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Volume 2, Number 1 January 2003 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Shelley's Bookshelf Cindy's Bookshelf Bogstad's Bookshelf

Kaveny's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf

Klausner's Bookshelf Donovan's Bookshelf

Shelley's Bookshelf
Death By Prophecy
Lauren Maddison
Alyson Publications
PO Box 4371, Los Angeles, CA 90078-4371
ISBN: 1555837646, $14.95, www.alyson.com

Lauren Maddison, now a Southern California resident, is also known for her mysteries Deceptions and Witchfire. She was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award.

Connor Hawthorne is a daughter and friend of an erstwhile congressman. Her partner, Laura Nez, comes from more exotic origins. She regularly travels to a place she calls "Dreamland" to talk with her deceased grandmother, who gives her spiritual advice. While traveling in California, Laura and Connor encounter a mysterious priest and buy a beautiful pendant that has meanings and connections to forces that will draw them into a possible spiritual and earthly meltdown involving a sociopath named Ricky Bell:

"The presence shifted and sparkled, and their eyes were drawn to what could almost be described as a human face floating in the center of the nimbus of light. 'I have looked into you, and although your minds are filled with confusion, your hearts are pure. You have been offered the ultimate love, and you have accepted it. Thus, your prayers are easily heard and easily made manifest in your world. We will share consciousness of each other again very soon, for you will be in need of a guardian angel before too long. Now take the gift and go swiftly.' The light winked out as if it had never been there and was instantly replaced by the sun's early-morning warmth."

Death By Prophecy isn't really a whodunit. It is more of a mystical trip shared by two women whose love of each other and the people around them elevates their activities to a higher plane. It's religious message is one of a rethinking of what the Catholic church means to women, and the machinations of those who would keep it as a strict patriarchal religion. The plot is an intricately woven pattern that pulls many seemingly unrelated segments together to form a whole. The characters are fascinating, and there is no wasted space in this narrative. The reader is pulled along a path that makes us question the meaning of religion, life, and what comes after.

Lauren Maddison has created a mystical masterpiece in Death By Prophecy. This tale has so many facets that the reader will want to explore the story more than once. A great read by a gifted author. This is an excellent story!

Death Goes Shopping
Jessica Burton
Napoleon Publishing/RendexVous Press
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
ISBN: 0929141954, $10.95 U.S.; $12.95 CAN, 1-877-730-9052, www.rendezvouspress.com

Jessica Burton has an interesting resume. Born in Scotland, she has lived all over the world, as her father worked for the British airline for six years. She emigrated to Canada, completed her schooling, and worked in the newspaper industry, followed by the shopping centre industry. She presently lives in Brampton, Ontario.

Jenny Turnbull is the promotion director of Rosewood Centre. Her job revolves around planning holiday festivities, handling disgruntled customers, and keeping the public relations on a smooth plane. She handles her job with panache, and everyone loves her, as she has the answer to almost every problem which presents itself. That is, until someone murders three diners in the middle of the food court during a Halloween celebration. Jenny is an inveterate knitter, and one of the casualties is a good friend who ran the wool store:

"'She was such a nice person and so helpful.' I couldn't let it go. 'I was just in her store yesterday to see if the rest of my wool was in yet, this new stuff she put me on to. How can I be talking to her one day, and she's dead the next? She was going to order me a particular shade of green they've just introduced. I really need that colour now I've changed my whole pattern around.'"

Death Goes Shopping is an exquisitely written tale of two roommates caught up in a murder that appears to be a senseless act on the surface. But Jenny, armed with a sense of humor that will keep the reader laughing and engaged, and her security guard roommate, Helen, eventually put the pieces together to solve an intricate puzzle. Burton does a great job with her premier mystery, and Jenny is a lovable heroine who blithely traipses through the world with lots of energy, enthusiasm, and wisdom.

Jessica Burton's knowledge of both the newspaper business and the shopping centre business lend credence to her tale. She truly writes what she knows, and her realm of expertise is interesting and provides a scenic landscape for her tale. Her main characters are sweet and well-rounded, and their side escapades complete the tale. Burton even works in some Scottish fairy dust for the reader's pleasure. A rousing first effort!

Collateral Damage
Austin S. Camacho
Infinity Publishing
519 W. Lancaster Avenue Haverford, PA 19041-1413
ISBN: 0741412896, $14.95, www.buybooksontheweb.com

Austin S. Camacho is an author, journalist, and public affairs specialist. He has experience with the Department of Defense, providing crucial information to service members about health issues during their deployment. He also provided information via the American Forces Network, as a radio and news reporter. He is a native New Yorker with a degree from Union College in Schenectady. He has spent time in Israel during Desert Storm, and has lived in Missouri, California, Maryland, Georgia and Belgium. He now lives in Virginia with his wife and two teenagers.

Fans of Hannibal Jones, professional troubleshooter, will welcome this second installment. Hannibal is now well established in his profession, and his girlfriend, Cindy, who is a high-powered attorney, is a beautiful ally and balancing force. His latest adventure begins when Bea Collins comes for help in finding her boyfriend, Dean Edwards. Hannibal thinks that this is just a case of a jilted woman, until Oscar Peters, a friend of Dean's, is killed and Dean is the primary suspect:

"'He didn't call the police when he found...this?' 'Mister Edwards was upset,' Hannibal said. 'This man was his friend. And we weren't sure if he was in fact dead. Mister Edwards has had some problems of an emotional nature.' Thompson's eyes came up from his pad without his head moving. 'I see. Did you know the deceased?'"

Hannibal Jones is a new kind of pulp detective. Larger than life; he is a world traveler. He knows how to use his fists, but he also is a sensitive soul who can relate to his victims. Camacho has done an excellent job of expanding Hannibal's influence in this second novel. The reader has become comfortable with Hannibal's character, his partners, and his way of operating. Camacho has a great thing going with Hannibal Jones, and he should keep cranking out these stories.

Death On The Hill
James R. Snedden
Barclay Books
6161 51st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33715
Becki@barclaybooks.com, http://www.barclaybooks.com
ISBN: 1-931402-05-1 $14.95 (U.S.) $20.95 (CAN)

Jim Snedden has had a multi-faceted career: as an international business executive, newspaper columnist; college instructor; and a career consultant. He is intensely interested in people-watching and politics. He is presently a resident of Arizona.

Jeremy Dawkins, investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune is out in Los Angeles visiting his friend, Bill, who has just purchased a small newspaper in Palos Verdes. Jeremy is drafted into helping out when an Asian woman and her dog are found murdered in her own driveway. Jeremy starts digging, and is able to help out by using some cross-country communications to find important sources. What he does find out is that the woman who has been murdered is not whom she seems to be. Then one of his sources is murdered, but not before he has given Jeremy the overview of the Chinese community and its underbelly:

"Cocking his head to one side, a serious expression crossed his face. 'My initial reaction is, that it will be difficult and possibly dangerous. The Chinese, the Koreans and the Japanese, all have the equivalent of the Mafia in this country. And just like the Mafia, they have ties to the homelands. They are much more ruthless and efficient than the Mafia, for they operate in a society closed to occidentals. They have never been infiltrated by the FBI, and generate no publicity.'"

Jim Snedden writes a most enjoyable and readable mystery/thriller which opens up the world of the East within the United States. Jeremy Dawkins is the quintessential newspaperman, able to piece together cause and effect with few clues, logic, and lots of contacts. His irreverent personality endears him to the reader, as he tries to wade his way through California-speak, food, and women. He is sort of a Bruce Willis of the newspaper world, and he adapts to the lifestyle of California before he notices that he is indulging in more than simply an unsolved mystery.

Death On The Hill is good, clean fun. Snedden's writing is breezy and entertaining, and it is easy to get into the flow of the story. One can almost see the bachelor pad that Jeremy and Bill inhabit in a sort of Odd Fellows way. Snedden shows us that investigating murders can be fun.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Cindy's Bookshelf
The Playboy & Plain Jane: Desire No. 1483
Leanne Banks
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373764839, 186 pages, $4.25

Launching the "Dynasties: The Barones" continuity series - highly recommended The Valentine Day curse strikes CEO Nicholas Barone hard, first when he learns of his fianc‚'s mercenary nature, and again a year later when she dies, leaving him the father. Deprived of the first year of his daughter's life, Nicholas vows to be an excellent father, but he needs help. Molly's cranky response to her new environment has taken its toll on his parents and on himself. A degree in computers seems an odd qualification for a nanny, but Gail Fenton's gift for peek-a-boo soon convinces Nicholas he has found the right woman for his daughter. Gail knows she's nothing like the beautiful, sleek women Nicholas usually dates, but soon she finds herself hoping she can prove herself to be as right for the father as she is the daughter. Readers who treasured the "Dynasties: The Connelly's" continuity in 2002, will love the return to the family theme with "Dynasties: The Barones" in 2003. With lighthearted levity and sizzling chemistry, author Leanne Banks presents a mismatched hero and heroine that discover more than superficial passion. As a nanny myself, I always find great amusement when authors successfully combine spegetti-os and nursery rhymes with the complexities that draw hearts together. Banks' treatment is remarkably skillful with the eccentricities that make characters dazzle. In addition, Banks gracefully introduces a remarkable cast of characters readers will look forward to meeting in their own stories.

Serving Up Trouble: Intimate Moments No 1194
Jill Shalvis
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373272642, 248 pages, $4.75

When life shifts from mundane to terrifying in one brief moment, Angie Rivers undergoes an epiphany. Her life has become boring, even if she had methodically become the antithesis of everything her parents want for her. So when a man grabs her for a hostage, Angie determines that life will change if she is given a second chance. Fortunately, officer Sam O'Neill stands in line next to her, springing into action and taking down the would-be robber.

Sam considers himself a rather cynical cop, destined to remain single after his mother and ex-wife's rejection of his career. He distances himself from his emotions and devotes his life to his job. Then Angie rocks his world, making him feel and need. Unfortunately, as she continues to put herself in danger as the only person who can identify the leader of an identity theft ring, Sam's need to protect her from danger seems to override his own common sense and self determined destiny.

Jill Shalvis is Serving Up Trouble with style. Quirky, sexy, impulsive Angie brings sparkling life to Sam's gray existence. Angie's second chance brings about a decision to change her life, following her dreams and pursuing her goals despite the discouraging words of her family. As a result, Angie is a powerful, delightful heroine, serving up trouble to criminals and Sam in equal measure. Author Shalvis succeeds in gracefully combining suspense, sparkling energy and humor for a fantastic read. Serving Up Trouble belongs on the keeper shelf. Very highly recommended.

Twilight In Babylon
Suzanne Frank
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446611654, 466 pages, $7.99

Life in ancient Jerusalem brings time traveler Chloe Kingsley its own brand of sorrow. When their home burns, Cheftu rushes Chloe to the deep secret chambers housing the Arc of the Covenant. Cheftu knows Chloe is about to die, and implores that she be given life, purpose and love.

It takes awhile for Chloe to realize that she is more than a wander from a region destroyed by flood. Lost in history, Chloe finds answers in the market, when she seeks her fortune, and recalls her own history. She first met the fortuneteller when she was a child in Cairo. She encountered her again in Ancient Atlantis, and a third time in Jerusalem before landing in ancient Mesopotamia.

Chloe eventual finds Cheftu, her nineteenth-century time-traveling French physician husband, only now he has become the high priest of the god of fertility. But the path to reestablishing a life together is riddled with trials and challenges. Chloe insists upon attending school, reforms cuneiform writing, and starts the first fast-food franchise with the trademark of the golden arches. Meanwhile, stargazers predict the necessity of human sacrifices to avert another disaster, with Chloe a part of the sacrifice.

Author Suzanne Frank brings ancient history to life in Twilight In Babylon. Vivid historical detail combine with the author's lively, at times irreverent voice, to produce a fascinating time travel adventure. While I love reading books in a series, as a reviewer I often read books out of sequence, or only read part of the series. Only occasionally do I encounter a novel of such depth and breadth that I want to locate the its predecessors if only to savor the author's powerful story telling ability, but that is my response to Twilight In Babylon. While a marvelous romance binds the hero and heroine, it is their struggles with establishing a new life wherever they might find themselves that grips my attention attention. I've reviewed many time travel romances, but Suzanne Frank's imaginative weave of history and modern perspectives supersedes virtually any other's efforts. A remarkable and memorable tale, Twilight In Babylon comes very highly recommended.

High On A Hill
Dorothy Garlock
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 044661209X, 386 pages, $6.99

The prohibition brings big business to bootleggers, speakeasies and gangsters. For years Annabel Lee Donovan, daughter of a bootlegger, has endured frequent upheaval and promises that her father will soon leave the business behind. Their latest move brings them to Henderson, Missouri to a house on a hill. Annabel worries over her father's frequent absences, but tries to make their new home comfortable. Her father leaves behind two men to look to her safety and take turns guarding their stash, Boone and Spinner.

One day a seriously injured young man appears on her doorstep seeking help. Annabel welcomes Jack Jones, nursing him back to health and earns his loyalty. Jack does not know a family friend, Corbin Appleby, tracks him. A former police chief, Corbin insists that he is not a Fed, but his interest in her father's business and in the illegal activity in the area leaves both Annabel and Boone suspicious. In addition, Annabel has dangerous neighbors to contend with, especially when one decided that she belongs to him.

As a new comer to Dorothy Garlock's work, I found her choice of setting, the Prohibition, absolutely fascinating, and her writing delightful. Annabel proves to be a delectable combination of contradictions, raised fairly conservatively by a bootlegging father. Her need for permanent roots proves charming from her acquisition of farm animals to garden planting. As her attraction for Corbin slowly blossoms, suspicion of his motives leaves her questioning his trustworthiness. The Secondary plot proves even more delightful, especially as Boone and Tess almost upstage the romance between the main characters. A beautifully realized old fashioned romance with a emphasis on family ties, High On The Hill comes highly recommended.

Southern Comfort Indigo: Sensuous Love Stories
J. M. Jeffries
Genesis Press
315 Third Avenue North, Columbus, MS 39701
ISBN 1585710288, $8.95

Ten years in the Army prepared Hardesty Arnaud's for gunfire and dead bodies, but it took a medal of honor to earn her way to becoming St. Martin's Police Chief. Unfortunately, the three patriarchs of the community seem to think they are in charge, able to ferret out anything, no matter how deeply buried. Hardesty knows they offered her the chief's job only because they could not turn her down. Now only two days on the job and Hardesty has a murder to solve. She quickly concludes that the body is a mob hit, and another missing man would have been the US Marshall assigned to protect him. The situation is potentially explosive.

Growing up in the ghetto and rescued by a miracle, Nick has made becoming the first black FBI director his career goal. Proud of his city ways, the overwhelming heat and humidity of Louisiana plagues him, as does the spitfire who blocks his investigation. Nick has spent the last five years putting the Patrini family out of operation. The dead man had been their lawyer, knowing everything from where the bodies were buried to the account numbers of the offshore bank accounts. Without the lawyer's testimony, Nick's investigation comes to nothing and the sexy small town cop presents an unwanted complication.

With nothing in common except a murder investigation, Hardesty and Nick clash in an exciting romantic thriller of the high caliber readers have come to expect from J.M. Jeffries. In Southern Comfort opposites collide an entertaining romance as dangerous to the heart as it is the small town of St. Martin. The gritty policy procedural elements sharply contrast the growing relationship between Hardesty and Nick, resulting in a fast paced read impossible to put down. The richly created small town with its quirky citizens and old-fashioned values provides a powerful backdrop for intrigue and betrayal. Southern Comfort comes highly recommended.

Hamlet Dreams
Jennifer Barlow
Aardwolf Press
P.O. Box 14792, Durham, NC 277709-4792
ISBN 0970622511, 224 pages, $13.95

For years Zac has visited the Other Place, visiting medieval fortresses, Avalon, Sherwood Forrest and anywhere else his imagination takes him. Normally he snaps right out of what he calls "Hamlet Dreams" when he hears the sound of an alarm, an ambulance passing, or when he feels a light touch. Since he started dating Cecile, Zac has not visited the Other Place as frequently. When he does visit, Zac finds it increasingly difficult to rouse from the dreams; it is as if something holds him there.

For six months Zac and Cecile have dated. While they have come close to consummating their relationship, Cecile always withdraws before they can. Nightmares of a vicious attack prevent Cecile from relaxing enough to make love with Zac, regardless of how tenderly he holds her. Her roommate suggests their mutual virginity may be part of the problem, but Cecile does not agree. Moreover, someone knows of their difficulties, turning their challenges into an opportunity to release evil into the world.

On the first day of a new semester of teaching, Cecile discovers a mysterious note that states: "I have not forgotten you." She reads a hint of hidden menace into the words, fearful her stepfather has returned to stalk her in retribution for his jailing. Eventually, she discovers Zac slumbering so deeply that she cannot wake him; summoning aid, she helps to hospitalize him. But the doctors are baffled and eventually label Zac's case psychiatric. Cecile does not suspect that the force holding Zac captive is not of this world and brings incredible danger to them both.

Author Jennifer Barlow creates a surreal landscape of deceptive danger and lurking menace in Hamlet Dreams. Both Zac and Cecile love each other deeply but are young and na‹ve, making them easy to prey to the malevolent forces that seek to manipulate them with their own fears. As Zac travels the labyrinth of his own psyche, he must confront the dark fantasies and hidden desires that even he has never acknowledged. Traversing a landscape constructed of fear and impossibility, Barlow leads the reader through a stunning tale of delicious malevolence and dangerous desire. No reader will want to miss this unusual and compelling novel.

Outrageous Detour
Lindy Anne Nisbet
Xlibris Corporation
436 Walnut St., 11th Floor, The Independence Building Philadelphia, PA 19106
ISBN 1401030785, 256 pages, $21.99

Lulu Glenn joins other American tour members to travel Peru and Bolivia. They share astonishing similar stories of the circumstances bringing them together, having undergone many magical occurrences and joined the tour to find others of like mind. Indeed, years of metaphysical research culminate in profound spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical transformation for Lulu and her companions.

Lulu has a gift for seeing connections where others miss them. She is a conduit, and soon she discovers she also shares telepathy with another tour member named Bud Towne. Hiking together with four other tour members around the monastery where they are staying, Lulu becomes aware of the heightened vibrations surrounding her, which create vortexes and portals of energy. But even she does not suspect the detour that will take her and her companions on a journey through underground caverns and other dimensions.

Author Lindy Anne Nisbet draws upon her own metaphysical experiences and her vivid imagination to create a fascinating spiritual journey in Outrageous Detour. Channeling, telepathy, even tantric sex become a part of this metaphysical exploration that spans cultures, dimensions and civilizations. Readers will want to keep an open mind with this humorous adventure where anything can happen, and most likely does. Ancient fertility rights, humanities' connection to this planet and others, and super powers makes Outrageous Detour an outrageous success. Highly recommended.

The Healer: Superromance No 1105
Jean Brashear
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 373711050, 298 pages, $5.25

Staff at Mercy Hospital calls her Miracle Malone until a riding accident destroys the gifted surgeon's right hand. Once her hand could massage life back into the heart she held, now it cannot grasp and release objects. When her physical therapy reaches a plateau without the necessary recovery to return her to the cardiac surgical suit, Caroline takes a month to recover in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. Like Caroline, Diego Montalvo had once been terribly ambitious until a mission gone wrong burdens him with irredeemable guilt. Now Diego marvels that his hands, which once brought death, can bring forth life. As his grandmother ages, he steps into her place in the community as a healer where many of his people are more than a hundred miles from medical care and cannot afford it anyway. Nevertheless, his years as a medic have left scars much deeper than the ones displayed on his body and causing his limp. Author Jean Brashear creates a powerful tale of spiritual healing in The Healer. Brashear's graceful narrative seamlessly bridges two vastly different worlds. Both Caroline and Diego undergo a tragic transforming moment that changes the course of their lives, leaving them with spiritual wounds as damaging as the ones that tear their flesh. In this searing tale, contradictions and impossibilities give way to hearts that need to rediscover dreams and self-forgiveness. Secondary characters, particularly Diego's insightful grandmother, provide intriguing depth to this powerful tale. Once again Brashear proves herself to be an author of fabulous richness, making her a favorite of romance readers. The Healer comes very highly recommended.

Fire and Ice: Harlequin Blaze No 65
Tori Carrington
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790694, 250 pages, $4.50

A one-night stand leaves both Tommy "Wild Man" Brodie and Jena McCade longing for more. He is a highly paid hockey player; she is a criminal defense attorney. Both are accustomed to working hard and playing equally as hard, never taking their sensual liaisons too seriously until they meet each other. It has been three months since their sizzling night together, and both still fantasize about it. So when an injury takes Tommy off the ice, he decides recuperation at Jena's place is just what the doctor ordered. Jena decides that she needs a wife when she opens her door and finds Tommy on her doorstep. Her instant response ignites them both. Jena's sexual escapades have become legendary among her friends, and her sudden reticence in sharing her experience makes them all suspicious. Perhaps bad-girl Jena has finally met her match. Tommy is everything that Jena wants in a short-term affair, but she'd better decide quick if she wants something brief or if she is willing to risk for a whole lot more. Writing duo Tori Carrington live up to their blazing reputation with Fire And Ice, balancing steaming romance, hot erotica, rich character development and a delightful plot. While Jena and Tommy know from the beginning that they are perfect partners in bed, establishing an equal relationship proves much more challenging, especially with Jena making some rather stereotyped assumptions. Furthermore, Jena's struggle with career and personal demons reveal her vulnerabilities in a way that cannot help but endear her to readers' hearts. Fans will also welcome the return of Dulcy and Quinn from A Stranger's Touch. Carrington makes it difficult to wait for each new scintillating release, and readers will be left panting for the release of Going Too Far in February 2003. Add Fire And Ice to your keeper shelf as it comes very highly recommended.

My Husband, My Babies: Superromance No 1098
Debra Salonen
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710984, 298 pages, $5.25

Nicknamed Jenny Perfect, Jenny's life no longer seems so right. Just after artificial insemination with her brother-in-law's sperm, she and Josh learn that his childhood cancer has returned. The insemination results in strained relations between Jenny and Sam. Suddenly a time of joy becomes tainted by the strain of sorrow. Despite her pregnancy with twins, Jenny devotes herself to Josh's care, going strait from childbirth to the dying man's bedside. Josh's death leaves both Jenny and Sam bereft. In Josh's absence, necessity draws Jenny and Sam together in childcare and grief. Soon attraction brings about feelings of guilt, deepening the incredible emotional complexity of the novel. My Husband, My Babies will illicit extreme emotional responses in the reader from joy to sorrow, resulting in a read that brings both giggles and tears. Death and loss are handled with respect and compassion, paving the way for a remarkable tale of healing. Each character is deftly woven, resulting in believable people capable of selfishness, profound love, and extraordinary depth. Jenny and Sam's struggle to reconcile guilt and new love rings with honesty and complexity. Perhaps the greatest hero of the novel is Josh, who accepts death with grace and life with joy. With My Husband, My Babies, Debra Salonen gracefully paves the way for sisters Andrea and Kristin's stories, hinting at deeply held pain and weakened family bonds. A fabulous beginning to this new series, My Husband, My Babies comes very highly recommended.

North Country Man: Superromance No 1102
Carrie Alexander
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711018, 298 pages, $5.25

While she practically begged for an easy assignment, Claire Levander expected deluxe accommodations, certainly nothing as rustic as the Upper Michigan. Her boss promises that they have booked her into the Day Brook House where she will have nothing to do but breath fresh air and release stress. And decide if she wants to recommend that Bel Vista Hotel Corporation should purchase the property from its unsuspecting owners. Her boss could not have been more wrong. Before she even arrives, Claire encounters Michigan's wildlife with uncomfortable closeness, including the hermit Noah Saari. The proprietor of Day Brook House puts Claire in the "Valentina bridal suite." Rumored to be cursed, the suite displays a bridal painting that does not convey the joy of a wedding, but suggests a much more foreboding and chilling tone. According to the prophesy, any woman staying in the suite will be married before the year is out in retribution for the jilted, suicidal Valentina. But Claire's social life has been on hold for a long time, and establishing a relationship with an alpha male as reclusive as Noah might hold some especially difficult challenges. Especially since she will be leaving in a week to resume her high powered career. An orphaned cub and other assorted wildlife lend an intriguing backdrop to Carrie Alexander's North Country Man. The closeness of the citizens of the small community of Aloutette, Michigan, both alienates and draws characters together with painful gossip and sparkling loyalty. While Claire and Noah might be the stereotypical case of opposites attract, their path is quite original from steam baths and fallen plaster to a creative legend. Further, Noah lends a powerful presence to the novel with his genuine heart and deeply held secrets. As his past becomes revealed, readers will find him as irresistible as Claire does! In addition, while many elements might seem to superficially follow traditional plotting, Alexander has a flair for giving them subtle twists that keeps her writing refreshing and diffrent. An absolutely delightful read, North Country Man comes very highly recommended.

The Sweetest Taboo: Harlequin Blaze No 68
Alison Kent
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790724, 248 pages, $4.50

Inheriting her grandfather's bar gave Erin Thatcher endless hours of work but not satisfaction. Yet the bar is her legacy from the grandfather who gave up everything to care for her, and Erin intends it to succeed. Late hours and restlessness lead to imaginative interludes with the man in the apartment above hers. Elevator rides, chance encounters in the parking garage or mailroom make her long for more. Then Erin reads an article that motivates her to break all the rules and pursue her desire. She wants sex with a bad boy, a rake, a rapscallion with no guilt and no worries. Sebastian Gallo lives a very controlled life, allowing no one to come close emotionally. He buries his dark past and hidden pain in his fiction hero Ryder Falco, penning sinister, dark fiction, working out his angst by late night prowling and spending long hours in his opulently decadent shower. Sebastian's solitary existence is a design of his own making as opposed to the horrible years of his childhood. Long ago he vowed he would never look to someone else for security, substance or support. But then, he underestimated the needs of his heart. The Sweetest Taboo combines raw sexual energy with fierce emotional passion in a savvy blend of extremities certain to fulfill the most demanding lover of romance and erotica. Indeed, author Alison Kent has a gift for cutting to the very essence of modern woman's struggle to reconcile her needs and desires with the standards society sets. Sexual freedom does not give Erin the experience she imagines as she struggles to divorce extraordinary sex from its emotional ramifications. Sebastian likewise struggles with self-identity, rejecting his past by create a fictional character that bears the brunt of his dark side. Further, the pace of the novel maintains a gripping edge as both Erin and Sebastian struggle with their inner demons and deepest desires. A titillating read with gritty detail and fierce emotion, The Sweetest Taboo comes very highly recommended.

Gift of Christmas: Superromance No 1092
Jan Freed, Janice Johnson, and Margot Early
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373710925, 296 pages, $5.25

Harlequin Superromance has combined three uniquely creative tales to touch the heart at this holiday season. Each story offers something a little different, whether it is a family rediscovering the love that binds or the start of something new. The Gift Of Christmas comes highly recommended. "Stuck with Each Other," by Jan Freed: The Anderson household has grown apart, so Jim surprises them with an expensive skiing vacation just sixteen days before Christmas. Unfortunately, his wife Sharon resents being taken away from her new career without warning, and the children prefer to hang with friends rather going off with family. At Jim's insistence, they accept the opportunity, detouring by his father's mountain home before heading to the ski resort. Seeing the tension and bickering between adults and children, Grandpa arranges his own holiday surprise, hoping to remind them of the love they still share. Freed's story will echo many readers' own lives with the stress and responsibility that tear this family apart. The Andersons are wonderful; Jim and Sharon have been married for a number of years, taking one another and their three children for granted without meaning to. The children react against absent and busy parents with bids for attention and outrageous behavior. A wonderful story of love and healing, "Stuck with Each Other" kicks this collection off with a bang! "Undercover Santa" by Janice Kay Johnson: Sergeant Reed McCall might be wearing the padding and beard of Santa, but he feels more like Scrooge when he receives his undercover assignment. Someone threatens to kill a Santa, so as many cops as can be spared are assigned to Santa duty. When an armed man takes a woman and her son hostage, along with "Santa", they find themselves locked in a storeroom, discovering the magic of unexpected encounters.

Readers familiar with Johnson's marvelous stories of men in uniform will recognize her indelible style and unorthodox approach to the holidays in "Undercover Santa." For a cop that does not like kids, Reed will undergo a remarkable transformation that readers will treasure. Unexpected twists to the tale will both surprise and amuse readers, making "Undercover Santa" a delightful read. "Epiphany" by Margot Early: Born to hearing impaired parents, Carmen Dinesen never felt accepted by her family and their world. When her parents died unexpectedly, Carmen took responsibility for her younger, hearing impaired sister, Bizzy. Now Bizzy wants only one thing for Christmas; she wants to adopt a wild mustang. Unfortunately, they do not fit in small apartments or small budgets. Then Chris Good Rider proposes marriage, providing a home and a mustang to fill Carmen and Bizzy's dreams. Too bad he does not profess love as well. Author Margot Early paints a world most hearing people never consider, reversing roles so that it is the one who can hear who feels left out. Carmen's struggle with self-acceptance results in a unique kind of healing. Flaws suddenly become endearing, and with love anything becomes possible. Indeed, Early creates a beautiful world of wisdom, rich with heritage and love, for the holiday season.

A Man for the Night: Blaze No 64
Miranda Lee
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373790686, 251 pages, $4.50

Josie Williams needs a date for her ten-year high school reunion. When she showed up five years ago, she came away with mortified memories of a night in tears. This time she intends to arrive with her boyfriend in tow, ready to sparkle and dazzle. Too bad she breaks up with her current boyfriend just before the reunion. At a friend's suggestion, she arranges an escort for the evening. When she meets, however, Josie's fantasies take flight, and she dreams of taking him home as her sex slave for the night. Callum McCloud's younger brother makes big bucks escorting attractive women. But when his big break comes for his acting career, he is scheduled for a date with Josie. So he convinces his older brother to fill in. Callum did not expect such a sexy lady, and suddenly his libido kicks up to high. Now he is determined to fill every fantasy Josie has on her wish list. But more than lust brews in their heated encounter, and emotions will demonstrate a will of their own. While A Man For The Night may not offer the daring eroticism readers expect from the Blaze series, it does offer such a marvelous story that it merits reading. Author Miranda Lee delivers an Alpha male who does not hesitate to stick up for his lady. His battle ready attitude when they arrive at Josie's reunion reveals a knight in white armor with a heart of gold. Not only does he fill Josie's fantasies, but he will inspire some hot ones for readers as well. Josie's determination to lure him into bed, contract or no, demonstrates the modern, powerful woman readers delight in. A Man For The Night comes highly recommended.

Magnolia House
Lyn Lawrence
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
Electronic ISBN 1592790208, $5.50, Paperback ISBN 1592799868

Cindi Lynn comes to Magnolia House hoping to seek sanctuary. She has had surgery on her vocal cords, and her mother recently died from cancer. But her arrival heralds even more trouble with her father Jim Lynn going missing and presumed dead. Her father's mistress, gone to seek Jim in Columbia, also disappears. Furthermore, the house itself offers its own unique challenges with rumors of supernatural haunting.

Caretaker Dell Comeaux immediately finds himself drawn to Cindi. When he overhears a suspicious conversation between Jim Lynn's business partner and the cook, Dell begins to suspect the truth of the dangers lurking around Magnolia House and its occupants. Someone certainly seeks to drive Cindi away before she can learn the truth.

Author Lyn Lawrence deftly blends the romantic mystery of Louisiana with paranormal intrigue in Magnolia House. Her descriptions of the house and its surroundings are downright seductive, even as her characters come vividly alive. Cindi's struggles to reconcile a painful history with her father to the place she now occupies results in a dynamic read, heightened by the electricity of romance and danger. The supernatural influence of ghosts and the Monster of Loggy Bayou add a fascinating tone to this chilling work. Richly developed and filled with secrets and possibilities, Magnolia House comes highly recommended.

The Ditchwalkers
Morgana MacArthur
Amber Quill Press
P.O. Box 50251, Bellevue, WA 98015
Electronic ISBN 1592790186, $5.50

In the town of Providence, restaurant owner Ester-Jo Arnold enjoys listening to customers, offering support and counsel when appropriate. But one strange day three customers arrive that she simply cannot reach. The final one leaves her an enigmatic message: "Walk Away." She does, selling her restaurant to the father of Tammy Jean Elrod, a young woman who has always dreamed of running her own place.

Tammy's shaky year long relationship with Jake deteriorates as he expects more than she can give. Tammy's close relationship with her father Jimmy becomes the central point of contention. When her father purchases the diner for her, Jake promises to help ready it for business. But a new man in town has caught Tammy's attention, and volunteers his time as well. Just the thought of Mo holds Tammy mesmerized.

After a relatively short, dissipated life, Mort "Mo" Krisner's life ends suddenly in a back ally drug deal gone bad. He finds himself assigned to Purgatory where names are replaced by numbers and an assignment in Providence. He wanders from road to road seeking freedom from Purgatory by corrupting Providence's citizens, but corrupting them seems impossible. Only the time he spends with Tammy relieves his tortured existence, but he can offer her nothing.

The Ditchwalkers by Morgana MacArthur may be read on two levels: as a paranormal romance and as an examination of values and belief. Tammy and Mo's romance seems doomed from the beginning, yet their attraction cannot be denied. As ditchwalkers attempt to corrupt the town of Providence, they reveal how even a town that cherishes its godliness may still nurture fear, deceit, hypocrisy and intolerance. As Christian beliefs, Wiccan beliefs, and paranormal elements collide, readers find themselves questioning their own paradigms. Surprisingly, the author's evenhanded approach to spiritual beliefs neither discounts nor belittles Christian or Wiccan belief; instead, MacArthur honors both as paths to the Divine that must work together to overcome the evil that threatens the town of Providence. A stunningly original novel.

Spider In The Christmas Tree
Fran Keighley
Wings ePress Inc.
P. O. Box 726, Lusk, WY 82225
e-Book $6.00, Paperback $10.95, 213 pages

Liza's purchase of her first house breaks the family tradition of marrying young and staying close to home. Her traditional Italian family reacts with a mixture of horror and shock. Despite her lack of interest in dating, Liza also has no less than four sexy bachelors professing their interest and offering help with everything from moving furniture to hanging a new door for her house. In fact, Liza has a secret Santa who cheerfully brings gifts and romantic kisses while carefully concealing his identity.

Meanwhile, Liza has more serious concerns as well. She and her sisters own a thriving second clothing business, and each the three sisters managers her own store. Indeed, Liza bought interest in the stores and manages Three Sisters even though employee Sandra seems to think she is in charge. In addition, two part-time teen helpers seem more interested in padding their own wardrobes and decorating windows than in counting correct change and adhering to punctuality, and Liza has her hands full. Especially when an expensive dress goes missing, much to a client's irate response, thereby casting suspicion on all of the shop's employees.

The legend of the spider in the Christmas tree-the industrious spider spins beautiful silken webs to bring beauty to the tree-servers as strong inspiration for the title of the this new novel by Fran Keighley. Like the little spider, Liza industriously spins out a new life, managing her shop and fixing up her new house. However, readers would do well to not allow the light tone to mislead them into believing that A Spider In The Christmas Tree is pure fluff. Sharply contrasting its light tone and jovial romantic interests lays a danger that strikes with little warning. But the lack of bloody descriptions and the incognito Santa Claus does allow the emphasis to remain on hearts and surprises, making A Spider In The Christmas Tree a delightful holiday read. A Spider In The Christmas Tree comes highly recommended.

Disappearing Into View
Andrew K. Stone
So There Books
ISBN 0967907314, 260 pages, $11.20

At fifteen, bitter disillusionment shatters Colin Franklin's world. Rather than live in the society of his father's making, Colin chooses homelessness. The transience of street living made the questions and doubts of his childhood nothing but ephemeral memory. Colin supports his meager need selling pigeons to restaurants as replacement for the squab on their menus. It worked for years until one evening when Sid gave him two bucks for a bird he found dead. That bird gives the small time crook Vince food poisoning. Curious about the enterprising young man, Vince seeks Colin out and offers him a job. Nicknamed "Birdy", Colin helps manage a food processing plant that uses goose, rabbit, and rat meat in its product. Production increases radically to meet demand as Vince's underworld connections require more and more. The homeless staff the plant, working intense hours for practically nothing. Soon Birdy comes to question what he sees occurring, piecing together his shattered existence in a transformational odyssey of profound insight and redemption. A potent psychological drama, Disappearing Into View provides an extraordinary view of a world most of society chooses to ignore. Beneath the streets of Boston exists a society of the homeless, comprised of surprising characters from the deranged and delusional, to the surprisingly wise and complex. The darkness of the tale finds relief in scintillating dialogue, dramatic surprise, and penetrating depths. A tale that poses dark and troubling questions with amazing clarity.

Dreams Don't Last: A Sharyn Howard Mystery
Joyce and Jim Lavene
Avalon Books
160 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
ISBN: 0803495684, $13.97

When someone shoots Senator Caison Talbot, Sheriff Sharyn Howard finds herself in the unexpected position of believing in his innocence. Although Talbot had been a close associate of her father before his death in the line of duty, Sharyn has never trusted him, especially since he became engaged to her mother. Indeed, Tabot and District Attorney Jack Winters represent the old way of doing things in Diamond Springs, where powerful men keep dangerous secrets.

Meanwhile, Sharyn faces reelection with an unsolved shooting and an unsolved murder in her district. She had previously earned the position by merit of being the deceased sheriff's daughter; now she must win the election on her own record. With the senator's shooting and a Jane Doe on her hands, Sharyn cannot shrug off the intuition that the cases are somehow linked. Furthermore, not only does she faces a political landmine but things are even worse on the home front.

Readers familiar with the previous books in the Sharyn Howard Mystery series will find Dreams Don't Last to be the best yet. Surprising twists and turns keep the pages turning at a fast clip, once again demonstrating the prowess of authors Joyce and Jim Lavene. Some readers unfamiliar with what has gone on before may feel somewhat handicapped by the frequent references to Sharyn's past history, particularly with the district attorney, that are not reiterated in this installment. Indeed, Sharyn's personal life has evolved slowly through the previous novels, as she becomes an increasingly powerful, mature heroine, making reading the backlist extremely worthwhile. Readers will be anxious for the next book of the series to learn the result of the election, and to see where the surprise announcement at the end will lead. Dreams Don't Last comes very highly recommended.

T'ongil: The Thirst For Love
Julian Winter
Stillmind
P.O. Box 331, Framingham, MA 01704
ISBN 0971598118, 302 pages, $19.95

The women call their clients horses, riding them to provide satisfaction. But Changmi is different, riding the horses for her own pleasure, often chastised for taking too long with men who are already hooked on her. When Ainsley Revere comes to her, he proves himself to be different than the rest of the horses, seeking to know the elusive woman behind the fa‡ade. But his interest threatens the careful barriers that protect a prostitute.

Ainsley is a cat whisperer, able to understand the big cats of the jungle. He wears the scars of Rose, a jaguar, on his back. Raised by his Native American grandfather, time slows for him on occasion, allowing him to embrace the movement of leaves or the meaning of sunlight on a pond. He cannot control the gift, but embraces it when it is offered. Once, in that twilight world where time stops, Ainsley rescues a child who falls into the cat pit, but the jaguar Bella Donna watches and promises to exact her toll.

Like the child that he rescues, Ainsley braves the world in which Changmi lives, attempting to extract her from it before it devours her. Like the cats he treasures, Changmi does not trust his intentions, viewing his intrusion with caution. She is nicknamed Rose, like the cat that marked Ainsley, and the scars she can leave are just as deadly. But their lives are tightly bound by destiny and promise.

Author Julian Winter weaves a mystical, mesmerizing text in T'ongil. T'ongil is a Korean world meaning to connect and unify. T'ongil brings together Native American and Korean cultures in a rich tapestry of heart-rending sacrifice and secrets. As the novel progresses, the delicate connections of its weave lead to a lyrical world of magic and love. As readers savor the carefully revealed bits and pieces that comprise complex characterization and sophisticated narrative choices, T'ongil becomes a tale of profound, mystical beauty. T'ongil comes very highly recommended.

Cindy Penn, Senior Reviewer
http://www.wordweaving.com

Bogstad's Bookshelf
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Creatures
David Brawn, et. al.
Houghton Mifflin
0618258116, $8.95

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Photo Guide
David Brawn
Houghton Mifflin
0618257365, $8.95

The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy
Brian Sibley
Jane Johnson and Chris Smith, eds.
Houghton Mifflin
HB 0618258000, $29.95, PB 0618260226, $17.95

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Visual Companion
Jude Fisher
Houghton Mifflin
0618258027, HB $18.95

The official reporters of the Lord of the Rings movie efforts have brought us four book titles, released in November this year by Houghton Mifflin, immediately before the release of The Two Towers, itself. The Sibley, Fisher and "Photo Guide" books are follow-ups very similar in form to books they released last year. The other, a photo guide to various beings of Middle Earth, is entitled 'Creatures', and follows the photo guide format but focuses on the creation of non-humans rather than on the story line. Last year, Sibley issued a short Insider's Guide, with black and white pictures only, for $6.95, but this hasn't appeared for The Two Towers. As I have now seen the film twice, and read the books many times, I speak with some authority on the relationship of these tie-ins to the movie. At the same time, I will try to avoid 'spoilers' for those of you who've done neither and are not familiar with the novels.

The four lavishly colored objects-d'art listed above were obviously created in pursuit of another kind of audience than the Insider's Guide. First of all, the smallest of them, the two photo guides, are each $8.95, which is still a hefty chunk of cash for 44 page books. All four new titles are replete with stills, primarily but not exclusively from the second movie, The Two Towers, which, if your local theatre is any indication, is still drawing full-house audiences for eight shows per day and more on weekends. As with the first set of books issued in 2001, some stills reappear in more than one title, for example, a full-face picture of Treebeard and of the "Easterlings" marching into Mordor. Likewise, of these four, the Visual Companion is the greatest feast for the eyes and features a fold-out map and battle plan of the penultimate battle of Helm's Deep which occurs near the end of the movie. The exterior of the map is a visual image of the moments before the battle starts, in falling rain with blue-tones predominating. The foldout provides just enough visual and written information so that one could follow the lines of force in the battle, something which is impossible in the film, but not enough detail to satisfy a devotee of the film OR the book.

The Visual Companion and the Photo Guide are arranged in the sequence of the film, which is somewhat difficult to follow for the uninitiated. This is because there are several stories, some of which intersect, that follow from the 'sundering' of The Fellowship of the Ring, which made up the climax of the last film. For those who don't plan to read the books or need some help sorting this all out, the Photo guide provides a simple narrative. It assists a viewer about 1) Frodo and Sam's journey and the appearance of Gollum, 2) Merry and Pippin's journey and their part in the battle with Saruman and 3) Strider/Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas' attempted rescue of Merry and Pippin, which plunges them into the battle to save Gondor and hold back the forces of evil in Helm's Deep. The sequenced photo-stills are accompanied by scanty text, with short quotations from the individuals pictured (although even less dialog from the 'bad' guys). One could read through the text in a matter of ten minutes. In this smaller and simpler visual guide, the more dramatic sequences include the pictures of King Theoden before and after he is freed from Sauron's control, and the few photos of Fangorn Forest.
The great battle of Helms Deep, where men, dwarves, and elves fight off orcs, Uruk Hai, Easterlings, trolls, etc. does not come off as well in small-format, despite the high quality of color reproduction, as it does in the Visual Companion. The latter focuses, however, on character and setting with section-titles such as Gollum, Eomer, Eowyn, Wargs, Ents, Uruk Hai, etc. It is a visual feast that places the many and sometimes confusing characters in the context of the story's many landscapes. This provides an aid to the reader in comprehending what Merry and Pippin are doing at Saruman's stronghold near the forest as well as what Faramir is doing with Gollum, Sam and Frodo while the battle for Helms Deep develops away from the Rohirrim for Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn and King Theoden's women, children and men. This Visual Companion should be savored for it's poster-like imagery, many full-page stills of characters and settings, more so that as a guide to the plot or the characters of the story. In fact, there are many pictures of the actor who does Gollum's voice and performed as a stand-in for the computer-animation generated creature you see in the film and none of the to which you are accustomed. Gollum. After seeing some of these pictures and watching a background show on the production where you saw this fellow in action, I was sorry he had not acted in the film. I think it's just possible that he could have been a very convincing Gollum.

The third visually-significant title is "The Two Towers: Creatures," and, contrary to my expectation the creatures include dwarves, elves, men and Hobbits as well as the monster-like entities that populate the film at every turn. This title is new in the sense that it focuses on and identifies the odd characters of different races rather than the plot of the film. The organizing principle is the introduction of each 'type' of creature, and this roughly follows their introduction in the filmic sequence, but the book is also much more about illustrations than it is about information, as with the Visual Companion and Photo Guide. In most cases, as with Hobbits and Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam, Dwarves and Gimli, Elves and Galadriel, Arwen and Legolas, Ents and Treebeard, trolls and the cave troll, Uruk Hai and Lurtz, the class of creature is introduced along with individuals from that group who figure specifically in the film. In all of these cases, group-scenes have been important to help us contextualize each character. Their character partakes of the group's identifying characteristics (for Hobbits, this occurred in the first film). This book is partially in the service of making that link between the general and the particular lest we elide the fact that 'everyone' on middle earth knows how a Dwarf or Elf will react and awaits only this particular dwarf's or Elf's realization of the characteristic personality (and mild animosity for each other)

The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy
Brian Sibley
Jane Johnson and Chris Smith, Eds.
Houghton Mifflin
192 pages. HB 0618258000, $29.95. PB 0618260226, $17.95

I have saved my favorite title for last, or course, and the fact that this title appears in both large format hardback and paperback versions is some indication of the publisher's confidence in its importance also. While I intend to keep all four titles as souvenirs, I must admit that I don't expect to read them with the attention that I have given to Sibley's new The Making of the Movie Trilogy. In fact, I was delighted to note that we get a brief description and picture of Sibley at the end of this book. The focus is the many behind-the-scenes people and techniques it took to bring the whole trilogy of movies into being and its twelve chapters reveal intriguing, if not detailed, information on Weta, the various physical settings, full-sized and miniature and with special attention, of course, to New Zealand, music, costume, props, hair and whiskers, faces, and the many complicated special effects. Understandably, this book has more text than any of the other three, I would say offhand about 60% text and 40% is more than 300 hundred photographs from all three films. This is still far less information than a movie enthusiast would want, but I can understand that Sibley wanted to maintain some balance between his audience of Tolkien and movie fanatics and a merely interested viewer. Perhaps he and the film producers are also relying on the many web sites (maybe I should be reviewing those), which take up the more technical details, either to present them or to worry at them like a Warg on a diet. http://www.lordoftherings.net/ is the official site for the movies.

In any case, this is a book you will want to read from cover to cover, whether before or after you've seen the second movie of the trilogy. I don't think I mentioned how much I liked the movie, by the way. Don't expect it to explain the plot or either or all of them, however. Expect to find out how Hobbit feet were made and put on, how much time it took for Lurtz to assume the makeup for his 'birth' scene and Orcs and Uruk Hai to get ready to appear on the screen. Expect also to see many pictures of the principal actors and of Peter Jackson in informal poses, cutting up and relaxing between filming sessions. One of my favorite pictures is on page 186, and shows the actual Customs Entry desks to New Zealand for the opening of the film. Above the desks, the signs say: Orcs, Trolls, Journalists and Hobbits, and it is a testament to New Zealand's enthusiasm for hosting the filming of many outdoor scenes that they allowed this minor bit of humor for the usually humorless function of immigration officers. Suffice it to say that, if I could buy only one of the four, it would be this one.

Dr. Janice M. Bogstad, Professor
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
International Editor
Midwest Book Review

Kaveny's Bookshelf
I am going to review a few art books for this month's Kaveny's Bookshelf as I sit looking out my window on a dark and cloudy winter day in Eau Claire Wisconsin. My friend Albert the fat and clever Grey Squirrel is just venturing out for the day. Albert is big enough so that he has no fear of the neighborhood Cat Cleo who is dust colored and lightly stripped. They do seem to give each other a pretty wide berth out of reasons of professional courtesy, and they seem to have worked out a deal by which Cleo gets the mice and Albert gets the nuts. You might say that we have a little Peacable Kingdom in the backyard of our soon to be 127 year old newly acquired (Oct 2001) home at 239 Broadway Street in Eau Claire WI. Of course I am referring the classic painting Peaceable Kingdom of the Branch, c. 1826-30 by Edward Hicks, 1755-1828 an American Quaker preacher from Pennsylvania. You can find out more about Hicks by going to this Website http://www.ols.net/users/rh/peace.htm.

First I want to mention to beautifull minature art books based on the work of J.R.R Tolkien.

Poems from The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien
Hougton Mifflin
ISBN: 0618009345; 48 pages; $5.95 Retail price.

This Tiny HC With D.J is so small I Can Hold in The Palm of my rather large hand. This miniature book illustrated with thirty of Tolkien's very own paintings and drawings, contains all the poems, and includes Gollum's eight wondrfull riddles, this would be a be a perfect Stocking Stuffer for lovers of The Hobbit and Tolkien's Middle-earth and kids under the age of eighty seven.

Father Christmas Letters Mini-Book
J.R.R. Tolkien
Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN: 0395959195; 96 pages; $5.95 Retail price

One of J.R.R Tolkien's ways back to the world of the living as a seriously disabled World War One Veteran was to write these wonder letters to his family as if he were Santa and writing from The North Pole, and to illustrate them himself. The perfect stocking stuffer! A holiday classic repackaged in a mini-book edition. This delightful gift book originates from the beautiful letters and drawings that J.R.R. Tolkien, the master of Middle-earth writing in the guise of Father Christmas, sent to his children over a twenty-year period from 1920- 1940. Perfect for reading aloud to children, yet collectible for adults. Illustrated in full color. J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892. He is the celebrated creator of Middle-earth and author of the great modern classic, The Hobbit, the prelude to his epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. Other works by J.R.R. Tolkien include The Silmarillion. J.R.R. Tolkien died in 1973 at the age of 81.

Tazio Secchiaroli: Greatest of the Paparazzi
Diego Mormorio, Alexandra Bonfante-Warren (Translator)
Harry N Abrams, Publisher
ISBN: 0810941775. Price $49.95

This beautifull book has a wonderful section on the greatest lady of Italian Film Sophia Loren who I have been in love with for 45 years since I first saw her in parade magazine falling out of her swimming suit. This book is full of Movie stars in sharp suits and.sunglasses, disgraced princesses on cherry-red Vespas--all the sights and scandals of the via Veneto at the height of Euro-cool were captured by the packs of shutterbugs who haunted the streets of Rome in the '50s and '60s. The most famous of these guerrilla photojournalists was Tazio Secchiaroli, and the popular magazines lovingly recorded his tussles with reluctant subjects.

The Renaissance: Masterpieces of Art and Architecture
Susan Wright
Todtri Publishers
Price 16.95 ISBN:1577170350

PERFECT condition . The masterpieces of art and architecture from the Renaissance period are presented in this volume. Oversize; includes 107 beautiful illustrations. This book is worth the price for the Self Portrait of Albrecht Duer page 65 would make this a wonderfull gift for your fifteen year old teen age daughter who thinks that the past is full of nothing but old farts and suits of armor.This face could sell a million albums execpt that now the are all on CD by the book get her interested. The quality of these reproductions is amazing.

Art Nouveau and the Erotic
Ghislaine Wood
Harry N Abrams, Publisher
ISBN: 0810942135, 96 pages, 18.95

The publishers words do not do justice to beautifull book which is from one of the finest art publishers in the world and it shows The swirling luscious forms of the Art Nouveau style are synonymous with the erotic, which defined the the kind of sensual apex of the start of the last century This p book, exploding with sensual images, discloses how artists and designers from Aubrey Beardsley to Gustav Klimt explored and exploited the idea of the erotic in their aesthetic endeavors. Ghislaine Wood employs a extensive range of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photographs, and more-many from the superb collections of London's Victoria & Albert Museum-to illustrate the hot , often shockingly explicit content of many works from a time of sexual license and decadent lavishness. Visually arresting this book is not only for lovers of Art Nouveau but also for the vast audience for books on erotic art. GHISLAINE WOOD is assistant curator of the major exhibition on Art Nouveau at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and a contributor to the book Art Nouveau, 1890-1914. She lives in London 80 illustrations, 60 in full color

Ancient Faces Egyptian Faces : Mummy Portraits in Roman Egypt
Susan Walker, editor
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, N.Y.
Routledge
ISBN: 0415927455, $35.00, 176 pages

I have seen similar portraits to these when I was in Oxford. I also have seen them in the Chicago Art institute. Though I have seen many faces I always go back to the same face and I can see now before. If one would only change her hair a bit she could be a fashion model in the New Yorker. One of the strangest things about the Roman past is that it is both distant and modern at the same time. I wonder if perhaps 2000 years in the future someone may look back at the American past and link it with the Romans as they study the greatness of failed empires. I have included a bit of the publishers information about this beautifull and haunting book." From the first major discoveries a century ago, the painted portraits of Roman Egypt were a revelation to scholars and the public alike, and the recent finding of a new cache of these gilded images, which made national headlines, have only heightened their mystery and appeal. Published to coincide with a new major exhibition of these portraits, Ancient Faces is the most comprehensive, up-to-date survey of these astonishing works of art. Dating from the later period of Roman rule in Egypt, shortly before the birth of Christ, the painted mummy portraits are among the most remarkable products of the ancient world, a fusion of the traditions of pharonic Egypt and the Classical world. They are historical and cultural objects of outstanding importance and beauty, superb works of art that represent some of the earliest known examples of life-like portraiture. Though the subjects of the portraits believed in the traditional Egyptian cults, which offered them a firm prospect of life after death, they also wished to be commemorated in the Roman manner, with their fashion of dress and adornment signaling their status in life. Despite their ancient history, these portraits speak to the modern eye with a beauty and intensity that would be lost to portraiture until the Renaissance. About the Author Susan Walker is Deputy Keeper of the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, the ritish Museum. Her publications include Greek and RomanPortraits and Roman Art" This book has my highest personal reccomendation.

Come Take This Lute: A Quest for Identities in Italian Renaissance Portraiture
E. H. Ramsden
A Nadder Book, First published in Great Britain 1983
ISBN: 0-90654-0364, Price 19.95

A Quest for Identities in Italian Renaissance Portraiture, an art book with a difference, combining the authority of a work of a scholarship with all the fascination of a detective story, but based not on fiction but on fact. Color frontispiece, with numerous black and white works of art. 219pp. Publisher's gilt clothe. D.J. With a frontispiece and 84 illustrations. If you have read this far is in fact a fascinating book in which the author tries to find out the identity of both the sitter and the painter in the case of five portraits and makes all come alive magically.

Philip Kaveny, Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review

Shirley's Bookshelf
Rainy Day
David Reale 26 pages
Adventure Book
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-074, $2.99 Download

It's raining and Johnathon does not know what to do. He tries playing video games but that is boring. He turns on the TV but nothing interests him there. I know, he thought, I'll run up and down the stairs. That was fun for a while until Mom reminded him of the rules. No running in the house. Oh my! What is Johnathon to do?

This delightful tale allows you to trot along with a young boy on a very boring rainy day. Your child will relate to the boredom that little Johnathon is experiencing and they will be surprised at how he ends his dilemma. I know I was!

This is an adorable read, with a lesson tucked away for your child and for the adults too. Illustrations are so realistic that you actually can see the boredom on Johnathon's face. Good job!

I recommend this read for both children and adults. His boredom was solved in a way that was very beneficial for Johnathon and his Mom. Grab up this book and share it with your child. A good read, especially on those 'rainy' days.

Volarte
Lisa Cortney
Adventure Books
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-140-1, $4.99 Download, 53 pages

What is it like to fly through the air, to spread your wings and glide across the bounty of the sky? In this tender book you will share in the joy of flying that Volarte experiences. Voltarte, a Shagya Arabian horse is born on a beautiful Island called "The End of the Rainbow." From his birth he is special, as he is the only black horse in the herd. He is the son of the leaders of this flying herd of horses and he is destined to take his place as head of the herd, but not before he faces great adversities.

A gentle story that threads colorful words about life and the frailty of it. Volarte loses his Mother in a terrible flying accident and is separated from the rest of the herd. During this time he finds his love Melissa, and meets Millie, her Mom. Volarte is amazed, as Melissa is also black like him. Millie has a disability, she is blind, but that has not stopped her from doing wonderful things in her life. Volarte is encourages by Millies achievements and draws from them in his own situations.

Finally finding his way back to his herd with his young love Melissa and her Mom, Millie; Volarte finds them dying of a mysterious illness Overjoyed to see his father is still alive, Volarte takes the burden of solving the mystery of this mysterious illness that is killing the heard upon his shoulders. This is a challenge for him since he can no longer fly due to his injuries sustained by the flying accident. Can he overcome his disabilities as Millie has?

This is a story that teaches with care, the cycle of life and death, love, hope and courage. The words are weaved in a way that are accepted by the mind and the heart of the reader. Although some tears maybe shed, the final outcome is one of continued life, overcoming obstacles, and renewed hope. A good story with many valuable lessons. Share this with your children, you will not be sorry.

The Twisted Mile
Jeffrey W. Waller
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzllesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1-55313-168-1 Download $4.99 463 pages

You know you have a good fiction book in your hand when what you are reading could very well be reality. Your mind twists and turns as you remind yourself this is not true, yet somewhere inside of you, you believe it is. Author Jeffrey Waller has done just that with his outstanding novel, "The Twisted Mile."

Bill Murphy has invented many people's worse nightmare, a perpetual motion wheel. His invention could free the people of the world, but also make those of power and influence come tumbling down. Bill knows this and decides to take his wife Sara and go into hiding while the patent is issued for his invention. He had done some research and realized that another inventor of the wheel , Johann Bessler, years before had disappeared after making his findings known. What truly had happened to him remained a mystery. Bill knew there was danger in his pursuit of giving the world this liberty, but I don't believe even he realized the price that was about to be paid.

The novel is fast moving, detailed and heart racing. As you watch the greed and murderous hatred emerge in the hearts of those that the wheel would destroy, you realized that to some ,life has no meaning, the bottom line is money. Bill loses everything, as killers pursue him and his family, destroying the life he had known ,forever. Was the price too high to pay, I for one think so, but you as the reader will have to make that decision on your own.

I could only hope that this would never happen in real life, but inside I shudder knowing it probably could. This is one novel you do not want to miss reading. But, be forewarned you will experience an array of emotions, as you weep and cheer with Bill Murphy, and you wonder has something like this already happened? We may never know.

Excellent job Mr. Waller! You drew me completely into the story and made your characters a part of my life. Thank you for a wonderful read!

Circus Sammy
Kim Nasr
Adventure Books
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
ISBN # 1-55313-150-9 22 pages eBook $3.49 download Trade print $29.49 ISBN#1-55313-151-7

In this delightful tale Sammy decides to visit the cirucs. Ready for an enjoyable day, Sammy is wide eyed as he sees all the wonderful circus sights. However, he was not ready for the adventure he was about to take.

To his surprise the circus clowns decide to include Sammy in their act. Dressing him up and changing his name to Fred; Sammy gets shot out of a cannon, ends up in the lions cage and becomes the star of the show.

An adorable read, Mr. Nasr uses rhyme and humor to bring this lively children's story to life. Colorful illustrations will make your little one giggle and draw them into the story. I have that on good authority, as my 3 year old granddaughter and I shared this tale.

I will quote her words, "Read it again Grammie!" What else can this reviewer say?

Lost In Spillville -- A Byte Me Teen Fiction
Sam Drexler & Fay Shelby
Awestruck Ebooks
ISBN # 1-58749-371-3, $4.75 Download Diskette $8.95, http://www.awe-struck.net

Did you know that there is a museum in Spillville, Iowa that houses clocks made by two brothers, named Frank and Joseph Bily? Very interesting to have reality added to this book, and a great background for this delightful teen read, "Lost In Spillville."

Ozy and Erika are your typical teens, struggling to find their place in the soon to be adult world that they are rapidly moving towards. Each has their own grievances against their parents and it is this that brings the two together as friends.

One day they decide to run away, but they don't get very far as they developed car trouble close to the town of Spillville. Making their way there, they decide to bide sometime while the car is being towed and hopefully fixed. They decide to visit the museum filled with clocks. Tired from their walk into town they both fall asleep and are locked in the building after closing hours. Unable to get out, they decide to investigate the clocks and come up with an idea to set them all to go off at the same time. Little did they know that they would be activating a time travel machine and would be transported into another time. What an adventure awaited them!

The story goes on to the many woes that the two encounter trying to get back to their own time. This really was quite enjoyable as the two 16 year olds worked around their problems and their fears.

Erika and Ozy realized how much they had taken for granted in their lives and longed for their own time and the people that loved them. I liked the way the authors brought out what was really important, family and friends; and showed how the little things that the two thought were so important, really were not. They did this in a very gentle way, not preachy, but they definitely got the point across.Good job!

I enjoyed this book and would recommend this for teens and adults as well. It has a tad of history, a chuckle of humor, and a moral lesson, all wrapped up in a nice package. You will enjoy this read!

Wooing Jenny and Shipwrecked-A Doubletake
Elaine Hopper
Awestuck Ebooks
ISBN# 1-58749-334-9 $4.95 Download $8.95 Diskette, http://www.awe-struck.net

I was very impressed upon receiving this review package. Two ebooks for the price of one, quite a good deal for the bargain hunter in all of us.

The first of the books was Shipwrecked, a story of a very wealthy young man William Scott Vanderhorne IV and an average young woman, Katie McLaughlin, who is a Karate teacher.

During a storm, while aboard a ship, the two were thrown into the troubled seas and ended up on an island in the middle of no where.Katie was recovering from a broken heart by Sam, another wealthy man. Sam deserted her when his family threatened to disinherited him if they were to marry. The wounds were still fresh within her and Katie was not about to trust Scott, even if he was the only man she may ever see again.

Scott was engaged to a young woman named Julia, but something inside of him was drawn to this spicy young woman that he was now marooned with.

Soon a relationship developed between them and love was rooted in their hearts for one another. Never knowing if they were going to be rescued they went before God and said their marriage vows to each other. Bliss was short lived however, as pirates came upon them and demanded their money and jewels. Upon finding out that they were shipwrecked and had no worldly possessions, they decided to keep them hostage and hope for ransomed.

Katie had made a friend on the Island, a cute little monkey she called Friday. Katie noticed that there was a certain fruit Friday would not eat and she wondered if that fruit was poisonous. Katie had prepared a delicious meal of fish and fresh fruit for her honeymoon dinner that night and now the pirates demanded she serve it to them. In Katies wisdom, she carefully included some of the fruit that Friday would not eat. She was right, the fruit indeed was deadly as two of the pirates were no more after eating it. This left only two for Katie to fight. Katie with her knowledge of karate could handle herself quite well; she would have to since Scott was bound in ropes and would be of no assistance to her. Katie was able to overpower the two men and freed her husband and they made their way to the pirates ship. Once aboard they called for help, which soon arrived, but Katie's problems were only just beginning.

Scott's family did not accept his love or his marriage to Katie; and Julia announced that she was carrying Scott's child. Scott was besides himself, he did not want to desert his unborn child, but his heart belonged to Katie. Scott did not know that Katie also was carrying his child. Katie slips out of Scott's life and hides herself as he desperately tried to find her after finding out that Julia was never really pregnant with his child.

Where could she be? Even his detectives could not locate her. Will they ever be reunited? I will not tell,but if you love happy endings, you will love this one. Shipwrecked, a story of love lost and found! A tender read.

Wooing Jenny

Sam Stone loved Katie, or at least that is what he thought. Why were his parents insisting that he marry his old friend Jenny, and why was she going along with their plot to ruin his happiness?

Jenny had always loved Sam, but she didn't know of their parents plans to blackmail Sam into marrying her. She wanted a man who wanted to marry her because he loved her,not because he was being forced to or lose his inheritance.

Sam was furious at his parents, but didn't want to see the family business go into the hands of his brother, who would ruin all they had worked for. Yes, he would marry Jenny for 3 years and if it didn't work out he wanted out of the marriage and still have his inheritance. Jenny wanted no part of this arrangement.

As Sam tried to convince Jenny to go along with his plan, he begins to have feelings for her he never realized. Finally, after a period of 'wooing' her, he asks her to go away with him alone to see how they felt about each other. After much persuasion Jenny finally consents and they travel to the Fijian Islands. It is here that they truly discover their love for one another and realize they were to be together forever.

However their happiness is interrupted as pirates board their ship and kill the Captain keeping Sam hostage. Jenny hides and they do not know she is aboard. She comes up with a plan to free Sam and executes it. Thus begins the battle for their lives against pirates, sharks and the sea.

A good love story filled with adventure and romance,and a very happy ending!

Lonely Heart
Karin Story
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251 Bellevue, WA 98015
ISBN # 1-59279-008-9, Download $5.50, 143 pages

What are the feelings of a young girl becoming a woman? Struggling to have her own identity and still maintain unity with her family. That is what young Alyx Mossman is trying to achieve in this excellent novel for young adults "Lonely Heart".

Moving from NY to Colorado with her family, Alyx encounters the trauma of being the new girl in High School. Not only is she new, but she is different from the others, in dress, action and attitude.

Alyx catches the eye of the popular Tom Eberson and is befriended by his sister Carrie. Alyx at first is not pleased with this unwanted attention, as she is struggling with her relationships at home and the guilt of the death of a friend she left behind.

To make matters worse, Randi, another student at school, has her eyes on Tom and does not like the interference of Alyx. This novel is not your run of the mill story, as there are secrets from the past and trials that all the characters in this novel are experiencing.

Karin Story speaks in a way that young people will relate to. She brings her characters to life and keeps the reader interested in the story as it twists and turns into mystery, suspense and danger for Alyx and her new friends.

The author also brings the innocence of young love into the storyline in a tender, gentle way. This was quite an enjoyable read and I recommend it for adults and young readers alike.

Tracks
Libby McKinmer
Amber Quill Press
PO Box 50251 Bellevue WA 98015
http://www.amberquill.com
ISBN# 1-59279-009-7, Download $5.50, 108 pages

I loved this book! I have to say right off the bat that I was drawn immediately into the suspense of this great novel by Libby McKinmer.

A serial rapist is at large in Yorktown and Detective Emily Evans is put in charge of the force task to find and capture him. there is one problem however, this is quite personal for Emily since her own sister Rowena was raped and killed by such a person as this. Emily was determined not to let this one get away.

Finding the one link between the victims, Emily sees that each woman had placed a personal ad in the local paper, "The Daily Gazette." Emily immediately sets out to talk to the managing editor Mac Landon, but she was not prepared for what she was about to experience.

Love at first sight? This was the case at the meeting between Emily and Mac and soon they joined forces not only in a relationship but in capturing the rapist.

I like the way that the author brought in Dr. Barbara Tutten, a psychologist, to help the detectives understand the mind of the man they were trying to apprehend. I found it quite interesting and think it added to the story-line.

Emily places an ad in the personals and sets herself up as bait against the strong wishes of Mac, not to do so. Unfortunately Emily finds herself at the mercy of the serial rapist.

Who is he and who rescues Emily?

You will have to read this great story to find out.

Attention grabber from the first to the last, Tracks, a novel well worth your time. Sit back and enjoy this suspenseful read. You will not be sorry.

Legend of Otherland
Chuck Kelly
Synergebooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN#0-7443-0204-8, Download $5.00, 103 pages

Do you like stories of Kings and Queens, a young Prince and an evil aunt? If you do this is the story for you. Set in the Kingdom of Otherland, this is a delightful tale that is sure to entertain both old and young alike.

Thirteen year old Bunker Charles is the young Prince of Otherland who feels life is passing him by.He is tired of being kept a prisoner for his own protection. He is however, about to take an adventure that he won't soon forget.

The story beings when Evil Pencinell, his aunt, invades their Kingdom and young Prince Bunker is told the story of his mother's twin sister who turned to evil and resides on the other side of their Kingdom.

Evil Pencinell has come to steal a person and turn them into evil just like her. Prince Bunker and his father watched from the Castle as the Evil Pencinell set her sights on a young girl and quickly whisked her away. Prince Bunker saw his opportunity for adventure and against his father's wishes takes off to rescue the young maiden.

The story then takes you to the dark evil side of their Kingdom where Pencinell lives. The young Prince and the young girl Gittel battle to escape the clutches of the Evil Pencinell. They battle sea monsters and evil little creatures. Delightful!

This is a wonderful read for children and adults alike. Adventurous with just a tad of the 'scary' added in for flavor. A really fun read that I would highly recommend for everyone. I really enjoyed this story and know you will too.

The Witchery Way
Robert L. Ferrier
Synergebooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0151-3, Download $5.00, 171 pages

I loved this story. Set in Oklahoma it opens up with mystery and intrigue. Just my cup of tea. Indian burial grounds, spirits of the night, rattle snakes slithering in pits. The author uses all the elements of suspense to draw you into the story-line from the get go. Excellent!

The main character are Jade Wade and his father Ed. Buying the Choctaw Railroad had been a lifetime dream for Ed, but making a go of it seemed to bring nothing but heartache. If this failed, his future was doomed. This is the background of the story as one mishap happens after another.

Have you ever been in a town that is 'owned' by someone? That is what Ed and Josh are facing, but they also have friends that are willing to help get to the bottom of who is sabotaging their railroad. Somebody didn't want that train traveling through the foothills. What were they afraid would be uncovered and why?

The author takes you on an adventurous ride as you meet Indians, experience some mystic spells of the spirit world and wonder just who is friend and who is foe in this winding tale that is flavored with a flare of Indian charm. Weaving days gone by with modern times, a very nice touch!

A very enjoyable read, one you will not want to miss and one with a happy ending!

Kittens In The Wild
Derek Kittle
SynergEbooks
http://www.synergebooks.com
ISBN# 1-931540-31-4 Download $5.00 CD Rom $8.99, 25 pages

As I began to read "Kittens In The Wild", I didn't realize how much educational information I would receive. The story opens with a Mama Cat and her kittens living under someone's house, for warmth and safety.

The author tells the reader about new born kittens, how they are born with their eyes closed and gives tid bits of information to help them learn about cats and their young. He goes on to explain how the Mama cat hunts food and how she protects herself and her offspring from nosey dogs that come to take a peek.

The story is told in a way that children can understand. Also included are 'facts' about new born kittens and addresses that may be helpful to those who need to find a home for some unwanted kitten.

Derek Kittle explains in a way that children will understand, why it is important for an animal to have an operation so they do not have any more offspring and he explains how too many cats make the food source scarce and they starve to death.

The information is told in an easy to understand manner, but the importance of the message is loud and clear. The photos are excellent and help to bring clarity to the story.

A very educational and fun read for your child.
Little Miss One Way
Megan Bossler
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com SynergEditor@aol.com
ISBN# 1-931540-04-7 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 27 pages

As I read this book of poetry I could feel the authors heart in every word. In the beginning of the book, she writes that her poetry is not stereotypical and I have to agree with her. The words she writes are from her spirit to the readers.

In reading of the different poems, I could sense that she was writing from experiences in her own life and was in a way baring her emotions to the reader.

Perhaps wondering if they too, had experienced these same emotions in their life. Perhaps reaching out to share, in some small way, a truth they both endured.

Sharing one's heart in verse is a gift that this reviewer does not look upon lightly. I enjoyed her words of love, pain, and life and I believe you will too. The talent of a young mind is evident in this work of poetry.

Roger The Trainee Reindeer
H.J. Tomlinson
Synergebooks
1235 Flat Shoals Road King, NC
http://www.synergebooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0163-7 $4.00 $8.99 CD Rom

I truly enjoyed this tender book about Roger the reindeer. Roger had always wanted to be on the Reindeer Team with all the other reindeer that took Santa on his yearly ride. Finally when Blitzen had to retire because of flat hooves (isn't that the cutest) Roger had his chance.

Roger made his way to the Chief Elf for his audition. He had to be tested by standing on the roof of a snowy house and he had to be tested on his flying skills. How well would Roger do?

Roger had one problem, he always had to use the potty. Poor Roger, he just could not seem to hold it, and he left a puddle under him just about everyplace he went.

What would Roger do, he just had to make the team. Finally there was one more test left, would Roger be able to overcome his problem? Would he make the Reindeer Team? Ah! You must read this great little story to find out.

I highly recommend this read. I smiled all the way through it and shared it with my grandchildren. It will keep their attention, I promise, and will also help little ones who may not always be able to hold it!

You don't want to miss out on this read. Share it with the little ones you love, you won't be sorry!

Prima Donna Duck
Judy Parker, author & Mathew Excell, illustrator
SynergEbooks
SynergEbooks@aol.com http://www.SynergEbooks.com
1235 Flat Shoal Rd. King, NC
ISBN# 0-7443-0262-5, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 17 pages

Let me say right off that the illustrations in this little children's book are delightful. I loved the expressions on Donna the Ducks face. I began to chuckle from page one.

Donna thought she was way above all the other ducks or the animals for that matter. She didn't want to get her feathers wet, or make honking and quacking sounds. She didn't want to do anything that a little duck should do!

"Why", said Donna, " I should live in the big house on the hill!" Oh my! Big mistake Donna!

Donna is not greeted quite as she expected as she prances up to the owner of the big house on the hill. Would Donna be on the dinner table that night? You'll have to read this tale to find out.

A great little story, teaching children to appreciate who they are and not try to be someone they are not. I think we all, children included, know some people who would benefit from the lesson in this story. Your children will get a good chuckle out of the antics of Donna the Duck and tucked within is a lesson they can use for life.

A very good read!

Salome & Sheba's First Christmas
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com Synergebooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-71143-0234-X, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages

Salome and Sheba are sisters and they are pet rats of a little girl named Phoebe.

Phoebe was very excited as she fed and talked with her little pets one day. She told them that tomorrow was Christmas and Father Christmas would be visiting to bring all good children toys.Salome and Sheba had never heard of Christmas before, but they knew it was something very special indeed.

Salome and Sheba watched as Phoebe and her friend Jade decorated the Christmas tree and put their favorite thing on it, chocolate. "Yum!" The little rats said, "Chocolate is our favorite!" They were hoping they might get some too.

The sisters watch Phoebe place some mince meat pies on a table and a glass of milk before she went to bed. They thought perhaps this treat was for them, not realizing it was for Father Christmas himself. They were soon to find out.

"Salome & Sheba's First Christmas" is a happy tale showing the joy of receiving something very special on a very special day, from a very special person! Your little ones will enjoy reading this story as visions of Christmas excitement fills the air. An adorable story to share with the entire family.

Salome & Sheba Clean Up
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoal Road King, NC
http://www.SynergEbooks.com, SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0234-X $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages

Salome and Sheba make a new friend in this adventure as Phoebe's cousins, Thomas and Theo come to visit. They too have a pet rat named Ratasha.

Ratasha is a little different than Salome and Sheba, she has a different smell and the girls wonder why. It seems Ratasha has been bathed for her entry in a show the next day, she was hoping to win first prize. It was very important to her owners, Thomas and Theo, and she wanted them to be happy.

The little rats became fast friends and decided to take Ratasha on an adventure out of her cage. She had never been out in the "world" and she was excited. Unfortunately Ratasha ended up in the garbage and she no longer smelled as a show rat should. What were they going to do? It was almost morning?

This is a great little story and one your children will giggle at, as the little rats figure out how to make Ratasha show ready again. A really fun read!

Highly recommended!

Salome & Sheba Bag A Burglar
Heather J. Tomlinson, author
Ed Woodward lll, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.synergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
1235 Flat Shoals Rd. King, NC
ISBN#0-7443-0412-1 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 13 pages

Salome and Sheba, Phoebe's pet rats, were looking forward to a good nights sleep. It had been a very hot summer day and Phoebe had left the window open so the cool air that was coming through felt very good to the girls.

Just getting good and comfortable for the night, the girls all of a sudden heard strange voices in the room. Who could this be? They didn't recognize the voices. They would soon find out.

Burglars had made their way through the open window and they were about to steal some of Phoebe's property. "Oh no" Yelled Sheba, "They can't have Phoebe's silver picture frame with the only picture she has of her father. I have to stop them."

The adventure begins as the two little rats make their stand against the notorious burglars. Who will win? How can two little rats fight off two big men?

This is a learning read, one that will show your child that bad deeds will be punished. A good lesson written in a way that children will understand.

Twelve Tiny Tales
Theresa Jodray
Photographs by: Theresa Jodray and Amanda Aneas
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Road King, NC
http://www.synergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 1-931540-84-5, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 28 pages

This was a lovely book, twelve beautifully woven poetic tales accompanied by magnificent photos that help to bring the words to life.

Starting with January and the story of snow, your adventure begins. As you read the words and look at the picture, you feel as if you must pull your coat closer to you to keep out the North wind. Brrr! Excellent visual effects!

My favorite, however, was July and the Tabby cat Boris, who by the way is really a girl. But Boris has a special place on this earth and a special mission that will touch your heart. Perhaps you will need a tissue when you read this tale. I know I did!

All in all, a gentle, tender, colorful read. One you will enjoy sharing with your entire family. Not the norm, but with this work that is a good thing!

The Nurse In The Purse
Geri Ahearn, author
Raine Szramiski, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Rd., King NC 27021
http://www.SynergEbooks.com SynergEbooks@aol.com
ISBN# 0-7443-373 Hard cover/Paperback- 36 pages
ISBN# 1-931540-20-9 Download -34 pages Download $5.00 Paperback $7.99

It's Molly's birthday and she was excited. Mom made her and all the family some delicious pancakes and told Molly it was her very special day.

All children will immediately relate to the excitement of that one day of the year when they are 'truly' special and will want to see what surprises await Molly.

Molly wants to go to the toy store and Mom tells her she may chose any toy she wants. Molly wants a purse, a pretty pink purse and this one has a surprised tucked away inside. A surprise just for Molly.

As Molly settles in for the night to her amazement a little nurse pops out of her brand new purse. Who would have ever quessed? At first Molly was a little afraid, but her fears are soon brought to rest as Maria tells her that she is her new magical friend that will always be there to help her.

Molly is delighted as Maria shows her how she can dance and sing and do all kinds of fun things. A bond is immediately made between the two and Molly is excited over the future with her new friend.

"The Nurse in the Purse" is a joyful tale of a little girl who finds a special friend on her birthday. It is a story that will let the children's imagination rise as they too will think how nice it would be to have their own special magical nurse. Don't be surprised if you see them peeking in purses next time you go to the store. They will want to share in all the adventures that Molly and Maria will have and will look forward to more reading.

A cute story with endless possibilities!

Tales Of Miss Tirrie And Imagination
H.J. Tomlinson, author
Joanne 'Bella' Hodges, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Flat Shoals Rd King, NC
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
ISBN# 0-7443-0239-0, $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, pages 25

Miss Evander Ellen Poll Tirrie was different. She was different in the clothes she wore, in the color of her hair, and even in the shoes she wore. She also had a pet rat named Imagination, or Madge for short.

Miss Tirrie loved her pet rat and could not understand why other's seemed to not want him around. After all, he was well behaved and really no problem at all.

One day Miss Tirrie got a mysterious invitation from Professor Bunsen for tea. Not just for herself, but also for Imagination. Miss Tirrie was very happy, but Madge was not so sure about the whole thing. After all, they didn't get invited to many places, why would someone invite them now?

Imagination and Miss Tirrie set off for their tea date. After arriving and settling in, the professor has Madge taken into the kitchen where a special treat has been prepared for him. Or so that is what Miss Tirrie is told. That is where the trouble begins.

The Professor does not plan on giving Madge back to Miss Tirrie, but wants to use him as a breeder for experiments. He is not a very nice man! The story goes on from there with Madge making some new friends in the laboratory of the professor, helping them escape and finding his way back to Miss Tirrie's house.

You will enjoy this little tale that shows children that it is ok to be different, it's not ok to be cruel, and it's natural to fall in love.

I truly enjoyed this read and recommend it for you and your children! Perhaps it's because I too, am a little different!

A Tree For Chris
Karen Phillips, author
Adriana Uribe, illustrator
SynergEbooks
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
ISBN# 1-931540-82-9 $5.00 Download $8.99 CD-Rom, 27 Pages

What is in the mind of little three year old Chris as he wonders around the Christmas tree lot looking for the tree that is "just for me?" Mom isn't sure, but has the blessed insight to allow her little one to make the decision on his own. I wonder how many Moms are as wise as she?

Little Chris chooses one that is just his size for a reason that will warm your heart this Holiday Season.Why was it so important for Chris to have a tree just his size? The answer may bring tears to your eyes.

A delicate and tender story, one that all Moms should share with their little ones; and one whose meaning should be taken to heart in their own lives ,during this special time of year. Colorful, vibrant illustrations sparkle out at you, bringing Chris and his special tree to life.

I recommend you read this delightful story and share it with every member of your family. Perhaps you will understand what Chris already knows, the true meaning of Christmas! It was a great reminder to me! Thank you Chris!

Interview with Jeffrey W. Waller, author of "The Twisted Mile" from Adventure Books

I choose to interview Mr. Waller because his book intriqued me. I believe, I'm sorry to say, what he writes about in his book could be a reality in someone's life. Scary thought! Mr. Waller's book "The Twisted Mile" is outstanding and I encourage you to read it. Believe me, you will not be sorry. With that said lets begin:

Q: As I have just written, I thought your book was outstanding. Please tell us what inspired you to write "The Twisted Mile?"

A: It was rather like it happened for Bill Murphy in the story. Years ago I was watching a documentary on a PBS station while I was living by myself in Isla Vista, CA. The documentary was generally about some of history's more mysterious characters and Mr. Bessler, a German mathematician and inventor of the early 1700's, was one of those featured. What excited me about the story was not so much the possibility of perpetual motion as a reality as it was the circumstances of Mr. Bessler's story. As I wrote though, I did become more intrigued with perpetual motion as mankind's great hope for the future. Consider that...an inexhaustible, pure, perfectly dependably, and free energy source. Wow! I hope that doesn't classify me as a romantic. I don't think I could stomach that. I'd like to think that it's a little more like gold-fever with me. Getting back to Bessler: Strangely enough such figures as a German nobleman, numerous local officials, the Czar of Russia, and none other than Sir Isaac Newton played a pivotal role in some of the decisions Bessler made. What intrigued me was why someone who had supposedly fraudulently claimed such a discovery would react the way Bessler did. Would a fraud go into a rage and destroy the secret to protect it and then drop off the face of the earth when a business agreement could not be reached with the Czar? Wouldn't someone like that simply sneak out of town in the middle of the night and show up somewhere else? So, surely then Bessler was for real, right? That question nagged at me and soon I was drawn toward doing something about it. If someone would have asked me two months prior to that TV show if I would like to become a writer I would have said, "Huh?" One day I mentioned it to my wife (an artist and teacher) and she simply said, "Go for it!"

Q: Your characters became so real to me, I still think about them. Tell us, were they fashioned after people you know?

A: Not only the people but the places as well. It was far easier for me to write from memory about events taking place in and about real towns, real houses, and real people. I even had to change the names of several characters in the story after I realized that I had let in a little too much reality!

Q: You did a wonderful job making your characters real to life. With a novel like this, I would imagine you had to do some research, how did you go about this?

A: This was not an easy subject to work with. Where does one look for stuff about what happens to someone who discovers perpetual motion? Where does one look for info about perpetual motion itself? Yes, I did extensive research, reading several books on the subject (both pro and con), surfing the web, studying the mechanical engineering aspects of what form a device might take... Plus, it always pays to write about something you know about.

Q: Is "The Twisted Mile" your first published work, if not please tell us what is.

A: It is my first novel. I did however write numerous articles that were posted on an internet-based writers forum site. I think I made about twenty bucks for about fifty articles; not very profitable. It was fun though. One of the categories was politics and I really had fun just quoting and doing commentary on our politicians! May I say here that I hope it is one of many more published works. I look forward to reading another novel with your name on it.

Q: With such an exceptional novel to show, how long did it take you to find a publisher?

A: FIVE LONG YEARS! Some of the subject matter in the book was a little bit dated and I had to change a few things to make the story more current. I'm sorry to hear that. Publishers need to realize there are some wonderful stories out there by first time authors that need to be read and enjoyed by the reading world

Q: Please tell us how long you have been writing and how many hours a day you spend writing.

A: This whole thing started with that PBS television show back in 1979, but I didn't start writing in earnest until I just couldn't hold it in anymore, about 1990. I haven't been able to quit my "day job" just yet. When I wrote The Twisted Mile, I had been forced to take employment out of town. During the week if I wasn't at work, I was writing; sometimes six or eight hours at a stretch. I wrote well over half of the book during a three month period. Lately I write whenever I can find the time. Usually late at night, wrapped in my comforter, I scratch out a half dozen pages long hand.

Q: Would you please tell us how long it took you to complete "The Twisted Mile"? I see where you say you wrote half of it in a three month period. Pretty impressive considering how outstanding your novel is.

A: It's not easy going to school full-time while you're working full-time and trying to write a book. I attended NEMCC from 92-95 for an associate in computer programming. Progress on my book during that period was sparse. When you can sit down for eight hours at a time and the words just pour out of you, and because of that you can do twenty pages or more per night, that's when writing is fun, when it actually gets done. Then came the hard part; the edits. It was full five-year effort, though it wouldn't have been more than one if I'd have been able to concentrate more on it. Besides, I didn't say I finished it in three months.

Q: Do you have any interest in writing in other genres and if so what would they be?

A: I can feel a few humorous ideas kicking around in my head. Beyond that, whatever pops into my feeble little mind.

Q: Do you have other works now in progress and in what genre are they. Also, when do you think they will be released to the public?

A: I'm working on another adventure story set in modern-day Peru. It's still in rough draft (hand written) and isn't finished yet. Again, I only get to put in an hour or so at a time.

Q: You say your wife was instrumental in encouraging you to write "The Twisted Mile." Tell me, do you feel having the backing of family and friends as a writer is important?

A: Certainly! It's hard to do anything if you don't have someone who believes in you. My wife and family have been a blessing in every way!

Q: Where do you see yourself in your writing career in 5 years?

A: Peru! No, just kidding. Who knows? With any luck, I'll be haggling with Speilberg over the rights to my third or fourth best-seller. If you did go to Peru.....I bet you would come away with a great storyline for a book!

Q: How much promoting of your book have you done and are required to do? Do you have a publicist and do you have any tips you would like to share with our readers in this area?

A: I'm not required to do any. Beyond pestering my family and friends, there hasn't been much from me. Did I mention that I work in a college library? That helps... Publicist? What's that?

Q: Since you fashioned the characters after people you know, are they aware of this fact. If so, how do they feel about it?

A: Most of the ones I was thinking of probably don't know. I avoided using any immediate family members (mostly). I would hope that they would be pleased.

Q: In writing this novel, did you ever have a little fear that the 'government' might take a closer look at you? We know it's fiction, but I think we all know that something like this could happen, unfortunately!

A: Don't say that! You want to give me nightmares? Sure I've thought about that. Writing about it and not thinking about it would be like having someone tell you not to think about elephants! That's the first thing that pops into your mind. But, really! What would they say? Let us look under your bed? Nothing but dust bunnies down there. Besides, that's not where I hid the prototype. Anyway, it would probably sell some books...wouldn't it? Hmm... Could you call the FBI for me? I joke about it, but would I be surprised? No. Not after the Waco, TX fiasco. About a year ago I found myself in a chat room on the Michael Reagan website. I just threw it out there to see what sort of reaction I might get, you know, that I'd recently discovered perpetual motion. Two or three told me that if it was true, I was a dead man. How would one just come out and say something like that? "Yippee! Free energy! By the way, you're all out-of-work..." A lot of people would not be very happy to hear that. That, I suppose is another reason I felt compelled to write it.

Q: I ask this to all the authors I review. If you could speak to publishers on behalf of new authors what would you like to tell them?

A: HELP! Hee hee! Like your answer! :0)

Q: Do you think you will write another book continuing the story of "The Twisted Mile?"

A: I'm not planning on it. At least nothing has come to mind. It's hard to see another story coming out of it.

Q: What would the world be like with a perpetual motion wheel?

A: A perpetual motion device available to the public would change everything. A perpetual motion device available to the select few would change nothing.

Q: If we may ask, how are your sales?

A: Slower than I would have hoped, but better than I feared. Readers! You need to buy this book. Believe me, it is a great read!

Q: In general, do you find being a published author as thrilling as you thought it would be?

A: Absolutely! But I still don't "know how to act" as we say in the South. Ah! I know that saying well!

Q: Do people treat you differently?

A: I don't think so...at least I hope not.

Q: What advice would you give to authors looking for a publisher?
A: Like I quoted in the foreword to TTM, "Absolutely, positively, never, ever give up!"

Would you please use this space for any final words you would like to leave with our readers. About yourself, your book or publishing in general. Writers: Write the book you can't find on the bookshelves. Write about the things you know (people can tell), and don't even try to write unless you feel like you will explode if you don't. Step one: Put one foot in front of the other. Step Two: Repeat Step One. Put your favorite heavy metal music on as loud as you can stand it, go to that other world where your story is, close your eyes, and create! The title comes from a Daniel Lanois song called THE MAKER. That song to me is a song of defiance, and that is what The Twisted Mile is; defiance. It takes the reader kicking and screaming to a place where no one wants to go. It's a place where you're surrounded but all alone; fearless yet helpless; victorious yet utterly defeated. This is a story that was made necessary by thousands of years of man's yearning for a better life and the utopia we once had when mankind drew it first breaths. It asks questions like, "If someone did find the secret, would we be ready for it?" The answer to that lies within the reader's own heart. I would challenge readers to ask themselves, "Am I ready to run The Twisted Mile?" Thank you so much Mr. Waller for a wonderful interview and for a wonderful novel. I am looking forward to reading more books by you, so hurry and get another one out there. You are a very talented author and I am sure we will be hearing your name mentioned among the great in the future! God's speed and blessings!

Interview with Shar Durksen, Publisher and Editor of Adventure Book Publishers

A Division of Durksen Enterprises Ltd. #712-3545-32 Ave NE Calgary, AB T1Y 6M6 adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ I have to say that I found this wonderful publishing company by accident one day while surfing the net. I am so glad that I did. Adventure Books have some of the most outstanding novels that I have ever read. I asked Shar Durksen for an interview because I wanted to know the ins and outs of a company that supports so many gifted writers. Let's begin.

Q: Hi Shar. As I have just stated, I believe you have an outstanding company. Would you please tell us the number of years you have been in this position and number of years your company has been in existence:

A: Adventure Book Publishers began in 1997 but Durksen Enterprises Ltd. has been operating since 1972.

Q: I'm interested to know how your company was started, what is the vision behind it and how long you have been part of that vision.

A: Seeing the frustration experienced by new writers who were largely being ignored, led me to see if I couldn't do something to change the attitude about 'unknowns'. We have set extremely high standards for our books and the result is that we have not only great stories but also stories that are well-written. That is a true statement readers!

Q: Please tell us what type of books you publish....exp: ebooks/paperback, etc.

A: We have downloadable eBooks, jewel-cased eBooks on diskette (ideal for gifts, commercial use, etc.) and are now adding trade edition print versions as well.

Q: Please tell us what you see for the future for your company and how you plan to obtain that.

A: To promote literacy and eBooks, as well as help schools, groups and organizations, we have designed a special fundraising program. As this concept and program becomes established as a viable alternative to standard programs, we will grow along with it. At the same time, we may be able to see our 'new' authors become as much of a household name as King or Clancy. Shar, after reading and reviewing several of your books, I do not think that is farfetched. I loved everyone of them.

Q: Please tell us about your fundraising program. I never heard of this with a Publishing House before and it sounds interesting. I'm sure our readers would like to know more about it.

A: It's getting harder to generate donations for schools, clubs, groups and organizations so we created a program involving jewel-cased eBooks as an alternative to chocolates or '-athons' (spelling, walk, etc.). While promoting eBooks, the groups can earn a good return for their efforts in an ongoing basis since we always have new releases coming out. The jewel-cased versions make great economical gifts, promote reading, are long lasting and are a versatile way to enhance computer skills. In addition to several schools already trying this approach, we currently have several charities that are seriously looking at our program and we are looking at other avenues as well. That is a great idea. Readers interested?? Let me ask you something's about submissions

Q: Are you open to all genres, or are there some you will not print, and some you lean more towards than others?

A: We do not consider erotica or any manuscripts with excessive, graphic or inappropriate sex, language and violence. The mark of a good writer, we feel, is one who is able to stimulate the imagination without using an in-your-face description. I agree. I have read some of those in-your-face books and felt it truly took away from the entire story.

Q: How many submissions (average) do you receive per month and how many (average) do you accept? Do you have a set limit?

A: All submissions reviewed are by invitation only and we get at least a dozen queries per day. Of these, there may be 2 or 3 that merit a follow-up. Once reviewed in entirety, we may only seriously consider 1 or 2 out of every 10. At the moment, we have a huge backlog and need to get our work more current before we can consider any further new works.

Q: How many books do and will you produce in a year/season?

A: About 50 or so.

Q: Would you tell us what grabs your attention in a submission and what will totally turn you off?

A: A well-written concise synopsis of no more than 3 or 4 paragraphs can do the trick as this instantly tells me about the author's skills. The things that totally turn me off are grammatical/spelling errors along with my personal favorite - using a conjunction to begin a sentence. While this practice has become a common and even acceptable thing, it simply tells me that the writer does not have the necessary skills to rework what they are trying to say without breaching basic grammatical rules.

Q: Does every query that comes to you get full attention and do you give the author an answer in a reasonable amount of time?

A: Even though we are not able to consider any new submissions for the time being, we still fully review each query and try to respond as quickly as possible.

Q: Let me ask you something all authors would like to know. Do you work with a standard contract and what is your royalty payment for authors?

A: We have a basic contract with non-negotiable terms as we try to be fair to all. Our royalty is based on 20%.

Q: You said you are now adding trade edition print versions to your list, will all of your books be offered in hard copy?

A: We will try to make the majority of our books available in print, although with the sheer numbers, this will take some time.

Q: If not, how is the choice made concerning which books will be converted?

A: At the moment, we are trying to accommodate and are giving priority to those authors wanting bulk copies.

Q: Will the authors have a choice?

A: To a degree. We try our best to work with each individual as much as possible.

Q: Do your authors have a say so in their cover design?

A: Authors are free to submit cover graphics and we will certainly consider them although this does not mean we will accept them for use.

Q: How do you determine the pricing of your books?

A: The pricing structure for our eBooks is based on content, size and quality. The print versions, however, are dictated by the quotes we get from our supplier, which is something we really cannot control.

Q: What do you do as the Publisher to help promote your books and what is the responsibility of the author in this area?

A: We try to get our site and individual books listed in as many search engines as possible as well as with other sites and we make every effort to work with interested outlets. It is very important for authors to take the initiative for promoting their book on a local level through newspapers, TV, radio, etc., most of which are only too willing to feature a local author. In many cases, authors can access areas that we can't - local bookstores, libraries, and so on. While we try to promote our books, many times our catalogs are treated as junk mail whereas a local author puts a 'face' and human touch to the contact.

Q: Where can your books be found?

A: All our books (download, jewel-cased and print) are available through our site at http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/ and many of our jewel-cased eBooks can be found at amazon.com, galaxylibrary.com and jaqkar.com.

Q: Do the current market trends have any bearing on what submissions will be accepted?

A: No. If a book is well written, has a good story line, believable characters and is well plotted, it should catch readers' eyes. A quality book can get great results simply by word of mouth sometimes.

Q: Do you feel you have a good working relationship with your authors, answering their questions and concerns in a timely manner?

A:With most, yes. The most difficult part is that while each writer dreams of being the next King, Clancy or Rowland, reality is that marketing a book takes a lot of work. Writing a book and then just sitting back and expecting millions to roll in simply does not happen.

Q: I ask every publisher this question that I review because I feel it is a concern for all writers. When you have to reject a submission how do you handle it?

A: First and foremost, it is necessary to be honest - with myself as well as with the author. Are the skills not there? Is the story too flawed and where? Is the story something outside our field or are we not able to believe in it enough to adequately market it? From here, it is then necessary to tell the author without being brutal about the issue.

Q: Are you truly aware that you hold the heart of the author in your hands?

A: Even if a book is truly horrible in every aspect, the writer has put much of himself/herself into the work. From that perspective, doing a rejection is one of the most difficult parts of my job. This element is even more pronounced for me since we specialize in new authors and these are the people who generally already have enough rejections to wallpaper a house.

Q: I understand you could not possibly accept every book that comes your way, but many publishers are very insensitive to the feelings of writers. What is your handling on this please?
A:We try to be as constructive as possible. If there are any redeeming elements to the work, we make suggestions as to how the story might be improved and on many occasions, will offer to review the work again.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job and what is the most enjoyable?

A: The rejection part is certainly at the top of the list as well as the frustration of not being able to accept all the good manuscripts that come our way. I also wish I had more time to spend with each individual on a personal basis and feel that we not only have a group of fine authors but, more importantly, a fine group of people.

Q: Where do you think Ebooks will be 3 years from now in the world of readers?

A: EBooks still have a long way to go to become widely accepted. This is a slow but steady process. On the other hand, eBooks are definitely here to stay.

Q: Would you give us a few tips that might help an author with their submission to a publisher?

A: It is really important that author and publisher are a match. To that end, writers need to familiarize themselves with the type of books the publisher has, the formats used (electronic, print, etc.) and how willing the author is to help in promoting their book. Once that is in place, writers must approach their query letter in the same way they would a job interview - with their 'best foot forward'. As in every interview, that first impression can mean everything.

Q: I have read several of your books and find them to be outstanding! (Please see reviews of these works in this posting) Would you please use this space for any final thoughts about your company or publishing in general that you feel might be of interest to our readers.

A: We are so proud of our wonderful group of authors and feel we have some of the best quality books available on the market today.

Q: I see on your website you have a great variety of children's books, let me ask you some questions about that genre.

Q: What do you look for in a children's book submission?

A: An upbeat tone, a 'lesson' without being preachy, an entertaining fantasy or something that might be used as an educational tool.

Q: Do you expect the illustrations to be submitted with the story or do you have your own illustrators?

A: We tried offering illustrations but working at arm's length did not have desired results so we now require illustrations to be available with the story. Many times, authors are either able to do their own or will work with someone they know to produce the desired effect.

Q: Are children's authors given the same contract

Shelley's Bookshelf	Cindy's Bookshelf	Bogstad's Bookshelf
Kaveny's Bookshelf	Shirley's Bookshelf	Laurel's Bookshelf
Klausner's Bookshelf	Donovan's Bookshelf