerk. Oliver's hero isn't the typical Regency rake concerned only with his egocentric indulgences but is a thoughtful-- if misguided -- man who also wants only what's best for everyone involved in a messy situation.

I found that despite a set-up that would have had me suspecting a silly heroine and an obnoxious hero, Oliver exceeded expectations and created two likable, caring people who deserve happiness... if only they can figure out a way to grab it. The author did an excellent job fleshing out characters with strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other so well that when the couple finally achieves the happiness they deserve you can only finish reading the book with a smile.

I really enjoyed this book. Its an interesting read about the effect of WWII on world fashion and also a helpful resorce guide to fashion and trends of the era. I must for any vintage clothing collector or swing kid!

I borrowed this book along with the other volumes (1940 to 1970 )from my library. This was exactly what I need for my assignment of different body types and the power of non verbal communication. It was very interesting and would recommend buying. This book was outstanding!

I thought this book was well written, even if it is supposedly for kids. It was full of information, pictures, and interesting trivia. As a free-lance writer and researcher of the Twenties, it's a good book to have in one's personal library!