Mystic Warriors of the Yellowstone is one of the most fascinating books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The characters just can't be made up! No one has that great an imagination without some basis in fact. This alone makes Mystic a truly great read. Another thing? After almost 2 years, the characters and story are still with me. I wonder about the fate of the characters (good and evil) and what has happened with their lives, plots, romances, and psychic warfare since the last book. I hear there's going to be a second book, and I CANNOT WAIT! I'd read anything written by Elizabeth Laden! One of those can't-put-it-down-and-I-know-it's-3:00-a.m. books! Get it and read it. Even if you can't get away on a vacation, Mystic will transport you to a different place on many levels.

The themes and scenes found in this book are an uncanny mixture of Anne Rice and Hunter Thompson. All of the characters seem blindingly real, even those that simply could not be real, and the story line is strong, compelling, and makes one wish for a sequel when you turn that last page and reach the end! I always enjoy reading books with a local connection when I travel to a region, and I would at the very least recommend this book for anyone who plans to vacation in Yellowstone National Park or nearby areas! Not to suggest that this novel is in any way a travel guide.... but the setting of the Rocky Mountains, the grizzly bear habitat, and so on, are as key to this work as are the philosophical questions about religion, cultism, videography and sex!

This novel won first place in the 1997 Idaho Press Women's Communications Contest. Here are the judges' comments; Only an author with multiple areas of expertise could have written this book. This mystery novel gives the reader a great deal of education in Indian and Mexican beliefs, an how Satanic cults can recruit and terrorize, and information on Yellowstone Park, animals, fishign, and camping. The author is a master at wae weaving many different stories and backgrounds into onenovel. This book would make a great movie. I was afraid at the beginning it was going to be the typical sex and vulgar language romance novel, but the author soon set the stage for an intricate mystery novel.

Best book I've read in years!! I couldn't put it down from start to finish. It was both thought provoking and thrilling. It would be a great book for the summer!!

You know you've read an excellent book when the only difficulty in writing a review is keeping yourself from revealing major plot points. Limiting myself to very general terms, however, I can only agree with the previous reviews in saying that this book is fascinating; the concept alone provokes discussion. The author deals deftly and delicately with the religious implications of cloning (see? giving away plot points already, but I promise I'll stop there) while managing to avoid the temptation to adopt a preachy tone. She keeps ethical considerations and dramatic development in a balance that engages the reader until the end. Too much modern fiction strives for style as opposed to substance; usually, it achieves neither. "Sacred Ashes" is a rare exception.

Sacred Ashes gives its readers lots to think about - what an interesting idea! Book clubs could spend lots of time discussing this one. Dost's writing flows so smoothly, the novel can be enjoyed at many levels. Anyone could pick this up and be grabbed by it in some way. The local settings of Boston and the Cape were an extra bonus. Read it for the settings, read it for the plot, read it for the colorful characters, JUST READ IT!

This book is by far one of the best books I have read, and I have read lots. The love that Tristan and Ivy shared is so powerful and moving that you can't help but love it. The way their life together is cut short also makes it even more suspenseful. Elizabeth Chandler did an excellent job on this book. I couldn't put it down, literally. In one day I read about 500 pages and I am not joking. I cried like I have never cried before in a book. That is how moving this story was. Everyone that reads this book is going to love it. That's a gaurantee!!! Happy Reading!

I loved Kissed By Angel trilogy sooo much. I've read a bunch of books and nothing is as good as this book. The love between Ivy and Tristan is incredible. It was romantic, and suspenseful at which is one thing you need in a great book. Every time I read it, I cry. You've gotta buy this book or you'll miss out!

Before I begin the review there is only one thing I can say- this was truely the best book I have ever read. This book is about a girl named Ivy who is awfully saddened when her boyfriend, Tristan, dies in a car accident. She feels she will never love again. Before Tristan's death she turned to her angels (angel statues) for everything, whenever something went wrong she was praying. With Tristan died Ivy's belief in angels. One problem with that- Tristan is now an angel, and he can not comunicate with Ivy if she no longer believes. No comunication means no warnings when something bad is about to happen...Tristan must think quick. For you romance fans there are some very touching parts. If you don't like romance- don't leave yet. There are some awesome and scary action scenes, too. I encourage you to read the whole book, even if it seems boring at one part. It will get better, and the ending definately makes up for it. Don't look ahead! It will ruin the ending. I think you should know that it took me a week to finish this book, but the end gripped me so much I was up till 2:30 to finish it! Take my advice- READ THIS BOOK!

This is the story of an American writer (the author of the book) who strikes up a friendship by mail with a bookseller in England. The entire book is a series of unedited and un-commented-on letters exchanged between Hanff and the Marks & Co. booksellers at 84 Charing Cross Road. Her primary pen pal is a man named Frank Doel, with whom she shares a love of old books. [Perhaps this is the point where I should say that I flatly disagree, without reservation, with the previous reviewers who believe there was a potential romantic attachment between the two of them.]

The correspondence runs from 1949 until 1969, during which time Helene and the people at 84 Charing Cross Road exchange Christmas gifts and news of their families, but never meet. At least in the early years of the correspondence, almost every year Ms. Hanff states her intention to come over to visit England, but something always comes up to prevent the trip.

In 1969, one of Hanff's letters to Frank Doel is answered by another member of the firm, informing her that Frank Doel has died.

This is a beautiful book, which can be read in 45 minutes. I suppose every reader will take his or her own lessons from the book, but here is mine: If there is something you really want to do in your life, then DO IT when the opportunity arises. Time is finite. If you keep saying, "Maybe next year," there will eventually come a time when there IS no next year. It is a painful tragedy that Helene Hanff never got to England to meet Frank Doer and the other people at Marks & Company, and that poignant sadness is what stayed with me after I had closed the book.

This charming little book is a collection of letters between New York author Helene Hanff and London bookseller Frank Doel. In the course of 20 years from Hanff's first book order from Marks & Co,, till Doel's death in 1969 they connected through the mail they exchanged and built a wonderful relationship. While Hanff became friends with Doel's family and his co-workers at the bookstore, what the two had was something special, revolving around their love of literature. Despite plans to do so, the two never met as Hanff didn't make it to London until after Doel's death and the publication of the letters. This book beautifully demonstrates the power of correspondence and how two people can connect, solely by the written word.

Heartwarming, funny, sad, all rolled in one. I went on to read other books by Hanff where she describes her trips to London. After reading her books, I too went on a pilgrimage to 84, Charing Cross Road.

I must admit I saw the movie first. Very literary unique and bitter-sweet true story which touch my soul. I found the book and it is even better with detailed description and sincerity. I particularly enjoyed reading the letter-format of it. It is so warm hearted and just like reading letters from friends. In fact I even felt a little guilty as if I am reading other people's private letters... This excellent book shines in drawing out the cultural and social differences between London and New York during the period of Frank and Helene letters correspondence. 84 Charing Cross Road changed their lives.They developed special friendship,an unspoken love and care for each other without even seeing each other.This is truly amazing! I think "84 Charing Cross Road" is one of the best book I had read. Easy to read, great story line,literary educational and most importantly touches my heart and soul.

This is a wonderful book! It's not just for kids--I'm 25 and I read it for the first time yesterday.

Kate is a lady-in-waiting for Princess Elizabeth during Queen Mary's reign. Her sister gets Kate exiled to the Perilous Gard, a keep in the middle of the Elvenwood. Her new guardian, the sensible yet likeable Sir Geoffrey Heron is called away almost immediately, leaving Kate in the care of the menacing Master John. Christopher Heron, Sir Geoffrey's brother, is a myterious and intriguing shadow around the manor, and there are rumours in the castle that he killed his neice in order to protect his inheritance. The villagers have a different explanation, though: that the little girl was stolen by the Faerie people who tend the Holy Well. As Kate investigates these rumours, she and Christopher are swept into a terrifying and deadly adventure.

The characters of Kate and Christopher are wonderfully round and engaging. Kate is smart, curious, practical and sharp-tongued, while Christopher is honorable, guilt-ridden, and full of dreams. These are two people I wish I knew! Sir Geoffrey, Master John, and the minstrel Randal are also developed well. Kate's sister Alicia, and the old maid Dorothy aren't so well developed, but still serve their functions in the story. The Lady in the Green is a fascinating and mysterious character as the Queen of the Pople of the Hill.

I highly recommend this book - this book is definitely deserving of the Newbery Honor!

I'm 20 now, and I first read this book when I was about 10. I've reread it at least once a month since then (after the initial five times I read it in a row) because I absolutely adore The Perilous Guard. There's a whole host of reasons for my adoration, but the main ones are, one, that I *love* historical fiction, two, that novels set in the same time period (1558, to be exact, although anything within a few hundred years works nicely, too) are one of my favorite things to read, three, that Elisabeth Marie Pope is a fantastic storyteller, four, that I love the ballads the book is peppered with (particularly "Tam-Lin," the ballad that helps form much of the plot),, and five, because the characters are all so well-drawn. I feel as if I really know them, that I could walk out on the street and see them there (if I lived in the appropriate time period, of course). I highly recomend this book to anyone of an appropriate age (above ten, in my opinion) to read and understand it, particularly if you like historical fiction mixed with "fantasy," a term I hesitate to use (although I am doing so as I cannot, at the moment, come up with anything better) since nothing that happens in the book is presented with a very fantasy-ish tone.

I've been interested in the Tam Lin legend since reading Jane Yolen's excellent version of it in "Tam Lin" with lush illustrations by Charles Mikolaycak (see my review). The next time I came across it was Pamela Dean's inventive adaptation of the legend for Terry Windling's Fairy Tale series (again see my review). The Perilous Gard is another fine reworking of this legend.

My email group was discussing fairy tales and fairy tale adaptations and a member mentioned this book after my post regarding the books above. I purchased it and read it. What a wonderful story. I'm always pleased to see strong female characters. For years while growing up, all I had the opportunity to read in school was books with male protagonists. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy these books, but the chance to read books with female protagonists, and strong, capable women or girls at that, is a pleasure.

It's funny, after purchasing this book, I found out that I had read another of Pope's books "The Sherwood Ring." I read it ages ago and enjoyed it very much.

Anne Of The Island is a great book. It is about a girl with dark strawberry-blonde hair. She goes off to college with her friends: Charlie, Gilbert, and Diana. She makes some new friends and one of them, Priscila which is Pris for short, they meet in the graveyard across from the college. She meets many men she thinks she is in love with, including Gilbert, but when the propose to her she finds out she really doesn't love them that much. She even turns down the man of her dreams. So, it is partially a love story. She was adopted when she was young by Marilla. Now they have taken in twins when their mother died and their only relative can't take care of them. The younger one is Davy, who is always asking questions and getting in to mischief. He especially likes to bother his twin sister, Dora. She is always quiet and quite lady-like. They all live on Prince Edward Island in Canada. If you want to know the rest, you can read the book for yourself. Happy reading!

If you like the Anne of Green Gables series this is the best one in the whole thing! Anne of the Island has something for everyone! Anne Shirley leaves the small town of Avonlea to attend Redmond collage.. There the novel introduces you to a character who is extremely funny named Pricella! (Hope I spelled her name right). In this novel Anne falls in love with a fellow school mate, while her long time friend Gilbert Blythe finds a love interest as well! Do they end up together at last? Read the book and find out! This book is definatly for people who liked the movie "Anne of Avonlea". They are without a doubt slightly similar, but the book is definatly better!

I love alll of the Anne of Green Gables series. They are so vividly written you find yourself wishing that you were born as Anne a hundered years ago on PE Island. I would have happily endured all her hardships for all the wonderful moments in her life, and the fact she married Gilbert Blythe! It's so well written that you actually feel that you know Gilbert and I actually found my self falling in love with him! I've read the series 2 times. The first time I couldn't stop thinking about Anne. I read Anne, I tried to live like Anne and I dreamt Anne. Anyway, although I love all 8 books almost equally Anne of the Island is just a little better. And although it's romantic it's definitely not just a romance. Anne of the island includes wit and humour that makes it an all-round perfect book. If you're an Anne fan you havvvvvve to read this. I could not describe how wonderful it is in 1000 words. Anne of the Island is truly a book you CANNOT put down. After reading this I recommend you read all the rest of the Anne of Green Gables series (there are 5 more book,) although you'll probably be rushing to buy them anyway.

This is the first of Anne McCaffrey's books that I've read. I was completely surprised and overjoyed when I discoverd how mant books she has written! I can't wait to read them ALL! As for this book, I've read it three times in a row, so far. I am totally captivated by PERN and it's story. As a music lover, I can understand how Menolly (the main character) feels. I love her firelizards, the Harper Hall, and all of her friends! This is a GREAT BOOK! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it! Anne McCaffrey does a superb job in making you feel what Menolly feels. It's sad, intriguing, and funny! Keep up the AWESOME work, Ms. McCaffrey!

Interesting to find out "Dragonsinger" is the fourth book in Anne McCaffrey's Pern series because I have always thought of it as the middle volume in the Harper Hall of Pern trilogy. In "Dragonsong" we met Menolly, my favorite character in the entire Pern universe. A musical prodigy who has been forbidden by her stern father to sing or play music, Menolly runs away and ends up impressing a clutch of nine fire lizards. But Masterharper Robinton has been searching high and low for her and having found her, brings Menolly to the Harper Hall. In "Dragonsinger" Menolly begins to learn her craft as an apprentice. The Harper Hall is not sure what to make of the island girl and her singing fire lizards, but Menolly is equally astounded by her new world. Menolly is one of the most enchanting heroines in fiction, mainly because the girl has not a clue in the world that she is so talented. After just about every test she is convinced she has failed, convinced that her only friend in the world is Piemur, another one of the young apprentices, and amazed that Robinton takes any interest in her at all. But it is Menolly's encounters with the other Masters, especially Jerint the instrument maker and Domick the composer, that stand out in this tale. Oh, and there is also Journeyman Sebell, who has also taken a special interest in her. "Dragonsinger" is a fitting conclusion to the story begun in "Dragonsong," and since the "next" volume in the trilogy, "Dragondrums," really focuses more on Piemur, this is really the climax to the story of Menolly. McCaffrey's conclusion is extremely satisfying and my only serious complaint about the Pern series after "Dragonsinger" is that Menolly has been reduced to a minor supporting character. One of the nice things about these books is that they are fairly self-contained, you do not have to read all the Pern books in order for them to make sense. I would think young girls who love music would especially enjoy reading these novels.

Ok, the Book Dragon singer was awesome. In the distant future, humans travel to a distant planet, that is like Earth. Here, to combat thread(an organism that eats any thing organic spontaneously)they develop an animal, Dragons. This book takes place several centurys after landing on the Planet, Pern. Menolly,the main character, has nine small dragons, that are her pets. she has a wonderfull talent in singing and playing music. this book is about her adventures in the craft hall of music.She has to work with mostly boys, and the girls that are at the craft hall, are jelous of her talents. She finds friends, and has some rather strange adventures. I strongly recomend you to read DRAGONS DAWN first, just because you get more of a feel for the senerio. I love the setting, and the way the author portrays the characters. The climax is also very awesome and belivable. and it's not boring, either. especially the way the charachters have all the qualities a real person has, fear, uncertainty, happiness, and etc. It's a great book,but a little bit slow paced. That, however, is not bad.

HEAVEN, TEXAS by SEP is the second book in the Chicago Football Stars series. The prequel to this novel is IT HAD TO BE YOU, which I have yet to read. I always seem to be reading series in the wrong order, but all I can say is that HEAVEN, TEXAS is an awesome book on its own. This is the love story between Bobby Tom, a famous Chicago Stars quarterback and a-one-of-a-kind lady named Gracie Snow.

Bobby Tom was just forced to retire from playing football because of a bad knee injury he received during one of the games. Being very depressed, he decides to have some fun and signs up to be a star in a Hollywood movie. When he doesn't show up for his filming, newly hired Gracie is sent to find Bobby Tom and bring him to set. Poor Gracie, her first assignment and she bring Bobby Tom back to the set, two weeks late!! Even going through an impromptu striptease for Bobby Tom, she was unable to get him in on time. Well it is not right to completely blame Gracie, for Bobby Tom did give Gracie a lot of trouble. He's just not used to a lady with a bossy mouth and a bad perm to tell him what to do! Moreover, feeling attracted to such a lady, when he's seen ones that were ten times more beautiful, is something he'd never imagine he'd do. But what he does not notice and takes for granted till the very end, is that Gracie has the most generous and kind heart in the whole world. Only until Bobby Tom breaks Gracie's heart and when she runs back to her old life, does Bobby Tom realize how much he took for granted and how much he has come to love her.

What did I like most of the story? Like all the other readers have said... sometimes when you feel awkward or unattractive, just be yourself, for there is always someone that will look right into your heart and love you for who you are. I believe SEP has delivered a wonderful story with a beautiful message.

The premise of this funny, sexy, touching book is that an ex-pro football player, Bobby Tom Denton, is forced into retirement after a severe leg injury. Seeking a new direction in his life he relunctantly signs-on to make an action movie back in his small Texas hometown (hence the title). Out to find a new place in the world also is former nursing care-worker, Gracie Snow, who seeks a new start as a production assistant on the movie. Unfortunately (or fortunately in the end) her first assignment is to make sure that the irreputable, charming B.T. gets to the set on time. They have quite an adventure along the way and become closer as both of them grow and change their past perceptions on love. Ms. Phillips captures the hopes, dreams and emotions of the characters so beautifully that by the time the book ends you will have laughed, sighed and cried with Gracie and Bobby Tom, so much so that you'll be thinking of them fondly way after you finished the book. Bobby Tom Denton...(sigh)

Last week I read _It Had To Be You_, the first book in Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Chicago Stars series. I loved it and I couldn't wait to get my hands on more. I was more then satisfied with _Heaven, Texas_. I know I'm in the minority here, but I enjoyed _Heaven, Texas_ more then _It Had To Be You_.

Gracie Snow must bring Bobby Tom Denton back home to Heaven, Texas so that he can begin shooting his first movie. Bobby Tom was forced into retirement from football when an injury totally damaged his knee. From then on, Bobby Tom felt like his life had no direction, without football, his soul was gone. So, he tried different things... signing movie contracts and the like, so that he could find out which one he really liked. Unfortunately, Bobby Tom had no intention of fulfilling his movie obligations and he was late getting to the location. So, Windmill pictures sent their production assistant, Gracie Snow after him.

Gracie grew up in a nursing home and also ran it for many years. When Windmill Pictures offered her a job, Gracie pounced on it, hoping to start a new life. Her first assignment, find Bobby Tom and bring him home. And so starts a journey for Gracie that will change her life. On the road with Bobby Tom, Gracie shows her stubborness, but by some miracle manages to get him back to Heaven (aka Telarosa). As Gracie undergoes a makeover, so does her heart, and she falls madly in love with Bobby Tom. Can a man who's had women throw themselves at him all his life see that Gracie is the one for him?

Now, _It Had To Be You_ was great, but _Heaven, Texas_ was spectacular, and my reasons for favoring it are as follows. Pheobe from _IHTBY_ was a larger then life heroine. She was amazingly well fleshed out, and it was easy to get to know her as a character, but no matter how hard I try, I can't see her as a normal person walking down the street because of her larger then life status. Gracie, on the other hand, could be your next door neighbor. She's much easier to connect with because the reader gets the feeling that they could have been best friends growing up. Gracie seemed like she was one of the crowd, and that's why I enjoyed her so much in this book. Also, she was not drop dead gorgeous. Infact, in the begining, she's got a bad perm and a bad wardroab. It's easier for me to think that the scenerio in _Heaven, Texas_ could happen. Also, Bobby Tom was a wonderfully flawed character. The rampant emotions that run through him are delightful, and his actions as a character are so well fleshed out that he comes alive along with Gracie.

I'd give Susan Elizabeth Phillips two thumbs up to the stratosphere for _Heaven, Texas_. This book penned from one of romance's susperstars is one not to be missed. Her humor is sprinkled expertly into the book and every facet of it shines like a gem. I lost many hours of sleep for reading into the wee hours of the night. I'm quickly acquiring her books as they're not going to be in paperback much longer... this year, she's making the leap to hardcover. Brava, SEP!

If you were an orphan and all your life you continued to move from house because no one wanted to keep you,then finally,all of a sudden you find someone who actually likes you and wants you. That's exactly what L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Grenn Gables is about.

Anne Shirely is a smart talkative,very imaginative little girl who lived all over until one day the Cuthberts of Avonlea,Canada adopted her. Deciding to kepp her didn't come easily. They finnally did decide and she was so happy about it. During her stay she got into lots of trouble. Anne then has something that happens that is very nice but sad. In order to find out whatg happened,you will have to read the book.

I liked Anne of Green Gable because the character was very smart and had a big imagination. I also liked it because the plot was excellent. I recommend the book to anyone who is into reading stories with lots of plots and if so you will sure love this book!

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

first of all, let me begin with I LOVE THIS BOOK! I have read this book more times than I can remember...easily more than a dozen...thus, I am going to set my mind to write a glowing review of it.

This book portrays a stunning sketch of Canadian History and Culture in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The character personalities are so real and so amazingly "human" that one cannot help but fall in love with them. You really get a taste of PEI in its glory.

This story is set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a fictional settlement which is really Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, the place where Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author grew up.

The main character is Anne Shirley...and eleven year old, enigmatic, imaginative, sparkling, highly intelligent orphan who is sent to Green Gables, a farmhouse in Avonlea, under the impression that she was to be adopted by a pair of elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthburt. But, apon arrival to Green Gables, Anne discovers that there had been a horrible mistake...the Cuthburts never wanted a girl...they wanted a boy who could do the chores and help Matthew with the farm. Anne was was in the "depths of dispair". Matthew, on the drive home from the train station had taken a great shine to Anne and had his heart set on keeping her, regardless of any mistake. Marilla, however, was not so easily enchanted. She agreed to let Anne stay at Green Gables on trial, to see if she would behave herself and lend a helpful hand to Marilla. After the trial, Anne is welcomed to Green Gables and flourishes under the love of the Cuthburts and all Avonlea folk. Anne, however, has one big problem. Her Hair. It is a hopeless shade of carrotty red and Anne felt that it was the ugliest hair anyone could imagine. She was extremely sensitive about it and she was horribly embarrassed about it. On her first day of school, Anne's hair was made fun of by Gilbert Blythe, the smartest and handsomest boy in school. "Carrots! Carrots!" he said. Anne's temper got the better of her and she was so angry she broke a slate over his head. After that, for many years, she snubbed Gilbert every time he spoke to her and he developed a boyhood crush on her.

Ah, but to keep this review interesting and the book mysterious, I will stop telling you the story and begin reviewing. The characters in the book are so well-defined that it seems to you that you know every character personally, like an old friend or neighbour.

And by all means, don't let the age recommendation fool you either...this book can be read by all ages alike...and I have no doubt that this book will still be my avid favorite at the age of 85.

The book is not boring, contrary to many opinions of those who read the first chapter of small print and historical settings. The discriptions will place you right into the heart of the story and you find you will laugh and cry while reading this story. Every time I read it I cry at a certain part which I'm not sure if I should reveal to you for fear of spoiling the good parts in the story, but it is dreadfully sad. If you read the book, then you will know what part I am talking about. The one saddest part in the whole story.

Although this book has some old ideas and ways of expressing them, you will learn a great deal of Canadian history through them and there's no doubt in my mind that this book will still be popular decades and most likely even centuries to come.

I read this book based on J.K. Rowling's statement that it was her favorite book as a child, and it's easy to see why she loved it. I wish I had known of it when I was a child. An allegory, a fairy tale and a morality play all rolled into one, this delightful story should entertain adult readers and enchant the younger set, though it may be too very sweet for older kids.

As Goudge's The Little White Horse opens, Maria Merryweather is travelling toward her destiny, though she does not yet know this. Suddenly an impoverished orphan, she is travelling to Moonacre Manor, the home of a mysterious relative, in the company of her caretaker Miss Heliotrope and her little dog Wiggins. The story of Maria's adventures is fanciful and charming and populated by magical characters living in an enchanted place. Maria learns that people and stories are usually more than first impressions suggest, that even virtuous people have faults and even wicked people have goodness, that one can learn from previous mistakes ?- one?s own and others? ?- and make a better decision next time. All problems are resolved at the end, all loose ends tied neatly. First published in 1946, the voice here hints at modern narrative awareness of itself, but Is never cynical.

A drawing of Moonacre Manor is here, and chapters are short enough to make this a great read-aloud novel.

It's too bad that so few of Elizabeth Goudge's books are in print, though I am grateful that this one has been reprinted. I'd never read it before, and initially I was turned off by the unicorn illustration on the cover. But I'd heard lots of comments about how magical it was, and so I sat down to read.

Newly orphaned Maria Merryweather is being sent from London to Moonacre Manor, the castle-like home of her uncle, Benjamin Merryweather. Initially Maria and her devoted governess Miss Heliotrope expect the place to be cold and uncomfortable -- but Maria is delighted to see an enchanted, silvery landscape, and the brief vision of a white horse running past. She fits quickly into the slightly strange, almost idyllic surroundings -- despite the fact that no woman has come to Moonacre Manor in twenty years. But Sir Benjamin seems very pleasant -- as does the huge, unusual dog Wrolf.

Maria is enchanted both by the beautiful natural surroundings and the neighboring village of Silverydew. But she begins to sense that something is wrong: her uncle is unhappy about something and won't talk about the briefly-seen white horse. Her childhood invisible friend Robin returns to her -- and the inhabitants of Silverydew know him. Beautiful items are laid out in her tiny, luxurious room -- with the initials L.M. And strange dark figures are creeping through the woods near the sea. Maria soon finds out about a long-lasting story of magic, sadness, greed and darkness that has haunted her family for generations, and is determined to set it right.

Goudge was evidently one of the few authors who can effectively blur the line between reality and dreaminess. Some sections of her prose are almost intoxicating; she never held back from describing surroundings and items lushly. The dreamy atmosphere of the book is established when Maria and Miss Heliotrope (and Wiggins the dog) arrive at Moonacre. Such beautifully written passages crop up, such as "moonlight and firelight mingled their silver and gold."

We also are given examples of Ms. Goudge's evident love of both nature, the countryside, and religion (not preachily, simply a demonstration of the beauties she saw in it). She also mixes in a few other items: the hare being a "Fairy" creature, the legend behind the Merryweathers and the valley, the sinister Black Men in the forest, and the enchanting visualization of the "little white horse" being one of the white horses that crashes in on sea foam.

Some aspects of this book are a little unusual by current politically correct standards: we get several negative references to "female curiosity", atheists may be offended by Ms. Goudge's evident dislike of atheism. And I literally have no idea what a "syllabub" is. However, since this takes place in a past era, there's no reason to fuss about it.

Maria herself is a delightful heroine, with just enough quirks to make her realistic -- her mild preoccupation with clothes, for example. Miss Heliotrope is not the usual strict spinster governess, but a kind and upright woman with real emotions and feelings. Wiggins is a little pain in the tail. We also have the fascinatingly charismatic Parson, who manages to make religion come dazzlingly alive while also being kind and gentle. And we have the loquacious Marmaduke Scarlet, a dwarf cook with an odd temper, an amazing culinary craft, and a vaguely gnome-like appearance. And it takes a little while for Robin to develop beyond the level of "boyish sprite," but he's a nice character as well.

This is a thoroughly delightful book, full of childlike innocence and wonder that very few could pull off. Fans of Narnia and the "Hobbit" will probably eat this right up. A timeless, charming tale.

My mother was a voracious reader and instilled the same appreciation of books in me. I first read this book when I was about 10 years old. I must have read it a hundred times at least! The writing was so vivid, I can still close my eyes and picture Maria and company having their sumptuous meals at Moonacre Manor; the angry darkness of the Black Men; and the gentle, wizened face of Digweed. Twenty years later, it's still one of my all-time favorites.

A few years ago, I tried to find a copy of the original edition--my childhood copy was destroyed during Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica some years ago. I was quite disappointed when the book I did find came without the magnificent illustrations and maps contained in the original.

I'd love to get a copy of an earlier edition for my children!