I read "The You I Never Knew" over a day ago, and I'm still trying to get my hands around this book. So different than Ms. Wiggs other work, this caught me by surprise. Michelle Turner returns to Montana to help her father, save her son and find herself. What she finds is the father of her child and the love of her life. I enjoyed this work, (except--sorry Ms. Wiggs--Cowboys in Montana don't wear Levi's--they wear Wranglers!) I'll need to re-read to grasp the whole of the work. As expected Ms. Wiggs delivers complex women, facing real issues. She delivered me an even greater surprise in the form of Sam McPhee. I would have liked to see a greater level of "heat" between the two characters. Not for romance sake but to capture the reality that these are two characters sixteen years down the road. She misses an opportunity to carve out a moment of sweet understanding between these two characters, when faced with the harsh realities of time and childbirth, they don't share something profound. I really did like this novel. I think I will like it even more the second time around. I urge Ms. Wiggs to continue to write fresh work no matter the genre. Please don't fall into the trap of Danielle Steel, big money but the same old books. This is a unique and special novel....

The You I Never Knew is fascinating book by Susan Wiggs. Don't make the mistake I made and think it's just another "I'm not going to tell you that you're the father of my child" book. Ms. Wiggs has taken a cast of characters, the past and present, and written a book that will keep you tuned in from page one.

Michelle Turner fell in love with Sam McPhee. She was just a kid, the daughter a famous movie star Gavin Slade. He was the son of an alcoholic, a kid with big dreams, no money, and no future. They fell in love, she became pregnant, and he skipped town not knowing about the baby. Fast forward seventeen years, their lives are about to clash, each not having seen the other for seventeen long years.

Michelle is returning to her hometown to donate a kidney to her father who is seriously ill. With her is her sixteen-year-old son, Cody. Michelle has made a success of her life without any help from the father of her son or her own father who turned his back on her when she told him she was pregnant. Cody is a rebellious kid who is testing the boundaries. He has gotten in with a bad crowd and is making poor choices. Lives are about to change forever as the three come to grip with the past.

There is no way to adequately describe this book. Susan Wiggs has written an enthralling tale. I was particularly captivated with the scenes involving Sam and Cody. For those of you who have teenagers going through rough times, you'll recognize the tough love approach used in this novel.

This was a great book. My compliments to Susan Wiggs for writing such a fascinating story. Someone told me this was Ms. Wiggs' breakthrough novel from historicals to contemporaries. If this is the case, what a breakthrough it is!

Seventeen years ago, Michele Turner fled Crystal City, Montana, vowing never to return. Michele was in the small town for just a few months to live with her father, former Hollywood star Gavin Slade following the death of her mother. She fell under the hypnotic spell of rodeo star Sam McPhee, became pregnant, and wound up in Seattle by herself raising a boy. However, over the years, Michele became a full partner in a successful advertising agency.

The only reason she returns to Crystal City is because her father needs a kidney transplant to live and she plans to be the donor. When Michele sees Sam for the first time in all these years, she knows she still loves him. Sam was not ready to settle down then as the rodeo beckoned and has never met his troubled teenage son Cody. Now the retired champion wonders if he chose the wrong path all those years ago. He now realizes he has a second chance to rectify matters.

Susan Wiggs is the recipient of numerous awards especially for her fabulous historical romances. Her current tale THE YOU I NEVER KNEW is a powerful contemporary tale that shows the depth of talent this best-selling author has. The story line is filled with angst as the four key charcaters struggle with life, relationships and love.

Harriet Klausner

Sight is one of those gifts a person takes for granted. I know I do, but after reading this book I don't think I ever will again. Jean loses her sight at the age of 12 and has so many things to overcome. Luckily for her, her parents didn't coddle her and made Jean do everything for herself that was possible. As the years go by she feels something is missing and after meeting Forest Holly, a man who also lost his sight, she knows that she needs to be married to him. This story takes in all the years from 1930 on through Jean and Forest's married life and all the challenges they face through lean years and the hardships of raising four children with little help. There were some hilarious parts, and some sad too.... This is truly a book that will make a person thankful for their sight and let you know that whatever adversities you may have to face, they can be overcome. A book I will recommend to everyone.

I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS GREAT AND VERY HEARTFELT IT SHOWS THAT EVEN IF TWO PEOPLE WHO ARE VISUALLY IMPAIRED THEY CAN STAND ON THEIR OWN.I WAS AMAZED HOW THEY RAISED FIVE CHILDREN .I HAVE A SEIZURE CONDITION SO I KNOW HOW IT IS TO BE LIMITED AND I STILL LIVE WITH MY MOTHER SO I CAN RELATE WITH HOW JEAN FELT WHEN HER FATHER KEPT TREATING HER LIKE A CHILD AND NOT LETTING HER TAKE A WALK INTO TOWN WITH HER SEEING EYE DOG OR WHEN SHE AND GORDON WANTED TO GET MARRIED.

If you are looking for a true love story and true dedication in a marriage, this book is for you. My grandparents overcame their blindness had four children, and conqured everything themselves. My grandparents have given my such motivation, that I can do anything I set my mind to, they are the most wonderful people alive, besides my parents. This book is truly a wonderful book about love, hard times and good times, how they beat all of the odds.

If you can get your hands on this book, by all means, do so. It is one of the most powerful books I've ever read. Here it is 10 years since it first came out and the characters and story stick with me like I finished it yesterday. As the other reviewers have said, it's a novel within a novel, the pace and storyline of one so terrifying and harrowing, comforted by the quiet thoughfulness of the other. You look for and draw parallels between the stories. It's impossible to put down, but sometimes you must because the manuscript is so intense you sometimes need a break. Austin Wright is an incredible writer. I can't recommend this highly enough.

I agree with the reviewer who said this book should be read not just once, but again -- and I intend to do exactly that. What amazes me about Austin Wright is how different his writing is from book to book. I love the power of his words, his story-telling skill, his characters. Wright's brain must be an amazing place.

I couldn't put it down. I found myself reading at red lights. Austin Wright has written a suspenseful thriller within a domestic tale, both equally spellbinding. This novel-within-a-novel propels you forward then makes you stop to consider the relationships between reality and imagination, reader and writer, civility and violence, husband and wife, perpetrator and victim. And when the roller coaster ride ends, you still feel its thrusts for days. Austin has marvelously crafted a multi-layered, literary experience. A+ professor!

I think reading Susan Mallery's foreword first alerted me to the fact that this wasn't going to be another what people considered to be, a clichéd romance. Of course I knew Ms Mallery never writes any of those to begin with but this is most insight into her personal life I've ever got from one of my favorite authors. Beth's story turned out to be even more touching.

I may be a long way off from finding second love since I haven't even found first love but all the same, I related to the fear and at the same time, exhilaration, felt by both Beth and Todd at finding each other. What I liked about this book too, was a focus on the feelings of Beth's teenaged children.

Hug your significant other, hug your kids.

This is one great read.

Beth is a completely believable character and it's a fantasy to see her Prince Charming fall in love with her. It's well worth the read!

In BETH AND THE BACHELOR, we meet Beth, a widowed mother of 2 teenagers. Coerced by her friends into going out on a blind date all in the name of charity, Beth is reluctant and nervous. Things get worse when she finds out that her date is a handsome millionare. Todd, the auctioned bachelor, is not looking forward to a mundane date with a middle-aged housewife. But one evening with Beth has the gorgeous entrepreneur's head spinning. Determined to have her, Todd sets out to woo her, but Beth isn't making it easy. Plagued with self-doubt and clinging to her late husband's memory, Beth finds herself afraid to commit to the man she now loves. But, fortunately, after a few "I could kill her!" mistakes, Beth comes to realize that Todd is her future. BETH AND THE BACHELOR is an excellent read that I know anyone with a heart will enjoy.

Quite a page-turner. A must-read for anyone who spends lots of time in chat-rooms...!

The author has woven the good, bad, ugly and beautiful into a suspenseful story about the internet and its wide-range effects on its users. I love the characters (the good guys) and wasn't sure who the bad guys were...until the very end. Messages subtle but solid, throughout this very nice piece of work..a beginner? Really good start.

Could not put it down! Suspence with a tender touch you won't forget. If this is her first novel, I can hardly wait for what is up ahead!

Ms. Conant once more brings a tale of suspense and murder. As well as bringing into play another purpose for dogs in Ruffly the hearing aide dog. Thouse of us who love dogs appreciate her efforts to help educate people who thing "Rover" is just a pet!

A dog in the story is no longer a "gimmick". Conant has presented a dog serving a real purpose, and the usefullness of this task is an integral part of the story. I have passed on copies of this book it is so relevant, and a darned good read, too

I don't know if I should admit this confession, but I enjoyed this book immensely; Annie reminded me of myself in a lot of ways, so that may be the reason. I've always enjoyed the idea of a little bit of detective work, as long as I'm guaranteed I won't be in any REAL danger!. This book was a sweet and amusing romantic/suspense novel, and I enjoyed going with Annie on her adventures.

The Train home was an excellent novel. I finished this in just one sitting. The sublte nuances and how each character is developed, she is a truly gifted writer.

"Tears of Rage" is a compelling look at John Walsh's tragedy and triumph as an advocate for missing children: the legal and personal heart break he and his family had to endure after his only son, Adam,6, was kidnapped from a Florida shopping mall and murdered. The charismatic Walsh proved that one person can make a difference. As host of "America's Most Wanted" he has been a crusader for children and adults alike, making this a safer world for all of us. "Tears of Rage" will remind you just how important it is to stay close to your children and family, remind them how much you love them and always be there for them and to protect them. John Walsh is an exemplary role model and a man's man, as he has proven in keeping America safer for all of us. One man who made a difference through his own personal tragedy and has gone on to triumph.

John Walsh is a man of tremendous courage. He has helped countless victims, and in this book, he gives his own heartbreaking story. I cried when I watched the movie on TV, but the book gives all the details that a movie simply cannot. Everyone who cares about children should read this book, whether you are a parent or not. Reve Walsh went shopping at a local mall, and let Adam play in the toy department while she quickly went to pick up something. That is when a pedophile got a hold of Adam and took him. John takes us through this miserable journey of searching for Adam, and then the horror of learning about the way he was killed (they only found Adam's head). We find out how little law enforcement did in those days for missing children, and how one man, John Walsh, fought to change those laws. Many people would have had nervous break-downs if they went through what John Walsh did, but he chose to fight for all missing kids instead. He also gives advice to parents about keeping their kids safe. For instance, he said that parents should never hire a male babysitter, no matter how nice he seems. I thought this was a bit extreme, but he had a point. Since most child molesters are male, he feels it is best to always hire a female to take care of your children. John also gave advice on how to deal with extreme grief. He said that you should take care of yourself, eat right, work out, get enough sleep, etc. Too many people neglect themselves physically when they are in the midst of a tragedy. It is uplifting to see how John came out of the depths of despair to be the crusader he is today on America's Most Wanted. John Walsh won't rest until every last criminal and pedophile are behind bars. He is an inspiration to people everywhere.

TEARS OF RAGE is the compelling story told by John Walsh of the trauma he and his wife Reve and family experienced when their 6-year-old Adam disappeared from a store. Walsh describes the agonizing days of the search for Adam; the torture of knowing Adam had been kidnapped and murdered; and the frustration of inept law enforcement agencies to coordinate their efforts. The reader is taken through the saga of the Walshs' struggles which finally led John Walsh to host the highly successful "America's Most Wanted." Few books have captured the intense emotion experienced by the family of a murdered child. Walsh pulls no punches. His raw honesty is refreshing. He attacks apathy and hypocrisy with ample justification: we cannot ignore the needs of helpless children. The reader is drawn into the realism of a world where evil co-exists with good, and anyone naive enough to ignore that fact may become a victim. He clearly shows that the efforts to work for the benefit of children and other victims has paid off and is continuing. Walsh is clearly a fighter who will not give up his battle to get murderers and other criminals off the streets. He urges support for victims' rights laws and support of various organizations that are helping victims. He advocates support for the proposed "The Crime Victims' Rights Constitutional Amendment." The reader is left with the feeling that in spite of everything, good people can make a difference.

As an avid animal lover, I found Susan Chernok McElroy's book to be none other than touching and heartfelt. The material she used for her writings was a great teacher and healer in of itself for me, the reader. Every story leapt off the page and affected me deeply, evoking any number of a myriad of emotions ... joy, sorrow, relief, suspense, laughter. When I finished the book (which I did quickly), I felt more inspired than I had in a long time to make the earth's animal kingdom a greater and more important part of my life, whether by working for its welfare/well-being, or simply by giving my own pets more of the love they need and deserve! I plan to give this book to every animal lover I know.

The author, Susan McElroy, uses her successful fight against cancer as the backdrop for this inspirational work. She credits her animal companions for much of the strength and wisdom she needed to be a cancer survivor.

McElroy's way of combining stories and analyzing them makes this more than just a collection of sweet pet stories. It helps you recognize the important role animals play in our lives. The inspiration, hope, love and of course bittersweet emotions we've all felt with our animals are all stirred up when reading this book. She also devotes time to the wild animals that touch our lives, even if just fleetingly.

Animals as Teachers and Healers is highly recommended for everyone who's life has been changed by the love of an animal.

This book really touched me. The stories are profound and touching beyond words. Animals are definitely "man's best friend" and it seems to be proven over and over again in this book, with each tale telling a compelling and poignent story of how an animal touched the life of someone in need. In my own perception of it......animals are true angels, put on this earth to help us and guide us along our own journeys. We should be thankful.

I treasure this book. I have given away more than 50 copies of it since it came out. I've read it to more than 25 classes of teenaged students - many of whom went out and got their own copies. I also have all of the other Susan Trott books I have been able to find. I've read several of those novels more than once. If your heart is open to it - The Holy Man can change your life.

I'm glad to see so many favorable reports about The Holy Man, as it is quite possibly my favorite book. This book provides a model for life that is so succinct and simple; and really hits home in a number of ways. When I wasn't laughing, I was squirming a bit, even a couple of dozen reads later.

I have given away more copies of this book than I can count. I highly recommend sitting down and reading through it only a chapter at a time so that you can think about it. It's a quick read, so you'll have plenty of time to read the sequel, The Holy Man's Journey! It's great, too, but the first one is just a treasure.

I travel frequently and always visit my local library to check out video books as entertainment during the trip. Every once in a while I find a real gem. This month's gem is The Holy Man by Susan Trott. It is a vignette of inspirational and funny stories about the happenings of people in modern time who spend weeks or months in line waiting to see the holy man. I plan to order several copies as a gift for friends. Also, I plan to read or listen to Ms. Trott's "Journey" book.