Wow! This book if full of adventure and suspense! The plot is unique and very interesting! I think anyone of any age would enjoy reading this book. It involves likeable characters (especially Con), and religion. Pick up a copy of SECRET OF THE MEZUZAH now! :o) HAPPY READING!

This book is a great beggining for Con's adventures. You get sucked into the book as soon as you start reading. It makes you not want to stop reading it until you are done, but sad when you finish it.

Secret of the Mezuzah is written for young adults, but was very interesting and enjoyable reading for me, a forty-something adult. I appreciated the history included with the present day setting. The characters are engaging and believable. I would recommend this book to adults and certainly to young adults! Fiction, but not fantasy, events that could have taken place and lessons to apply about the people in our lives and around the world.

This book surprised me and drew me in from the opening line, "When I was nine years old, I hid under the table and heard my sister kill a king." How could anyone resist an opening like that? Quest for a Maid follows its own guidelines about how a fantasy should be written. The evil villainess in this book is also the main character's idol. Our heroine has no magical powers or battle skills, only her wits and courage. Much of the book describes Meg's childhood, which lends the book a kind of innocence to contrast against the elder sister's intrigues. Meg, Davie, and Peem form an adventuresome and loyal trio. You may even find yourself liking the evil villain, though we see little of what she does. Much of this book is written phonetically, but after you get used to it, you'll find yourself thinking in a Scottish accent. This book will make you think twice about love, sin, and redemption. A rare book. Read and enjoy.

I accidently "rediscovered" this book a couple months ago, and it captivated me the second read as much as it had the first. The first time I read it, it had so much impact that 3 or 4 years and probably 100s of books later (yes, I read a lot) it was one book that I always remembered, even when I couldn't remember the title or author. When I accidently found it again while browsing the library book shelves, it was like finding an old friend! This book has an excellent and realistic portrayl of life in medieval Scotland, and really brings you into a different world. But also, the story is just really interesting and the characters are very well written. I loved seeing several years in Meg's life unfold and whatever was happening to her was always interesting to me, from the whale adventure, to sailing, to the witch sorcery, to living with Davy's family, to the actual 'quest for the maid' itself.

I definatly reccommend this book to anyone interested in medieval times or Scotland, or someone who just likes a good story with adventure and a bit a romance. Though, if you are a reader who only likes really fast-paced books, it might not be for you, since while it does have exciting adventure parts, some parts are slower.

Reading this a age 11 changed my life. I was forever obsessed with the middle ages, and this filled every craving for my infatuation with Scotland, leaving me only desiring a sequel. Quest for a Maid is my favorite book, and I have read it over thirteen times, never tiring of it. I'm on the edge of my seat every time, and can never put it down once started. Words cannot express the wonder and magic of this book, with its quirky characters and hauntingly beautiful storyline full of humanity and suspense. More than a masterpiece, this book is comfort food for the soul.

I remember first reading Summer Dreams,Winter Love(the published title in England)seven years ago,when I was 16.It was amazing for me,as everything about it was sweet,tender and loving.It represented everything I was looking for at the time,someone to like me,as much as I liked them,someone who cared for me so much,nothing else mattered.Reading it was like my dreams coming true.I haven't read it in years,until recently I discovered it in a box amongst other stuff I hadn't seen in years.I'm about to start reading it again,and reading all these other reviews praising this wonderful story reminds me why this book just has to be read by anyone,who is lonely,looking for love,or someone older,like me,who did find that someone special.

This is a very touching story about High School love. I am 23 years old and read this book when I was 15. I had a flashback memory of reading this book and was extremely happy to have found it here at Amazon. I will be purchasing a copy of this book as soon as I can get my hands on one and would recommend it to any age reader with a romantic heart. This book is not only sweet and touching but the main character is an extremely motivated girl who can inspire any High School age female. I can't wait to read it again!

Just reading through the first couple of chapters of this book, i KNEW I'd love it. I was right. I must have read it at least 50 times already. I can EASILY relate to all of Ellen's problems. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story. I cry EVERY time i read it. It's the BEST book I've EVER read. :)

Scribbler of Dreams is an awesome page turner and I simply could not put it down. It is about two related families (The Malones and the Crutchfields), that hate one another with a passion. Out of money because of her family's refusal to sell land, Kaitlin Malone, along with her sister Abby, must leave Holy Trinity, a private school, and start her senior year at Twin Oaks High. Kait's life is turned upside down because she must start her last year of high school at a new school, which just happens to be on Crutchfield land. Then Kaitlin meets young Bram Crutchfield, a compassionate artist that wins her heart. In order to protect thier love, Kait tells one lie after another and is enrolled at Twin Oaks as Kaitlin Hampton. Soon, Kait is caught up in a web of deciet, that threatens to destroy everything she knows and values.
This book is awesome! I fell completely in love with Kaitlin and Bram, and their love for one another was amazing! What I loved about this novel most is how it showed things from Kait's journal, her writing was fantastic. Everyone will love Scribbler of Dreams, I swear on that!

I recomend this book for people over 11 years of age. I have read over about 250 books in my life and this one wins my vote by a mile! Pearson's writing is fabulous and has a certain-deep-touch to it. 17-year-old Kait (Kaitland) has fallen in love with her familys absolute enemies. Her father had killed a Cruthfeild. Their emenies father. She wants to hide that she is a Malone (her last name), but she wants to keep loyal to her family, land, but most of all...Bram. The moment she saw him she knew there was a bond between them. He knew, too. She lies and tells him her mother's maiden name, but will Bram find out the truth?? Can Kaitland bury the truth forever? Will there love for one another stay strong if one finds out about the other's past? FIND OUT!! I just can not emphasize how much I loved this book. Bram sounds so loving, the kisses he gives, to the way he holds Kait. And even the way they sit silently and draw/write together. I just LOVE it and can nt stop thinking about it. I read it in one day because it was simply immpossible for me to put it down. This book made me cry, flinch, and be a little bit jealous,and a very important lesson. This book was just absolutely may FAVEORITE book and was soooooooooo TERRIFIC!!!!!!!!!

Yes...this book may be eerily similar to a Romeo and Juliet story. But somehow, I thought of it as more Hatfield/McCoy than Montague/Capulet (lol-I hope I didn't slaughter those names too badly!). In fact, for anyone who enjoyed this, I would also recommend Ann Rinaldi's 'The Coffin Quilt.' But back to Scribbler of Dreams. You're starting your senior year in high school. You are attending a school practically run by your family (the Malone's)'s bitter enemies-the Crutchfields. Your dad is in jail, accused of killing one of the Crutchfields. Your little sister is an annoying, preppy little girl. You want to write-you love to write. But you are destined, like it or not, to continue running the family tomato farm. Fun-as getting your molars pulled. Kaitlin Malone (or rather, Hampton, as she must go by at her new school) has all these problems, and more, as she is twisted into a complicated web of lies, after falling for Bram Crutchfield. This is a wonderful book, and as one of the Kaitlin's in the world, I could truly relate to the entire thing. I would advise many people to read it-and then think about it. Think long and hard, and see how it affects you.

I read this book in grade 6 for the first time, and I checked it out of the library for six months. I found this a wonderful book, and I could identify with what the author was trying to convey. I read this book so much that I could quote passages from it word for word. Now, seven years later, I still have this book. I finally bought my own copy, after two years of searching for it. I haven't read it in a while, but the lessons I learned from it, and the love of poetry that developed from reading it, are still with me.

I first read this book in my sophomore year of high school and it has been one of my favorite books ever since. Every person can find something within this story that speaks to them in a personal and profound way. It is so much more than just a young adult romance. Laura and Spencer deal with issues that most adults have not yet resolved in their own lives. I'm currently a college student and I have read this book at least once every year since I first discovered it. Each time I read it I find something new that I can relate to. It is a tender tale of young love but more importantly it makes a statement about people's struggle with despair, a struggle we have all been through at one point in our lives. This book tells the reader that love is not an easy path to tread but an utimately rewarding one. I will probably continue to read this book every year of my life because it is that powerful and timeless.I have recommended this book to all of my friends, male and female, and not one of them have come away from reading it without being deeply moved and finding a part of themselves in the process. This book is truly one that should be read by everyone.

This Was the best book I've ever read! I've read it so much the pages are falling out and the cover was riped of a long time ago! I really related to Lauren and fell in love With Spencer! you never get tiered of it! My best friend who hates to read & read it and feel in love with it. I laughed and Cryed (mostly cryed). I definetly recomend it!!!! I hope Mary Downing Hahn writes another book just like it!

i was 12 when i read my friend flicka and as i love horses i loved the book.i then went on and read my friend flicka 2,thunderhead 1,2 &3 and the green grass of wyoming parts 1,2&3. after reading the whole series Ken grows up from being a mindless daydreamer to a young man with flicka by his side all the while.an excellent novel!!!well done!

Upon reading the first few chapters of this book, I thought it would be much like Steinbeck's The Red Pony, and was tempted to put it down. A person can only take so many horse - boy books after all. Once I had completed the book I was extremely glad that I had continued reading it. It was only slightly like The Red Pony. The book was emotional and caring. It captured young Ken McLaughlin's attitude toward life. Ken, a boy with his head often in the clouds, truly tried to please his rather domineering, yet loving father. The only thing that Ken wanted was a colt of his own. When he got "his Flicka", he loved her from the start. He matured as quickly as he could, so as to please his father. Ken also had to take care of his colt, which took away much of the time he would otherwise spend daydreaming. The adventures Ken has with Flicka are ones to be remembered. This is an emotional book, that will keep you either at the edge of your seat, or sprawled crying on the bed. Bring along a box of tissues if you're that type. You'll be sure to read it more than once

I first read this book in the 4th grade, and loved it. I especially liked the fact that issues were addressed that don't normally fall within the scope of children's literature, like the marital tensions between Nell and Rob. I recently bought a fresh copy (I've probably bought a dozen over the years, as gifts or to replace loaned copies never returned) for my husband, in preparation for our own Wyoming ranch. I recommend this strongly -- I disagree that it's a tear-jerker, but it is very warm and touching. I also recommend "Thunderhead," the sequel to "Flicka."

In this very "unusual" yet exciting style of writing, Mary Beth Miller draws her readers quickly into her book AIMEE. The techinique of flash backs and memories flooding through the main characters mind make for an all together wondeful plot. Readers will share some of the most intimate and personal thoughts of a teenager as she deals with friends, family, triumph, love, loss, heartbreak, and death.

I enjoyed this exteremly deep and meaningful plot. Although it was difficult at first to keep track of the story due to all the time changes, (presnt to past, constantly switching) it wasn't long before until I found myself yearing for more. Chard, Kyle, Kates, Jason, and Amiee soon enough become more like your own friends that strangers. They find a place inside your heart where I am sure they will stay for a time to come.

Overall a really well written book that is worth reading. I am looking forward to reading more books From Miller in the future.

To begin with, I cannot describe the excitement that suffused my body as I finished the first two pages of the book. I immediately knew the story was going to be a narrative that brilliantly told about the chronicles of a young, teenage girl who was struggling through adolescence because of the many misfortunate events that occurred in her life. This is a fictional story of friendship, loyalty, insanity, recovery and hope that can appeal to almost anyone who has ever lost someone or something special to them.
In the story, Mary Beth Miller tells a chilling account of a young girl named Zoe, who is charged with the murder and accused of assisting her best friend's suicide. Though proven innocent Zoe cannot let go of the thought of being tried for such an appalling crime. To get through the chaos Zoe was recommended to a psychiatrist, whom she does not enjoy sharing her thoughts and feelings with. Even though she does not like her psychiatrist, she is to recount in the journal what she went through with Aimee and her posse of friends before and after Aimee's death. One chilling fact that was brought to the surface was that Aimee admitted to Zoe and her friends that her stepmother was physically and mentally abusing her. By doing so little by little the events leading up the Aimee's suicide were revealed. This was only the beginning of Aimee's cry for help, but nobody heard her screams in time to help her. After writing her feelings and thoughts into her journal Zoe had come to terms with Aimee's death and was ready to start life over. Zoe changed her way of life and moved on from her past. She now is a scholar student and a state track champion.
I ended up finishing this book in less than two days because the book takes you on an emotional roller-coaster ride that entices you into reading more and more until you read the book from front to back. I thought this book was excellent in every aspect. I was very impressed with Miller's uncanny ability to get into the character's head, while never even knowing the narrator's name, which was later found out at the very ending of the book. I believed the character's roles were very well developed and realistic. The only criticism that I had about the characters was about Zoe's parents. I felt as though they were not explained well enough and seemed to be one-dimensional at first, but later in the book, I got more insight as to their roles. Although fictional, I felt as though I was reading a true story from someone's journal by using the first person perspective to narrate the whole story. To add to this, the author was able to capture even the darkest emotions of the narrator that it made me feel as though the events were happening to me. Lastly, I think the best part about this book is that it brings up issues that plague teens today. Such as, depression, suicide, eating disorders, illegal drug and alcohol use, divorce, and love in a very realistic way.
Overall, I found the book to be an exceptionally good read for teenagers to young adults. For a fictional novel, it was terrific and profound, which made me enjoy it even more. It made me think about life more than usual and how similar events could one day occur in my life. I would highly recommend it for anyone, but I will prepare those who read it to have a box of tissues beside him or her. I say this because you will hear a girl recount her life after she lost her lifelong best friend.

I was given this book for Christmas. I didn't expect it to be any good, but I was wrong. From the very first page, questions rose from my mind. But the most prominant question was - WHY didn't I read it sooner?
This is the story about a group of friends torn apart by one tragic night of poor decisions and a life time of anyting but happy endings.
Aimee was the victim of sexual child abuse.
Zoe was the victim of a friendship that couldn't win.
While reading, you're bound to form questions in your mind. Write them down, as see just how quickly they're answered. I garuntee it'll be quickly.
MaryBeth Miller has a style of writing I've been yearning for in the mix of boring young adult dramas. Her unique voice touches, GRABS you and rips you in to the world of Zoe.
One thing is for sure.
You won't forget Zoe or Aimee after you read.

The second book of the Harry Potter series does an excellent job of living up to the expectations set by the first book. The story in which the 12-year-old wizard, Harry Potter, faces trials and tribulations testing his supernatural abilities will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat and always wondering what will happen next.

The novel begins at the Dursley's house where Harry lives with his "muggle" (non magic) aunt and uncle. Due to the differences between the two types, Harry is treated horribly by his family and looked upon with disgust. Things begin to spiral further downward when a creature named Doby shows up to warn Harry that he should not attend Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardy this year because "bad things are supposed to happen". However, Harry insists on going since it is the only excuse he has to leave the Dursley's home. Doby then decides to mingle with things in order to prevent Harry from going and in turn gets him into quite a bit of trouble. A few weeks later while at school, terrible accidents begin to happen to the mudbloods, the witches and wizards that come from non-wizard families. Then, a disturbing message appears on the wall stating that the chamber has been opened once again. This message provokes Harry and his two closest friends Ron and Hermione to investigate the confusing situation, providing for an interesting mystery full of twists and turns.

The theme of this book teaches a moral by denouncing the act of discriminating a group of people. By targeting the mudbloods, Rowling is showing how wrong it is to treat someone differently for an unavoidable reason. ... I think that she is teaching us all a lesson through her writing, and we should take the time to listen to the message she wishes to convey.

I loved this book for the simple fact that I felt able to escape from my world and enter the magical and enchanting Hogwarts school. While reading J.K. Rowling's novel, my imagination is given the option to run wild and I feel once again like a little child. I sincerely recommend that everyone read this book if given the opportunity. I believe that people of all ages would thoroughly enjoy reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Some say Chamber of Secrets is the weakest of the four Potter books.

Yes, the incident in it is "minor" compared to other Potter books, than say, the third or fourth. But the plot is tightly woven up. It doesn't ramble, like the third or fourth. And the first time you read it, face it, it's a lot scarier than the others. Why? Because students are being stunned --frozen in time-- left and right. Roosters are dying, GHOSTS are practically dying.

Meanwhile, excellent points are being brought up.

In the second (might have some spoilers here), Harry finds out that Voldemort transferred some his own powers when he gave Harry the scar. That means that besides speaking Parseltongue, Harry probably has some of Voldemort's strenth and "brilliancy."

Notice, too, that this is the first book where Harry truly realizes Professor Dumbledore's store of knowledge and how much Dumbledore believes in him when no one else will. Only after this book does Harry start asking for Dumbledore's help. I'd also like to note that Dumbledore was transfiguration teacher before principal, and when Dumbledore was gone, McGonagall, the current transfiguration teacher, became principal. Transfiguration teacher must be pretty powerful and high up on the hierchical ladder.

From this book on, Voldemort knows Harry's own past --his performance in school, his personality, his attitude. From this book on, Voldemort has a decided advantage over Harry.

Chamber of Secrets reveals the past --Hagrid's, Tom Riddle's, even Dumbledore's. Many people don't like this book as much because there's not as much "ambiguity" as some of the others. But I don't think it's meant to be that. I think it's meant to be a sort-of-background of the past.

In the second book of what is bound to become a world-renowned fantasy series, J.K. Rowling documents Harry Potter's return to Hogwarts school.A wide array of new characters includes Gilderoy Lockhart, the new defense against the dark arts teacher; Dobby, an adorable little house elf. Tom Riddle, the mysterious Hogwarts alumni who provides Harry with clues; not to mention the whole Weasley family, and their flying car! A new mystery awaits Harry upon his return to school, and it is up to Harry, Ron and Hermione to save the school once again, this time from the evil Heir of Slytherin, who has opened the Chamber of Secrets and unleashed a monster on the school. Only in the amazing, spine-tingling climactic scene is his/her identity revealed, and you won't believe who it is. If you liked Harry Potter and the sorceror's stone, this book is a must-read.

Having never read anything about Arthurian legend, I was hesitant to pick my first introduction to it. I feel that I chose wisely in Mary Stewart's trilogy. Her writing will draw you into the story, and each book assumes you have little to no knowledge from the previous books (which was great for me, it helped to hear some of it again). I just found myself wishing afterwards there could have been a little more romance! However, I guess these books were more about Merlin, not Arthur or Guinevere. Another confusing aspect is that some of the more familiar names have been changed, and some are repeated. Having no base knowlege of the legend this was slightly confusing for me. Anyway, these books are highly enjoyable and I would definitely recomend them.

The Story: "The Last Enchantment" is Book Three of Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, and focuses on how Merlin meets, trains, and falls in love with Nimue, while helping Arthur solidify his kingdom and deal with the follies of Guinevere and other members of Court. Merlin and Arthur have to decide what to do about Arthur's sister, Morgan, and half-sister, Morgause, who separately plot against Arthur, and as well deciding upon the disposition of Morgause's five sons, one of whom is Mordred, illegitimate son of Arthur.

Technical: The writing of Mary Stewart is highly detailed and takes patience, but nothing is extraneous or irrelevant. Ms. Stewart's writing style reminds me of Sir Walter Scott's writing style in "Ivanhoe".

Overall: A great epic continues, but the reader must be patient and up to the challenge of a long, intricate, and detailed saga. When I first read this trilogy, the fourth book did not yet exist. Because the fourth book, "The Wicked Day", focusing on Mordred, exists, I'm more satisfied with the ending of "The Last Enchantment".

This is a great book and concludes a fabulous triology. Stewart finds just the right balance of historical fiction and fantasy, creating a Merlin and King Arthur who are not as they really were but are has they might have been if we indulge a imagination just a little. The characters are real and compelling. And though all three books are accessible to young readers, the books are just as entertaining for adults. I can't say enough about this trilogy.

I think this book, as the others, were Awesome! I've been really into Unicorns and this just tops the cake. It's got fantacy, adventure and a little comedy also. I exceede the reading age, but these books have such a good story line I'm excited for the rest of the series to get printed.

The Unicorns of Balinor is a very good example of protagonist/antagonist books. Foreshadowing is also displayed very well. I remember when I read it for the first time two years ago, I was kept on the edge of my seat because the story line is very addicting and suspenseful. It's hard not to imagine your self in a woodland watching the old mare of the mountian appear or carefully making your way across the fiery feild (in order to recliam the royal septer from the evil shifter).

True, the book ends very abruptly, but that is why it is in a series. This is not; however, a series you can read out of order. Trust me, I have tried to do that. It doesn't work.

Valley of Fear was a great book! Dang!Mary Stanton can sure bring to life her characters. Unicorns of Balinor is my favorite book no doubt! This book brings to life a vivid image in your head! Hint to all readers-MUST READ ALL BOOKS IN THIS SERIES IN ORDER! I love this book!