Watching her black lab puppy Otis grow up, the author learns a lot more about surviving life as a human -- how to appreciate each day as a special gift, to give love unconditionally, to forgive without thinking twice, and to appreciate the simple things. The lessons Otis can teach all of us are very thought-provoking. And the illustrations in this book are magical, capturing with exact precision the moods, facial expressions, body language, and trouble that puppies, particularly black lab retriever puppies, often get into. A very uplifting book for dog-lovers, and just ordinary humans, too. Highly recommended!

I love this book!!! It is not only an inspiration for puppy raisers, but also a look at life in general. Everyone should read it. I am a puppy raiser in FL and raised a puppy who looks just like Otis - what a bonus for me.

Why is this book out of print? It is so magnificent!!!...

It will pertain to people of all ages. I have purchased the book for all of our grandchildren as a gift they will be able to carry with them through life. I have also given it as a gift to friends who are having various personal problems as a reminder that life is not always easy. The content contains lessons learned by a guide dog puppy in his first year of life. What is amazing is that all of these lessons apply to all of us. A must read.

This title For Love of a Horse, and the other eleven in the series are the best horse stories I have ever read - I can't believe they are currently out of print!?! This first book sets up the series, where Jinny and her family move to the Scottish highlands and Jinny rescues Shantih from the circus and brings her home to Finmory. Patricia Leitch writes in a way that lets you share in Jinny's happiness, pain, family life, and perils of growing up. The other books in the series in order are: A Devil to Ride -- The Summer Riders -- Night of the Red Horse -- Gallop to the Hills -- Horse in a Million -- The Magic Pony -- Ride Like the Wind -- Chestnut Gold -- Jump for the Moon -- Horse of Fire -- Running Wild. I am lucky enough to have read them all and own eight of them, and have read them over and over. Please reprint these(!!) so a new generation can enjoy Patricia Leitch's Jinny stories.

For as long as i can remember this has been one of my favorite books, I found my copy in the attic recently along with the summer riders. Is it just me or does Summer riders read as though there should have been another book in between?

FOr love of a horse is very touching and any other horse crazy kids will probably have an easy time relating to jinny, her dreams, and her obsticles. If you run across a copy of this book BUY IT at any cost. If you know of copies of OTHERS< PLEASE tell me?

No, not really, but this is the BEST book, and I have alot in common with the main charecter, Jinny Manders. I had also lived in the city (US, though) and moved to the country when my dream of owning an arabian show horse finally came true! Like Jinny, I love art, drawing and horses... it's what I do!!! This book is really an 11, on the scale from 1-10, but that wasn't an option. :o)

Also, if anyone knows of any other books in the series (I also have the summer riders), PLEASE PLEASE tell me! thanks!

Don't tell the other guys, but I learned some things from this book. It's full of practical info and sound advice presented in an upbeat, zippy way. A fun read. Ah, go on and tell the other guys--Hip Girl's Guide is for us, too!

WOW!! Where was this book in 1986 when I graduated high school and went away to college - living on my own for the first time? Too bad the authors were only 11 years old at the time! Here I am, 16 years later, opened the Hip Girl's Handbook and found out how to do things I was either afraid of or always wanted to know about, but afraid to ask. Thanks to Jennifer and Patty for putting their heads together and creating this compilation of wonderful information! It's hip, it's easy, it's cool and will inspire anyone to do anything they never thought they could! This reliable resource is a must for anyone, any age! A great gift to yourself or someone else!

This book is fantastic! I am sending it for Christmas or birthday gifts to all of my married and single friends. It is so practical - especially the car tips - but also just a great book to read. There is definitely no book like this. Most helpful books are boring "how to" books - but not The Hip Girl's Handbook. These authors were able to include helpful information in a clever way so that this book is witty and fun to read. It also has an easy layout so I can reference what it is I am looking for pretty quickly.

I just wish I had this book years ago when I was first on my own away at college. I would highly recommend this book for any woman (or even young woman) who is, or wants to be, independent!

I was a fan of Patricia White's long before reading PS, I've Taken a Lover, but this book just blew me away. Not only can this woman write, she can definitely write MY demographic! There's not a 50 year old woman anywhere who won't find something to laugh or cry about between these pages. It should be required reading for all women, no matter what their ages, and it wouldn't hurt a few of the men to read it either. What a hoot! This is an absolutely wonderful story.

P.S. I've Taken a Lover was truly delightful to read. I started reading it on a Saturday morning and finished on Sunday evening! I got nothing else done the whole weekend. White's story is about a meek housewife, Elizabeth; I would consider her a doormat, milk toast, wallflower kind of woman. Her life is spent in service to her husband and "his" house. But Elizabeth has a dream to become a writer that she buried long ago. Her controlling husband doesn't think she is capable of doing anything beyond taking care of him, his house, and his needs. I think any woman who has even a mildly controlling husband can identify with Elizabeth. And that is the real attraction to this story; the reader can identify with the characters and feel their pain, joy, hope, and laughter. Elizabeth writes a steamy novel under the alias Lolly Horn and her husband and his predatory secretary have her committed as a mad woman. This is the story of a woman reaching for her dreams regardless of the consequences and obstacles. It is truly inspiring, humorous and enjoyable.

Meek, submissive Elizabeth Gilmartin finds she can no longer deny, even to herself, that she is a writer. Not just a writer of fiction, but sizzling, sensual allusions for which she takes another identity, Lolly Horn. Her husband Edgar, stiff-necked and full of himself, would never approve, nor could he believe that his wife, whom he feels suffers menopausal delusions, is capable of such erotica.

Committed to expensive "Harmony House," Elizabeth must prove her sanity. But is she sane or mad? Has she been betrayed or is she merely deceiving herself?

"P.S. I've Taken a Lover" is a romping, lively read that takes you through hilarious predicaments, many of which are encouraged by Elizabeth's impish, life-long friend, Cass, who delights in aggravating Edgar.

Patricia Lucas White, an award-winning best-selling author has done it again. "P.S. I've Taken a Lover" bursts with energy, twisting and turning at every page. Don't plan on getting anything else done until you've finished this delightful book.

Reviewed by Mary E. Trimble, author of "Rosemount" (Crossroadspub.com).

Wild at Heart is the story of a wealthy Society widow, Sydney, her eccentric family, and her love for 'wild man' Michael. This story is simple and sweet, graduates to thoughtful, insightful, and ends... On an abrupt note.

Michael views the world differently than others, and has the ability to open the eyes of those around him. While others take Nature for granted, Michael views the natural world and creatures within it with respect, wonder and love.

This is a wonderful book. I cannot say enough good things about it... But... My only disappointment with this novel is that in the last fifty pages it disintegrates from a serious romance to romantic silliness....

The author introduces a fantastic story line, and rushes through some major plot developments, to bring about a rather abrupt 'happy ending,' which hit a sour note with me.

I would much preferred a slower ending, without the long drawn out last minute (silly) plot complication.

Overall, still, an excellent read... AND a keeper!

I had never read anything by Patricia Gaffney, but the cover promised that it was different somehow, and indeed it is! Can't remember when I have enjoyed a story more. Not only do I highly recommend this book, I can guarantee that I will be reading more by this author in the very near future!

I will not go into the plot since other reviewers have already done so. I just wanted to add that this is the most unique story I have ever read. The characters are so vividly drawn that by the end of the book I felt as I knew them personally. Try this book you will not regret it. :)

McCreary County Deputy Detective KC Tanner has his work cut out for him. A gruesome killer is on the loose in his county, bent on torturing to death his chosen victims and displaying each of them in a unique and baffling manner.

Sharalee MacArthur is serving the County as Victim's Advocate. It is her job to deal with families of murder victims. The job is not easy, especially when having to deal with Detective Tanner. She's known him since she was a little girl, being the daughter of Sheriff Mike "Mac" MacArthur, KC's boss and best friend. Now she is all grown up and in hot pursuit of the handsome detective.

KC is running for dear life from a past that is haunting him and from the one woman consuming his soul, jeopardizing his sworn-bachelor status. Sharlee has succeeded getting under his skin and evenutally he realizes how important she is to him. So important in fact that he takes the risk of revealing secrets which may jeopardize their relationship, as well as his relationship with her father.

The case is taking its toll on all concerned. The few clues that are found, point to the one person KC can't believe is involved. So many secrets and lies float to the surface, shedding light on a past long forgotten and buried. Secrets that jeopardize new love, old friendships and the lives of the guilty. Not all are who they seem to be. Soon the killer focuses pent up rage on the ones hunting him, including Sharalee, who's life and identity are in danger of being lost forever. Only KC can bring all the clues together and save the woman he realizes he loves and can't survive without.

Pat Rasey grows more and more adept in intricately weaving a complex, layered plot with flawed, yet lovable characters and a love story that will melt your heart. FACADE is by far the best work Rasey has written to date. Not only is this book overflowing with heart-pounding suspense and fascinating details of police forensics, but also gruesome minutiae of sadistic murder. And the love scenes are so scorchingly hot that they'll melt the paint off the walls. The intensity of her approach to her latest prose matches that of Diehl and Harris, so the squeamish beware. The pacing is fast and the writing is perfect. Not one word is wasted nor a moment dull. Thriller devotees will be up all night, as I was, riveted to this page-turner. Pat Rasey demonstrates yet again, why she's become an author to reckon with. ........

The Sheriffs daughter is back in town. And boy has she grown up! The first one to notice the change is his Deputy Sheriff, KC Tanner.

Tanner had watched her grow up most of his life but he's not ready when she returns home from college. She has transformed into a beautiful and sexy woman. And it's all he can do to make sure he stays away from his best friends little girl.

But Sharalee's the new Victims Advocate. And now he finds himself teamed up with her when a serial killer starts stalking his small town.

While KC tracks down his leads, Sharalee has to follow him into the tattered lives of the families that have been left behind. She has to help them cope with their loss while he finds the killer who took their loved ones away.

Sharalee's serious about her work but she can't forget the love she's carried for KC since she was a little girl. Nor can she ignore the fact that KC continues to treat her like a child. A situation she's trying her best to change.

What follows is a tense and sexually fueled joy ride that takes them both from one crime scene to another. Each one more horrific than the next. While they try to figure out just who and why a serial killer is killing off some of the town folks.

When the killer strikes too close to home, they both realize they need each other more than ever to get through this nightmare alive.

And along the way terrible secrets are revealing themselves that could rip their lives together apart.

Patricia Rasey has penned an outstanding book!

Fascade is a spine tingling read from start to finish with equal parts murder and romance.

Ms. Rasey leads you to believe you know who the killer is, and then yanks your chain, and swings you in a whole other direction!

You'll find yourself wondering who will be the next victim and in what atrocious way are they going to be murdered. The biggest mystery will be

why?!

You not only get a murder mystery in Fascade, but you also get a lot of great sexual tension between KC and Sharalee, that builds to it's climactic explosion right along with the murder and mayhem.

I highly recommend Fascade to anyone who loves a good murder mystery. This is one book that will keep you guessing.

If you are clever enough to figure out who did it, you still won't believe what you get hit in the face with at the end!

McCreary County Sheriff Mike "Mac" McArthur and his Deputy Detective KC Tanner find the missing George Tanner, a homicide victim who was tortured before he was killed. Both law enforcement officials are stunned by the amount of violence inflicted on George. More people soon die with the culprit customizing the killings and holding a county in abject fear over who will be next.

Mac's daughter Sharalee MacArthur works as the County Victim's Advocate. She tries to help families of murder victims deal with the tragedy they must confront. This is a tough emotional job, but KC, the county's only homicide detective, makes it that much more difficult to perform. His heart is stone cold protected from the outside by demons from his past, but she fantasizes that one-day he will love her like she does him. As the clues surface, the killer adds to the top of the revised list Sharalee, which leaves Kevin Charles panicked that the love of his life could be next.

FAÇADE is an exciting serial killer tale that provides grisly details of the murders through the eyes of the investigators. The suspense filled story line never misses a beat even with a romantic subplot. The hearts of the audience race at a rapid rate due to feeling the same fears of the residents (sort of like New York during Son of Sam terror) and ultimately that of the lead protagonists. Patricia A. Rasey writes a gritty police procedural that is as intense as the sub-genre can become, which in turn means a winner for fans.

Harriet Klausner

For this author to write this book, it had to be ordained by God. Ms Harris was able to tell her secrets to help us realize that our God is a forgiving God. Even when we don't feel we deserve it, He keeps on blessing us over and over again. I had some doubts when I was asked to read this book. I really thought it would be another of one of these self righteous books about what you better do, how to do it and what is going to happen if you don't. Ms Harris told a story that I could find a lesson for myself and a lesson to witness to others. This is a book that I have been and will continue to recommend to those who feel the need to overcome shame, guilt and doubt.

I read this book and at first, I must confess, I was a little sketical, but as I read on, oh my God! This precious author, Patricia Harris reveals herself that we may be healed. The Holy Spirit uses this book to minister to deep, dark, hidden hurts that we as women never want to talk about. If you want to be healed than read this book with an open heart. Write notes to yourself as things to mind, pray and God will do the rest. He will bring life to your dead situations and heal your broken heart!

Patricia Harris is a writer of unusual and spiritual vision. She has the natural ability to put every deed in context with the love of God. Personally, I was moved by the way she made me realize that I too was forgiven. Now, I can move on with my life and experience the joy of God's many blessings. This was a courageous act of love for mankind. Patricia approached a topic that is taboo; because of her courage, we all can identify with either one of the characters, yet walk away feeling good about ourselves and who we are as God's children. Imprisoned by Secrets of the Heart will also benefit men as well as women. If you have any doubt about God's love and forgiveness you must read this book. Many thanks to Patricia Harris for her insight and unselfish act of love.

When Great Gramma Anna left Russia to come to New York City, she had only the clothes on her back. Soon she had outgrown her dress and babushka and her mother used these and other family member's old clothes to make a colorful quilt. "It will be like having the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night." As author Patricia Polacco explains, this quilt tells the story of her family from generation to generation, and has been present at all their life events, births, deaths, weddings and other special family celebrations. It is the glue that binds her family together. Her gentle, poignant, simple text is only outdone by the beautiful brown and white illustrations, reminiscent of old photographs with only the quilt highlighted in vibrant color as it wraps babies, covers tables, is used as a wedding huppa... The Keeping Quilt is a very special history book about love and faith and our connections to each other, told with insight and wisdom.

Patricia Polacco is one of the greatest storytellers of our generation. She has put down snippets of not only her life, but of her ancestors, into delightful stories that transcends all age groups. THE KEEPING QUILT is about Polacco's Great-Grandmother Anna, who immigrated to New York City. The only two things that she still owned from her native Russia were her dress and a babushka. Anna's mother eventually takes parts of her dress and babushka along with old clothes belonging to other relatives and makes a quilt that will remind everyone of their homeland. This quilt serves as a source of comfort and memories for future generations. This is another book that I bought my daughter for her birthday. She will read this book to her second graders perhaps inspiring a new generation to write down the memories of the past.

Who else but Patricia Polacco can create a story about a few pieces of fabric that will have you singing, dancing, crying? If I tell you that I become overwhelmed at the very thought of this little scrap of a book, will you think I am overreacting? Actually teary-eyed.

The rich patchwork of a family history, on top of, covered by and wrapped within a quilt made of Great Great Grandma Anna's blue dress and red babushka, Uncle Vladmir's shirt, Aunt Havalah's nightdress, and Aunt Natasha's apron. Through all of the events that mark a lifetime, birth, marriage, family meals, coming of age, deaths, we see the quilt binding generation to generation.

In simple black and white (and shades of gray!) illustrations which we have the feeling were actually photograhs, the quilt stands out again and again as the thing that gives each scene color. It is a symbol of all the things that a family hands down to each member.

Wonderfully uplifting, evoking strong emotions, and a pure joy to share.

From my review in Affair de Couer in the February 1998 issue. This book is more than just a love tory, but a lesson in history, a glimpse into a society not discussed in high school history books because so little is known about it. Set in pre-civil war new orleans, the story is cented around a young woman of color, in this case, a quadroon, three-quarter white, one-quarter black and the legacy into which she was born. From the day she was born, Sylvia Dupont is detined to become a mistress to a rich Creole (the definition of Creole is ambiguous, in this case it is an American born of French or Spanish parentage)planter. She is primed, and educated to this end, as she herself is a result of a placquee (an agremment set up between a white man and a woman of color). She is taught the ways to seduce a man of means and keep him interested enough to make a cvontract that will promise her a lavish home, expensive furnishing, clothes, and support and education for the children that will result from their union. Adrien Valcour is such a suitor and Sylvias's mother, Celeste relaizez all of her hopes and ambitions will be realized when a contract is made between her daughter and Monsieur Valcour. Celeste, a mulatto (half-wife/black) is still bitter over the abandonment of her "protector", Sylvia's father when her children were young. The snag in the plan is Justin Reynaud, a wealthy free man of color, who meets Sylvia on a boat returning from France. Sylvia is returning after four years of education in the arts and becoming a lady, while Justin is returning from a business trip. Sparks fly, but Sylvia knows that she cannot entertain the idea of becoming involved with a man of African descent even though it has been her dream as a child to marry and be a wife. Her destiny is to become a mistress, not a wife. Justin believes that the quadroon ball and placquees are just another form of slavery since there is a law forbidding marriage between white and blacks. Besides most of these men le! ave their mistresses after they marry a woman of their own color, leaving the children without a father and sometimes without support. Justin belongs to a class of free blacks that own ladn, are skilled artisans and well educated, often in France. Most of them scorn the system that prostitutes their women. Sylvia and Justin's paths cross again when his aunt, Mademoiselle Angelique is asked by Sylvia's mother to Sylvia how to "keep a house". Justin is always around upsetting Sylvia's emotional state of mind. Soon they are caught up in their feelings for one another and just when they are about to consummate the relationship, Justin declares he will not take her unless they marry. Sylvia dare to defy traditon, plan a wedding with Angelique's help and the support of some black nuns. Sylvia marries Justin and is disowned by her mother. Their happiness is troubled with her brother's gambling debts and double life, their conflicting views on loyalty, old girlfriends and a scorned suitor. There is a flood, a kidnapping and death as their marriage is tried again and again. This was a very interesting book, rich with scenery of both New Orleans and Cane River, today still the home of today's black Creoles. It is also unsettling. There were blacks who owned slaves as well as those who viewed themselves better than other blacks because of the mixture of white blood in their veins. But we must realize that prople of color were were as much a victim of their circumstances as during this time in history just as their white counterparts were.

Shadow s on the Bayou is a wonderfully book that is sure yo keep you up all night reading it. The story is about a young woman named Sylvia Dupont . She lives in New Orleans and because of her mixed heritage, is part of the placage system of being "sold" to a rich creole gentleman as his mistress;however, she falls in love with aJustin, an ironworker and must defy her mother and break sociity's rules jsut to be with him!How does the book end? You must read to find out! True, the book is long but, you will never become tired of reading it. Kudos to Mrs. VAughn for yet another well written masterpiece!

I absolutely adored this book. I couldn't put it down. It was a first rate voyage into a time period when the role of blacks was to be subject to indignities as either a slave or mistress. Either way being used and considered a lesser creature. The historical information was priceless. A glorious recreation of the glamour and heartache of the pre Civil war era. A beautiful story of love conquering all and the evolution of self awareness and determination of one's destiny. Ms. Vaughn has recreated a world of affluent people of color that many people do not know existed in that era. There is a definite need for more of these beautiful stories from Ms. Vaughn -- I cannot wait to read your previous novel Murmur of Rain -- you have found yourself a devoted reader

The Christmas Killer was one of the most intriging books I have read. Patricia Windsor is the best at portraying how Rosecoleer was feeling in each chapter. She also told how the killer was feeling between chapters. If you're looking for a bone chilling thriller get this book. You won't be able to put it down!

This book is about a young girl named Nancy, who is cold bloodly murdered. Before she disappears she is last seen by a girl named Rose. A year after Nancy's murder Rose starts having dreams about Nancy and Nancy takes Rose to spots where there are dead bodies. Everyone thinks Rose is crazy except for her twin brother Jarram. More girls disappear and before the police find the bodies, Rose has a "dream" and Nancy takes her to the spot where the bodies are usually found, or where one has been for quiet a while. Rose eventually finds out who the killer is and it isn't pretty. Read one page and you'll be hooked.

I am in 7th grade and I read this book for a AR test. That is a test you take on the computer after you read the book. I t was a wonderful book. But not to scary. You can't really know who the killer is until the end. So read this book to find out. It is a truly amazing book.