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Volume 2, Number 7 July 2003 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Shelley's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf

Laurel's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf Cindy Penn's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf

Shelley's Bookshelf
Snuffed: A Doctor Nose Mystery
David A. Evans
Bookman Marketing, Martinsville, IN
www.bookmanmarketing.com
Author contact: www.davidaevans.com
ISBN: 1932301070 $9.95

Dr. David A. Evans is a surgeon living and practicing in Sacramento. His first Doctor Nose Mystery was entitled Doctor Nose. He is an ENT specialist, and has published numerous papers in scientific journals. He is presently working on Doctor Nose's third adventure.

Dr. Drucker Lampling finds himself hired by his friend, prominent defense attorney Zachary Zolton, when Zolton's goddaughter is arrested on suspicion of murdering of the chairman of the UC Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento. Drucker, himself a successful physician, welcomes the "private detective" work, although he is not sure why he has the compulsion to help people he really doesn't know. He risks his medical practice, his marriage, and his sanity in his quest to find the murderer. In fact, in the course of discovering all the tangled webs involved with the murder, Drucker nearly destroys himself in the process:

"In the days and weeks following the incident at Michigan Stadium, Lampling's life had taken a definite downward spiral, similar to the water in the stadium sump, or the whirlpool created in your average toilet. The head shrinkers had diagnosed it as depression complicated by post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD for those who had it. It had gotten so bad the nightmares, waking up screaming that he had moved to the guestroom, and finally out of the house altogether into a little hovel of an apartment in east Sac."

In Snuffed, Dr. Evans presents a stunning overview of today's medical profession, lending credence to the fact that doctoring isn't what it used to be. He provides wonderful insight into many of the medical practices of today's world, including autopsies and the messy world of Ear, Nose and Throat doctoring. He manages to put together a very convincing series of events to justify murder, while effectively creating red herrings aplenty for the reader to puzzle over. His writing style is crisp and full of the detail of the world of academia, depression, and murder, and his tale is a magnetic reader draw. I couldn't put the book down, and also appreciated the "proofreading" style of the manuscript, which made for an easy and quick read. Doctor Nose is a complicated, but brilliant, sleuth with Sherlock Holmesian skills.

The Third Funeral
Kevin Bowen
Engage Publishing
PO Box 1452, Port Townsend, WA 98368
ISBN: 1930892144 $12.95

Kevin Bowen authored his first book, Wil's Bones after owning a health care consulting business, owning a bed and breakfast, and managing several nursing care facilities. He has since toured and lectured around the country on behalf of his book, was a guest on several radio and TV shows, and made book signing appearances. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary; a M.A. in Health Care from California State in L.A. and a B.A. in History from the University of Washington. He resides in Port Townsend, WA with his family and animals.

In The Third Funeral, Wil and Hope Wilson return. They are now married and have a son, Steven. A car accident and a plane crash determine their fate for the next few months. A young girl is killed who is the daughter of a friend of theirs, and the plane crash involves some dirty dealing by a company called Freedom Airways. Their new CEO, Brad Stinson, is covering up a conspiracy, and Hope's journalistic appetite leads her into the heart of the demon. In the meantime, Wil is reuniting with his mother and coming to terms with the damage done to his faith by his abusive father, who used religion in a punishing manner. But when Steven is kidnapped by an old enemy, Brad the enemy turns into Brad the helper:

"'Ten years ago,' Brad began his story, 'before I became a successful businessman, I was married to a wonderful woman named Adriana. We had met two years previously and were married less than three months later. We had planned to wait before having children, but...well...things don't always work out the way they are supposed to...and Adriana got pregnant. Ten years ago, while we were shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York, we were attacked by three muggers. One of them was jerking Adriana's purse, which was wrapped around her arm. She was going to give it to them...Adriana slipped. She fell away from me and into the street precisely as a taxi was passing..."

As in Wil's Bones, Kevin Bowen uses the author forum to examine religious beliefs and the afterlife in The Third Funeral. Although his beliefs are fairly clear, he manages to write a devastatingly great tale while keeping the various great religious questions we all have running in an interesting and informative undercurrent to the story. A compelling and thoughtful read.

The Dark Side
David J. Sherman
Bloody Mist Press
2961 Industrial Rd., #732, Las Vegas, Nevada
ISBN: 193230651X $14.95 USD

One never knows where great writers will pop up. David J. Sherman has dabbled at a variety of vocations, from truck driver to record store owner. He turned to writing full time in 1998, starting with short stories, and joined all the writing organizations. The Dark Side is his first published mystery. Originally hailing from Racine, Wisconsin, David is now a Southern California resident with his wife, daughter, and black Lab named Emily.

Jack Murphy is a private investigator, having gone through one of the most painful experiences in his former life as a cop...accidently shooting a kid. His wife has left him for greener pastures, but still enjoys needling him. His secretary and he have a sexually charged relationship, and anyone on the outside can see they are mad for each other. Raymond Sanders hires Jack to find his missing daughter. This is Jack's first missing persons case, but it doesn't take him long to figure out that Carrie Sanders has become a sex slave to a high profile scumbag. His investigation leads from a child pornography video operation to the exportation of young girls to parts unknown:

"His eyes seemed to puff out and get redder than they already were. 'Look, I graduated from the New York Film Institute. I'm a real producer.' 'Why not get a decent job, then?'

Mike dropped his stare to the desktop. 'DiMarco runs some card games around town and I got into him deep. He told me I had a choice. I could either pay off my debt, or work it off.'"

Told from the traditional first person, private dick with Arturo "the muscle"as his sidekick, the plot of The Dark Side is old hat. However, David J. Sherman manages to infuse new life into the L.A. Confidential type of plot. Jack Murphy comes across as a guy with a lot of heart who needs taking care of by his tatoo decorated side kick, Arturo, who provides muscle and also a lot of heart. The twist is, in this case, the prominent businessmen are the true vultures and the struggling private eyes are the true heroes. Sherman's characters sparkle with emotion, as his plot draws the reader in for a ride that establishes a higher notch for right and wrong, justice and injustice. Sherman has produced a well-conceived and well-executed story that breathes new life into the concept of what has gone wrong in the world. An exciting and satisfying read.

Once Upon A Time
Barbara Fradkin
Rendevous Press
1005-3266 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M4N 3P6
ISBN: 0929141849 $12.95 CAN, $10.95 U.S.

Barbara Fradkin holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She is an accomplished short story writer, having published in several anthologies and magazines. She has been nominated for the 2001 Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award for best short story twice and has won the Storyteller's Great Canadian Short Story Contest. She is an active member of the Canadian crime writing community. She lives in Ottawa with her children and pets. Her first Inspector Michael Green mystery is entitled Do or Die.

In this second Inspector Green tale, an old man is found dead in a parking lot. Only Inspector Green is suspicious, because the body contains an unexplained gash to the head. Little does Green know that his subsequent investigation will take him fifty years back in time to the Nazi concentration camps in which his Jewish ancestors were imprisoned, tortured, and died. Why would World War II come back to haunt in an Ottawa homicide?

"'But if he were a survivor, I don't understand why the continued anti-Semitism. Almost paranoia. He was very upset when his son married a Jewish girl. The girl said he seemed afraid. Wouldn't a non-Jewish camp survivor feel some affinity towards the Jews?' Haley shook his head. 'You got me there. I'm not a psychologist. But it always seems to me the shrinks can explain anything. Maybe it reminds him of those days in the camp, you know? Of his humiliation.'"

Barbara Fradkin weaves a sobering tale about many atrocities committed during the Nazi occupation of World War II. Using the murder of a mysterious man whose family was uncertain of his past, but who suffered from his cruelty and alcoholism, Inspector Green, himself a Jewish man, follows a trail that uncovers much pain, but also enlightenment. Michael Green is a dear man who the readers can't help but fall in love with. His dedication to his family is at odds with his duty as a policeman, and the resulting chaos creates some comedic tension. A great read.

Sierra Gothic
Merrill Sanders
Dry Bones Press
PO Box 597, Roseville, CA 95678
drybones@drybones.com
ISBN: 193133322X $14.95

Merrill Sanders is currently a resident of San Francisco and has a lively interest in the city's past, both respectable and otherwise. Sierra Gothic is her first mystery. Dry Bones Press is a small publishing company originally formed to publish books on nursing. Jim Ranklin, the founder, eventually branched out into chapbooks and religious poetry, and now, mysteries.

Carla Weber is the amateur sleuth in this mystery. She and her banker husband, Peter, have moved into the Sierra foothills so that Peter could start a savings and loan. Carla and Peter's marriage has suffered because Carla is having a hard time fitting in. When Peter pressures her into going to a tea party given by one of the prominent citizens of Placer Bar, Carla meets the movers and shakers in town and is drawn into local politics. She also agrees to help in the restoration of an antebellum mansion which was built just after the Civil War ended by one of the founders of Placer Bar. In the course of her work, she discovers an old skeleton in one of the closets. This is followed by another murder that is closer to home and several vicious pranks, and Carla becomes an unwitting detective:

"And she couldn't shake the idea that she knew something, that she held the key to the tragedy. Fine, she decided. As soon as Peter let her out of this ridiculous sickbed, she'd look into the problem. She'd talk to all the people in the case on the off-chance that someone would say something that would jog her memory. It couldn't hurt and it wasn't as if she had anything better to do with her time."

Written in a gothic and/or cozy style, Sierra Gothic is an entertaining and tasteful first effort by Merrill Sanders. The setting is exotic, an old mining town which may or may not have hidden assets. The characters are interesting and well drawn. Carla Weber is a reluctant heroine, which makes her problems fitting in to her new town endear the reader to her. She struggles along with her investigation, and one can't figure out if she is just a flake or is really on to something, but she puts it all together in the end and wins the praises of her neighbors. Sierra Gothic is an able first book with a clever plot. The Civil War history puts a cork on the story line and creates the "gothic" in the title. This reviewer would love to see a sequel with the return of Carla Weber!

The Circle of Sodom
Pat Mullan
1stBooks Library
www.1stbooks.com
ISBN: 075969222X $14.95

Pat Mullen was born in Ireland, but has lived in the United States for many years. Six years ago he retired from his "day"job in finance and returned to live in Connemara, Ireland. There he published his first work, CHILDHOOD HILLS, a collection of poems and essays. Thriller novels have always been his favorite genre, so he wrote THE CIRCLE OF SODOM.. His style is unusual in that he writes longhand and types his writing into his computer. BLOOD RED SQUARE, his next thriller, is in the works.

In this political thriller, Owen MacDara is a self-made millionaire with a high-powered consulting company. But there is something in his past life as a medical intern who served in Korea which is killing his old friends he served with in that conflict. A secret from the past involves a bizarre medical procedure performed on a high-ranking general threatens those who have a vested interest in his squeaky-clean record. These individuals' plot would murder MacDara and all witnesses to the procedure, kidnap and murder his new-found love, and unseat a president. It is up to MacDara to make sense of the series of murders and stop the conspiracy. Little does he know that his newfound love is right in the middle of the maelstrom:

"'My father was murdered, wasn't he?'
'Yes, I believe he was. We have no body and no proof, but he had stumbled into something evil when he was researching his memoirs. The attach on your mother proves that. They were trying to find out what he knew.'
'They? Who are THEY, Owen? Is General Walker one of them?'
'I don't know who THEY are and I don't know WHAT they are...'"

With rapid-fire pacing and well-drawn characters, Mr. Mullan takes the reader on a magic carpet ride all over the United States, England, Belgium, Switzerland and Hong Kong to weave a tale most evil and scary. The plot involves the very presidency, and the group plotting against our democracy is made up of very determined right-winged fanatics. Pat Mullen is a mature and knowledgeable writer who puts together a thriller with the best of them. The Circle of Sodom is an outstanding first effort from an author who can continue to capture his audience as long as he cares to try. An excellent read!

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Kaveny's Bookshelf
Literary Criticism: An open game

This month Kaveny's bookshelf will consist of a single review of a work of academic literary criticism, which I believe is important enough to be of general interest to the thousands of readers who visit The Midwest Book Review Web-Site every month. I have been engaged in the game of literary criticism for last quarter of a century and I have a gut feeling that field of at least in the area of the fantastic is of more interest than many of its practitioners, (some of whom would prefer to play the game in a phone booth) might suspect.

My life's experience is that there are many who despise the whole genre of the fantastic, both fantasy and science fiction, who, nevertheless love to read about it. That is because the cultural production in genre of the fantastic may be considered from the standpoint of both literary and cultural artifact. It is my plan over the next several months to bring several works like the following to our reader's attention.

Human Prehistory in Fiction
Charles De Paolo
McFarland & Company
ISBN: 0786414170 $32.00 172pp.

Charles De Paolo uses fascinating and innovative methodology to approach the subject of human pre-history in selected works of fiction. The scope of his study is the approximately one hundred-year period from the late 19th century to nearly the end of 20th century. De Paolo has set no small task before himself since he must function both as a student, compiler, and interpreter of historical paleo-anthropology as well as a literary critic. He examines the efficacy with which the authors he has selected, as they constructed their works, have utilized source material and grounding assumptions from a dynamic, contested, emergent, and necessarily radical, body of scientific knowledge across the extended period of his study.

In my opinion, Charles De Paolo is well up to his task. However, it is important to remember that De Paolo is not a working scientist in the field of paleo-anthropology. Rather, he bears the same relationship to this field as historian of science would bear to a working scientist within any specific field of study. This is in fact a very good thing because it allows De Paolo to make metacritical and inter-disciplinary observations.

In one sense this is not exactly the first time this sort of thing has been done, yet in another sense perhaps it is. A number of critics have addressed the question of "normal science"as they investigate the manner in which hard science is utilized by science fiction writers. Charles De Paolo is one of the few critics to address human and social science issues from this same standpoint. For example, he does an excellent job of conveying the manner in which author Arthur C. Clarke, in his 2001 A Space Odyssey addresses the really big ideas of mid-20th century human evolution and development at the time his work was created. One example is the "Killer Ape"hypotheses, but he also targets a number of other big open and multi-faceted questions

In order to facilitate his task, Charles De Paolo somewhat opportunistically but successfully utilizes a framework first popularized by Thomas Kuhn in his The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962). He uses his study to ask this question: What was the paradigm for the normal historical paleo-anthropology for the historical milieu in which the works he features were generated' Thus De Paolo relates literary cultural production and operative scientific practices to those operative in paleo-anthropology at the time of the generation of each of the selected works. In doing so he throws an interesting light on both the history of science and artistic choices made by the authors in these selected works.

De Paolo astutely chose to privilege a selective but reprehensible group of authors and their works for his consideration. This is significant because in doing so he extends and broadens the scope of his study to assess historical, generic, and, language boundaries. De Paolo treats the following works: H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau, Pierre Boulle's The Planet of the Apes, Jules Verne's The Village in the Treetops, Edgar Rice Burroughs' The Land That Time Forgot, the struggle for legitimacy in Wells' "The Grisly Folk,"the Tasmanian analogue in Lester Del Rey's "The Day Is Done. He also includes William Golding's The Inheritors: The Promise of Humanity and, in Arthur C. Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey, the theme of "a god among the heathen"in Wells' "The Lord of the Dynamos"and other works. Along with Jean Auel's The Clan of the Cave Bear, J.H. Rosny-Ainy''s Quest for Fire, and Wells' The Time Machine: An Invention. In a final chapter, De Paolo considers the paleo-anthropologist as literary critic.

De Paolo's treatment of H.G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau 1896 (a work which Oscar Wilde found amoral and shocking) is very interesting. De Paolo is quick to point out the irony operative with the work by which Well's apparently overturns, with a very UN Darwinian trope, the scale of nature. He attacks the view in which humankind is the crown of creation and makes another operative in which evolutions seems to consist of a kind of lateral movement between human and other species in the world that Well's has constructed through Dr. Moreau. De Paolo says it best on Page 17.

"In The Island of Doctor Moreau, Wells supplants the scale of nature with mythological conventions that underscore the phenomenal character of man. In using the pseudo-scientific convention (heterogeneity) to nullify the scale of nature he counteracted a system which many believed unjustifiably exhaled man's place in creation"

De Paolo, a prominent Wellsian in his own right, is justified in focusing on four works of H.G Wells because it cuts across Wells ' half-century career from 1890's to his death in 1946. H.G Wells was a world-class literary figure. He wrote his whole lifetime with the intent of expanding the envelope of common scientific knowledge. The meteoric literary and economic success of his Victorian Scientific Romances in the late 1890's was grounded in his own scientific training. Through the rest of his lifetime Wells felt that the fate of civilization was locked in a death race between education and catastrophe. Sadly, by the time of Well's death, it appeared to him that catastrophe had a big lead (as they would say in horse racing) going into the backstretch.

It is also essential to note that H.G. Wells' literary production not only foreshadowed the modern world but also shaped that which it foretold, as it fell into the hands of national policy makers. The measure of Wells' influence was amply demonstrated by H. Bruce Franklin in his ground breaking work, War Stars: The Superweapon and the American Imagination, (1988).

A number of the sections of De Paolo study deal with the fictionalized portrayal of Cro-Magnon and Neanderthal interactions. The best of which is the section on Jean Auel who he quite rightly points out made a systematic and scientific exploration of the working scientific paradigms upon which she based her Clan of the Cave Bear/Children of Earth Series. However in Wells' portrayal of these same interactions, I wish De Paolo might have addressed charges some have made against Wells about his implicit Victorian racism, but perhaps that was outside the scope of his study. The only other issue I would raise with this study deals with the level that any science can understand human behavior on a transactional basis accesses millions of years of pre-history. However, it is the function of our genre to extrapolate. The writer of science fiction or fantasy can rush into realms in which angels fear to tread.

While time and space do not allow me to do a section by section treatment of all the chapters Human Prehistory in Fiction, I feel that overall it is an exemplary study that represents a very promising interdisciplinary direction that I hope other critics in our field will follow. Perhaps the thing I like the most about his work is his style. He makes use of the authors he studies without burdening us with endless of iteration and re-iteration of narrative and plot details as he proceeds with his analysis. I would highly recommend Human Prehistory in Fiction by Charles De Paolo for school public college and university libraries. I would also like to see it appear as a hardcover edition with a substantial library binding.

Philip Kaveny
Literary Editor
Midwest Book Review

Shirley's Bookshelf
Lawman To Outlaw: Verne Miller and The Kansas City Massacre
Brad Smith
JoNa Publishers
Box 336, Bedford, IN 47421
ISBN# 0-9706725-5-1, 187 pages $14.95, Jonabook@kiva.net, www.kiva.net/~jonabook

I wondered when I opened this book how well I would enjoy atrue story about an underworld figure. I was not disappointed; this book held my attention from beginning to end.

"Lawman to Outlaw"is the story of Verne Miller,a known underworld figure, perhaps one whose lifewas filled with more mystery than any other. Mr. Miller was responsible for the slaughter that took place at the parking lot of Kansas City's Union Station, June 17,1933. Did you know that the FBI was actually formed because of this event and the outcry of the American people against crime. Interesting piece of information, I would say.

The author takes you through the life of Verne Miller; his childhood, his military days, his days as
a well respected Sheriff and draws you into the mystery behind this man and his faithful
companion Vi Mathis. What made a law abiding respected man turn into a cold blooded killer?
Mr. Smith addresses this question and more.

I cannot even imagine the intense research that went into this work. Detailed information is revealed, events are replayed as the author walks you through the life of this notorious gangster and finally his death at the hands of his so called friends. Quite a story, quite a read.

Well done Mr. Smith, hats off to you! A recommended read for all those that are interested in our colorful past and those that painted it red!

Problem Child or Quirky Kid?
Rita Sommers-Flanagan, PhD and John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D
Free Spirit Publishing
http://www.freespiritpublishing.com
ISBN# 1-57542-121-6
Softcover $15.95 216 pages

I truly wish I had this book in my hands during the time I was raising my three children. Being divorced, remarried, having an asthmatic child, one that had epilepsy, and one that dealt with extreme anger,this wouldhave been a God sent.

Written in a simple, yet concise way, this book deals with many of the problems that parents face each day with their children.

Be it fears, eating and sleeping problems, social behavior, or more serious topics, they are covered in this book.

I feel this work should be in every home.

It will calm your fears and help you to recognize when you do need to seek help.

A very good read, with practical help that all parents will embrace.

Hands Are Not for Hitting
Martine Agassi, author
Marieka Heinlen, illustrator
Free Spirit Publishing
http://www.freespirit.com
ISBN# 1575421127 $7.95

What a delightful learning book this is. Full of bright, colorful illustrations that bring the point across without any confusion! The author shares all the wonderful things hands are good for, playing, drawing, saying hello, to name a few of the many examples used in this read. . Just adorable!

I shared thisbook with my 3-year old granddaughter. I can tell you, it was a hit! This is a sturdy, colorful, well constructed book. A book that can take the abuse of a younger child and still stay in one piece. Not an easy feat!

A great book with a great lesson; one your child will treasure and read over and over again. Hands are NOT for hitting! I've learned my lesson, have you?

Recommended!

See Jane Win for Girls
By: Dr. Sylvia Rimm
Free Spirit Publishing
http://www.freespirit.com
131 pages
ISBN# 1575421224 $13.95

This truly is a wonderful book, full of encouragement for young girls everywhere. Written in a way that is both entertaining and also with great insight, it's sure to catch any young readers eye.

I found myself smiling, shaking my head in agreement and truly enjoyed the "I Can"sections.

Tips on self-esteem, improving your social skills, help with your family, dealing with changes, it's all there. This is an outstanding book for the entire family to share! Also interactive with the reader, which is always a plus!

Very good read!

More Than a Label
Alisha Muharrar
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North,Suite 200, Minneapolis,MN 55401-1299
helpforkids@freespirit.com
http://www.freespirit.com
ISBN#1575421100 136 pages $13.95

I suppose I must be a teen at heart because I truly enjoyed this book, "More Than a Label."Teen author Aisha Muharrar does an outstanding job in making one stop and think
of all the times we, as individuals, label each other and why!

Giving teens input from their peers, the author shares a survey that more than 1,000 teens from across America took part in, as they explored labeling and what it meant to them.How they felt being labeled a Geek, Freak, Jock, just to name a few. Quite an eye opener!

She breaks her book down into three parts:
"What's in a Label?", "How Labels Make People Feel.", and "What You Can Do About Labeling."In each section she tells others experiences, asks the reader questions and
interacts with you, the reader. Very good job at making one think about what they are reading!

I not only recommend this for teens, but feel adults would benefit from this read, as well. After all, do we stop labeling because we turn 21? I think not!

A book that will make you know that you are more than a label, and why. Good job Ms. Muharrar, I hope to review other works by you in the future.

Lord Of The Deep
Graham Salisbury
Random House Children's Books
http://www.randomhouse.com
ISBN# 0440229111 $5.50 182 pages

This is a great read! I would have never thought I could get caught up in the excitement of "landing the big one!"Inthis young adult book by Graham Salisbury, that is exactly what happened. Graham's description of events drew me into the drama of the moment, and I could almost feel the
salt air misting on me. Excellent!

Lord Of The Deep is a great action and adventure story, but it is more than that as well.

Mikey is growing up and on an outing with his father Bill, who charters his fishing boat, Mikey tastes young love,stirring new emotions and feelings inside of him. Already struggling with new feelings, Bill makes a decision that goes against the rules after the catch of a 'big' one, Mikey does not approve of Bill's decision and is troubled over it. He learns not all things in life are black and white. Not all decisions are made on what is correct.

Perhaps some readers will feel that this story should have had a different ending then the one it did. However, I believe the author wanted to show thatwhat we feel are right decisions are not always made by the ones that we think the highest of.
Growing up is not easy and pretending that adults will always practice what they preach
is often a fairy-tale, as hard as we might try; decisions may be based on reasons unknown to others. Right or wrong!

I liked Lord of The Deep. It was a fast pace, quick read. Kept my attention from beginning to end,and that is what a good book is all about!

I recommend it.

Tootle
Gertrude Crampton, author
Tibor Gergely, illustraor
A Golden Book
Western Publishing Company
Racine, Wisconsin 53404
ISBN# 0307020975 12 pages $2.99

This is an adorable story about a baby locomotive who went to the village of Lower Trainswitch to learn to be a big locomotive. They have lessons in many classes to learn whistle blowing, stopping for a red flag waving and puffing loudly, just to name a few. However, the most important lesson to learn was staying on the rails no matter what.

Tootle could never seem to do this. He always wanted to go and wonder in the meadow and chase birds or butterfly's. Tootle had to be taught a lesson.

This little book teaches children in a fun way how important it is to follow directions. My granddaughter and I enjoyed this read. The illustrations were colorful and the book was enjoyable for her to look at. Nice job!

Body for Life
Bill Phillips and Michael D'Orso
Harper Collins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10022
http://www.bodyforlife.com
ISBN 0060193395 201 pages $24.95

My husband asked me to read this book. I am starting to wonder why my loved ones keep giving me books on health, weight and nutrition. Maybe they are trying to tell me something; they'll never admit it though.

However, this is another one I am glad that they gave to me. It really was quite interesting. I like how the author starts out with his statement, "When you gain control of your body, you gain control of your life."That gave me food for thought. Whoops, should not have said food I suppose! It did make me think however just how true this statement is.

He speaks to you about your reasons for wanting to change, makes you think a little bit.Just why do you want to better yourself? He also has a whole section on myth's for example, the longer you exercise, the better. Do you think this is true? If you do, you are dead wrong.

The author talks about different foods and what they will do for your body, gives you a diet plan and has an entire section on exercises with photo's.At the end of the book he includes a section of progress reports that you can fill out to chart your progress. A lot of good things inside of the pages of this book.

I believe all you out there looking to improve your body and how you feel about yourself would really find this work interesting.
I give it a thumbs up.

The Perricone Prescription
Nicholas Perricone, M.D.
Harper Collins Publishers
10 East 53rd St, New York, N.Y. 10022
ISBN 0060188790 265 pages $27.50

I have to say this book caught my interest right off, especially after paging through it and seeing the difference in so many faces, in so short a period of time. Could this be true? There had to be a catch and I was going to find it, or so I thought.

Dr Perricone reveals his theory that aging is caused by inflammation at the cellular level and is speeded along with our life styles, such as poor nutrition, pollution and stress, to name a few. He explains how we can change our dietary habits, take in the proper vitamins, exercise correctly and totally rejuvenate our body. This was worth reading. He shares with you case studies, shows you before and after pictures, gives you names of vitamins and tells you what they are good for and what the symptoms are if you are lacking these. He even shows you how to exercise properly, all bringing you to a new and healthier body. Very good!

The only problem I had with the entire regiment was the diet. I do not like fish, cannot eat it, and that is one of the main staples in his food chain. I need an alternative Dr. Perricone, any suggestions? If that stronghold is overcome I would gladly give his system a whirl. I believe he is really on to something and I'd like to give it a try.

All in all this was a great read, informative from page one on. I highly recommend this book, I believe it will help many people live a happier and healthier life.

One final thought, if you were to receive this book as a gift for Mother's Day as I did, just what would your reaction be? Was my child trying to tell me I was turning into an old hag and this book might help? or, was he truly concerned for my future and my health? Perhaps I will never know that answer, but one thing is for sure, I did enjoy the knowledge this book gave to me, and for that I say, "Thank you!"

Angels of Pompeii
Stephen Brigidi, photographer
Robert Bly, poet
Ballantine Books
New York, N.Y.
ISBN# 0788168282 40 pages $9.00

This book is a collection of photographs taken of the walls in Pompeii. Some are of angels, while others are of figures or shapes that are not quite identifiable. The photographer Stephen Brigidi was intrigued by these pictures and enlisted the help of noted poet Robert Bly to add words to his photos, thus "Angels of Pompeii"was born.

I enjoyed seeing the ancient images and reading the words that Mr. Bly wrote to accompany each one. I wonder how close he came to truly capturing the essence of each picture. We may never know, but it's nice to imagine and enjoyable to see!

Sacred Flames
Robert Kowkabany
Doric Lay Publishers
165 Perry Street, Suite 3B, New York, NY 10014
doriclaypubl@earthlink.net
212- 924-3606
ISBN# 0972278400 208 pages, Soft cover $8.95

This is the story of a man called Archibald Taylor. It is a story of life, it is a story of death, and the many winding roads that we take from our beginning to our end.

"Sacred Flames"is the tale of a man who had a wife and 3 children, who lost his wife in the sands of time and struggled with his loneliness yet sense of loyalty to her memory.

It is the story of a man who found love again, and this time struggles with the balance he felt he had to achieve with this new love and his adult children. The author unearths many hidden emotions that I am sure are faced by millions of adult children as theydeal with this event.He brings out what so many of us try to hide and makes the reader reevaluate their thought life as they are faced with the marriage of a surviving parent. I wonder how may of us would admit to the emotions that are addressed in this book. The author does an excellent job of bringing them to the surface.

An interesting thought provoking read addressing issues that many of us will unfortunately have to face.

Happy Easter Mother Duck
Elizabeth Winthrop, author
Diane Dawson Hearn, illustrator
A Golden Book
Western Publishing Company Inc.
Racine, Wisconsin 53404
ISBN# 0307101509 12 pages $2.99

This is the story of Spring on the farm. All the animals are having babies, the horse and the cow, the hen and the goat, and even the duck. Something strange happened with Mrs. Ducks eggs though, only 4 out of 5 hatched.

Well, Mrs. Duck knew number 5 must be really special, and was waiting for just the right moment to hatch; but to her horror the little girl from the farm house came and got her egg for Easter. What was mother duck to do?

She marched right up to the farm house and found her egg and sat down right on it not willing to let her little duckling be destroyed. That was one brave Mama Duck!

To everyone's surprise on Easter morning her little duck baby was born. Happy Easter little duck, welcome to the world! A very cute story!

A Place For A Black Cat
Chris R. Hare
66 pages Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar/adventurebooks.com
Adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1553132149 $3.99 download

What a delightful whimsical tale about an adorable black kitten who starts out in this world not truly knowing her purpose.
Was that truly a witch that made her sign an agreement to be the bearer of evil and bad luck, just because she was black? Or was it just her imagination?

The story takes you from the birth of Little Lady, through her struggle with a family who had a child that just didn't know how to properly handle a kitten and had to be nipped, ever so gently to be taught not to do that; to arriving at the pound.

Here LIttle Lady meets her good friend Thumond, who gives her so much needed advice, but soon they are parted as each goes to meet their destiny.

Little Lady finally is adopted by a very loving man, who will teach her the meaning of friendship, loyality, and love. She has an exciting and fulfilling life and even has an adventurous move across the country to the state of California.

Told by Little Lady herself, the author weaves grains of supernatural into this story. Are black cats really destined to be evil? Are there witches lurking behind the every deed?
Will the witch come back in 10 years as she promised to either destroy little lady or use her for her evil purposes?

This is a cute tale, one children are sure to enjoy, and one that will leave them with some questions only their imagination can answer.

SEEK AND SLIDE
In The Sea
ISBN# 1582090726 10 pages $5.00
In The Wild
ISBN# 1582090734 10 pages $5.00
On The Farm
ISBN# 1582090742 10 pages $5.00

Books Are Fun
1680 Highway 1, Fairfield,Iowa 52556
http://www.booksarefun.com

This series for the young child is a participation read.Bright, colorful illustrations make up the three boardbooks of this series. In "On the Farm"the child is asked to find an owl, hen and other farm animals and gets to participate by sliding a little door that will show the picture of the asked for animal.

The same concept is used in "In the Wild"and "In The Sea."I shared these books with my grandchild, who is three, and she seemed to enjoy being able to slide a door open and see the asked for animal, or fish, as the case may be.

These books are sturdy, which is good for the young child, colorful, which hold their attention, and not too wordy.

A sharing read that is fun for both child
and adult. Recommended!

Santa's Toy Shop
Al Dempster, author
Walt Disney Studio, illustrations
Western Publishing Company
Racine, Wiscnsin 53404
ISBN# 0307020703 32 pages $5.99

This is arefreshing Christmas tale of Santa and his beloved elves. Busy in his home at the North pole, the story shows you all the wonders of Christmas toys being made.

Santa was so busy that he never got to play with any of the toys, that is when Mrs. Clause had an idea. "Why not stop at the very last house on your list and play a while."she told Santa. What a wonderful idea! Santa thought and smiled.

A delightful children's story with colorful illustrations and a hope that maybe you will be the last house that Santa stops at next year! You never know!

Thorns In Eden
Rita Gerlack
Publish America
PO Box 151, Fredericks, MD
http:www.publishamerica.com
ISBN# 1592869165 327 pages $14.95

Thorns in Eden is perhaps one of the most outstanding books I have read in quite a while. Set in 1773 in Fredericktowne Md and England, this novel takes you into the intimate world of the people trying to birth a free Nation, under God.You become one with their struggles and the very essence of their lives is etched in your heart forever!

The main characters are brought to life by the author to thepoint that you feel a deep kinship to each one. Rebecah Brent, the daughter of a slain British Officer is thrust into the arms of her less than appealing uncle, Samuel Brent, who is given charge of her life. Rebecah is a young woman that is determined to taste liberty, not only in government but as a woman.
We have the uncle, Samuel, who harbors a deep resentment for his now deceased brother, the mystery of why has not yet been unfolded, although you are given several hints. His loving wife Kathryn, submitted to a harsh hurting man; his children, young Hugh, a lively wonderful boy who seeks out the love and attention of Rebecah. The two woman cousins, Lavinia and Dorian, who are as different as day and night. Dorian being quite stuck on herself and her beauty, does not like the idea of the attractive cousin coming to live, and sweet Lavinia immediately befriends Rebecah and a deep relationship is seared between the two. None of them realize how important each one will be to the other in this drama of their lives.

The author brings into light the one trying to win Rebecha's heart, and the one whom has been chosen for her, rich Cecil Lanley. I, like Rebecha, did not like this self-centered man and cheered when she refused his attention. However, she is reminded that a woman has no say so on whom she will marry. Rebecah had other ideas, good for her! My favorite characters were the kindly Nash family, Lady Margaret, Sir Rodney and their son the young patriot John Nash, who was trying to make his life in the colonies. Nash was a patriot, and was against the control that the British had on his new land, this was a death wish for him and his family, one that becomes the main focal point of this entire story.Through only the hand of a higher power, Nash and Rebecah find each other, but the battle is on, not just for the liberty of a new land, but for the liberty of a new love.

It isn't very often that you read a book where the author is able to blend the deep faith of the characters into the story without being preachy or religious. Rita has done just that, in a way that lets you understand all the decisions that they make, throughout this wonderful read, are based on their commitment to a Higher power that is leading their destiny.Only the hand of an exceptional writer could pen the words in this way, bringing to life the true heart of the people who gave their lives for our liberty. Oh how this story twists and turns as the life of each player surfaces and merges with the others, like a muted sunset at the close of day.

Battles, emotional, physical and spiritual rage throughout the confines of these pages. Deep conflicts of the soul and spirit are wrestled within each character as they bring to life a novel that will draw you into the making of a nation, through the shed tears of the past. As I read the final pages my heart broke, not just for what was behind, but for what lies ahead for the characters I had grown to love. If you only read one book this year, I recommend Thorns in Eden, a story of love, a story of faith, a story of freedom, a voice from our past, a prayer for our future! Outstanding!

The Red Umbrella
Margaret R. MacDonald, author
E.T.S. Designs, illustrator
SynergEbooks
1235 Float Shoals Rd. King, N.C.
http://www.SynergEbooks.com
Synergebooks@aol.com
ISBN# 1931540659 25 pages ebook $5.99

Colorful, eye catching illustrations await you as you begin to read this upbeat story about a little boy and his red umbrella.

It is Mike's sixth birthday and he is having a party. He gets lots of presents, like a ball and a bat, paints and books, but his favorite present is from his Grandfather, a bright red umbrella.

Mike can't wait to use his new umbrella and wishes for rain, tries to make it happen, but it never does, until finally! Read this delightful story of a little boy and his cherished birthday present from someone he dearly loves. Tenderness at its best!

The Voice Of Daria
Joyce Hunt
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
adventure@puzzlesbyshar
ISBN# 1553131487 128 pages $4.33 ebook

I liked this book, I liked the characters, the setting and the story line. It's the story of teenager Christo Wilder, who lived with his work alcoholic divorced Mom. Christo was a loner and his Mom moved him from town to town,always looking for new opportunities and new atmosphere. This may have been good for Mom, but for Christo, it only made him stay more to himself.

The story begins with Christo at a new school and friendless until, by accident, he meets and is befriended by Daria Engle. She also has problems, such as overbearing controlling parents and a brother who runs her life with fear and intimidation. The two become fast friends and Daria shares with Christo some of her secrets and tells him that soon she would reveal something that would make things better for her, she hoped.

Daria's parents never thought her brother did any wrong, little did they know he was mixed up with the wrong gang and was heading for serious trouble. Daria was about to expose this, but before she could she was murdered and the prime suspect was Christo.

Christo's father insists that he come to stay with him until the situation is settled. Christo agrees with reservations as he was not close to his father. Dan is now remarried and has two step daughters, one the same age as Christo.

Susanna is not thrilled that her stepbrother is coming to stay, and she isn't so sure that he's not the killer of Daria. Can they trust each other to bring an end to this horror that has seeped into their family? The two are thrust together to solve the mystery and to save their own lives.

This was a good read, it had mystery and colorful, true to life characters.The author did a very good job in bringing you into the mind of the teenagers, their fears and their challenges; bringing forth many of the struggles that young people face in relationships and problem solving. The book kept my attention and had a very good ending. I recommend it highly.

Dangerous Game
Jack Petree
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
adventures@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1553132289 240 Pages $4.33 ebook

This book is adventure, mystery and suspense at it's best. I was pulled into the story immediately upon reading the first page, and my interest never lagged throughout the read.

The story takes place in Eastern Washington when Eric Hunter and his friend are on a hunting trip. Accidentenaly they stumble upon a skull, with two bullet holes in it, and they also meet two unsavory characters that are anything but friendly.

Reporting this to the local authorities doesn't do more than stir up suspicisions towards them and upon their return home, Eric's friend ends up murdered and Eric's house is burned to the ground. The only link Eric could figure out between these events and the skull they had found was the pictures he had taken that showed proof of the death. Someone was after those pictures, and that someone had killed his friend and burned his house down, but who and why? Eric was going to find out.

Traveling back to Washington, Eric makes friends with the local Editor of the paper and a man named Carlos Ortiz, whose son had runaway from home. Carlos tells a tale of men coming into the city and recruiting young boys. He had followed them up to the mountain where Eric had found the skull. Carlos knew his son was inside the compound, but just didn't know how to get him out.

The adventure begins as Eric and Carlos find proof of a group reestablishing Hitler's Reich, and that group was behind more than one killing. Would Eric and Carlos be able to convince the local Sheriff and the authorities that something very sinister was going on in that compound and would they be able to save Carlos's son and all the other young boys who were being held captive there?

This is an amazing story, well thought out and full of great suspense. And do you know what scares me, it isn't as far fetched as it may seem to be. I think we will have a sequel to this one in the near future. Great book, great read!

Sammy Looks Through The Glass
Kim Nasr
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar.com/adventurebooks/
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1553132300 21 pages $3.99

Sammy has a new job, and what a job it is. Sammy is a window washer and gets to travel high up in the sky to wash the windows of very big buildings.

Sometimes when Sammy is washing the windows the people inside get startled because they are not expecting someone to be outside their window so high up in the sky. That is what happens to a little boy who gets so startled that he drops his lollypop right on his cat's back. Oh my!

The little cat gets so excited that he runs down all the flights of stairs and out into the city, jumps inside a taxi cab and startles the driver! Oh my!

The driver gets so excited that his cab runs into another car and Sammy looks down at all the excitement and wonders why people would rather be down there, with all that noise, than up in the quiet sky.

Very cute story! Colorful illustrations!Children will enjoy!

Sammy Star: The Jelly Belly Bandit
Kim Nasr
Adventure Book Publishers
http://www.puzzlesbyshar/adventurebooks.com
adventure@puzzlesbyshar.com
ISBN# 1553131622 21 pages $3.99 Download

I believe this is the best Sammy Star book I have read thus far. Written in rhyme, this is a delightful tale of Sheriff Sammy and his apprehension of Red Randy, the Cactus Jelly thief. Oh no! What will the town people do without their Cactus Jelly!

The illustrations are bold and colorful and very pleasant to view. They tell the story, even without the words. Good job Mr. Nasr.

I highly recommend this one, it is adorable! Your children will love it!

INTERVIEW WITH JUDY GALBRAITH, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENTOF "FREE SPIRIT PUBLISHING"

I would like to write a little about "Free Spirit Publishing"before we start this interview. Free Spirit Publishing is an award-winning publisher of nonfiction materials for children,and teens, parents and all those interested and working with youth. I have read and reviewed several of their books and was very impressed with them. (Please see reviews in this column). I wanted to know a little more about "Free Spirit Publishing "and the person behind this outstanding company. I found Judy to be very approachable and very likeable.I don't think I have ever had a harder time trying to get an interview together. It seemed everything that could happen in my life did and I had tokeep asking Judy if we could wait just a little longer to complete this. I don't think I have ever worked with a more understanding publisher. Thank you Judy! I could have asked her more, but due to the powers-that-be that seemed to be trying to keep this interview out of MidWest, I decided to put it in while I could. I cannot say enough good things about Judy Galbraith, she really has a heart of gold, and I think the work she is doing for children and young adults in her publishing company certainly fits her to a T. This is a short interview with a powerful woman who is doing a remarkable job.
Let's begin!

SPJ: Judy, thank you for allowing me to do this interview. Please tell us how Free SpiritPublishing began and how long it has been operational.

JUDY: Free Spirit has been around for 20 years. I use to be a teacher and I specialized with gifted and talented kids; I focused on guidance and counseling. When I was in Graduate school, I wrote a book called, "The Gifted Kids Survival Guide"; it was written for young people themselves. In this work I talked about what it was like to be bored in school, what to do when your friends tease you for being a brainy ache, areas such as that.

I started this company because I saw a need for self-help material for kids. There were a lot of books for adults about how to navigate life; everything from developing your career to stress management, to having relationships. You name it, it was there, but there really was nothing out there for the kids themselves, much less gifted kids. Especially subjects such as growing up healthy and strong, or how to make good decisions and cope with life.

It was my intention to develop a line of materials that would do just that and offer kids real life solid information and than testimonies from their peers about their experiences. The company essentially started with my work, "The Gifted Kids Survival Guide, and than I started acquiring information for gifted kids from other sources. As we grew, we started to expand to the point where we cover the age region pre/k through 12; and we also do books for parents and teachers.

Our true mission is to empower kids to develop their confidence, and to know how to get help when they need it. I grew up with books and I have always believed that books have enormous power to change our lives and to inspire us, so it has been really great to be part of an industry that has that potential influence.

SPJ: Thank you Judy, that was very interesting! Tell me, do you have audio books and tapes?

JUDY: We did two audio versions with books we created for kids with learning disabilities. Because some of those children have such a hard time reading, we thought it would be great if they could listen to the book as they were reading along, but other than that we really have not gone much into the audio book market.

SPJ: Do you do anything for the special needs children, such as the blind?

JUDY: We know that some of our books are available in brail through the National Society for the Blind, but the two special needs groups that we focus on right now are gifted and talented and kids with LD. (Learning Disabilities) We are doing a survival guide for kids with behavior disorders that will be out next fall, but we haven't done anything yet for kids with the broader range of specialized needs like physical handicaps.

We just produced our first board book, we came out with a book for children 4 to 7 called "Hands Are Not For Hitting"and it has been very, very popular. Parents and Daycare providers were soon saying, "Oh I need a version of this for 2 or 3 year olds."So we created a board book. However, the
self-help area is really our nitch.

SPJ: Tell me Judy, do you accept submissions from authors?

JUDY: Our guidelines are available on our website or they can call and request a copy, which we will mail out to them; and we also recommend that they study our catalog. Like I said, we don't do fiction, we don't do picture books, except if they are grounded in self-help, for example, the Hands Are Not For Hitting Books.

We are always happy to look at new submissions, always looking for new talent. I will say that most of our authors are educators or youth workers or child physicists, there are a few exceptions to that, but because of the nature of the topics that we cover, it is important for us to know that that person has a particular expertise. Even in our early childhood material, we just came out with the first of 2 books in an 8 book series designed to teach pre scholars social skills and the series is called, "Learning To Get Along."The first one is "Listen and Learn"and obviously teaches listening skills and the other one is "Share and Take Turns". The author has a background in education and we also work with Professionals and hire them to read manuscripts as we are developing them so that we're sure the content is as physically and age appropriate as it can be. We feel strongly about this, since we are in the business of giving advice, we want to make sure we are dispensing good advice.

SPJ: Judy, please use this space for any closing words that you would like to leave with our
readers about yourself, your company, your books, or publishing in general:

JUDY: I'd like to tell you something about our best sellers. This will give the readers some idea of exactly which books we publish and show the diversity of the titles we publish.

For teens one of our top sellers is HOW RUDE! The Teenager's Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out. This book is hilarious so teens love it, yet serious, and guides teens through the world of manners in all kinds of situations.

Parents of younger children are finding HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING to be extremely helpful because just about every child encounters hitting at some point, or they may go through a hitting phase themselves. And for parents of children all ages a new book that a lot of people are excited about is OUR FAMILY MEETING BOOK. It shows families ways to communicate better, how to share responsibilities, and have more fun in the process!

Our top teacher titles are THE BULLY FREE CLASSROOM and TEACHING GIFTED KIDS IN THE REGULAR CLASSROOM. Like all of our materials for educators, these books are user-friendly, timely, and very practical.

SPJ:Thank you Judy for telling us a little about Free Spirit Publishing. I would truly recommend you readers to take a look at their great website and purchase some of their books. They really are outstanding, well written and very informative. The best of luck to Judy and Free Spirit Publishing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
800-735-7323
Twin Cities local number: 612-338-2068
help4kids@freespirit.com
http://www.freespirit.com

New from Free Spirit Publishing:

LIFE LISTS FOR TEENS: Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along, Learning, and Having Fun

Think of this handy book as a 4-1-1 for tweens and teens. It's filled with hundreds of lists: some serious, some silly, all useful. From handling stress and how not to get ripped off, to effectively communicating with adults, staying safe, saving the world, planning ahead, and more. This is a great addition to any backpack or messenger bag. $11.95, ages 10 and up.

http://www.freespirit.com/cgi/s_product_nf.cgi?productid=406

INTERVIEW WITH RITA GERLACH- AUTHOR OF NUMEROUS WORKS

Thank you Rita for allowing me this interview, please let's get started.

SPJ: Rita, I truly loved your book "Thorns In Eden"please tell us what inspired you to write it?

RITA: I guess you could say I am a romanticist at heart. I love the romance of history. The area of Maryland in which I live, is rife with history, from the French and Indian War, to the Revolution, to the Civil War on down. There are stories of heroes and heroines, noble Indians and brave settlers, missionaries, soldiers and battles. Famous men and women either lived here or came into the area, people such as George Washington, Thomas Johnson, Francis Scott Key, Barbara Fritchy, General George Braddock, and Stonewall Jackson. Behind my house is a line of blue mountains belonging to the Catoctins. One day while I was gazing at them, I tried to imagine what it must have been like in Frederick County two hundred plus years ago. I thought about how the valley was full of trees and farms, as well as plantations, and a small village called Fredericktowne. This inspired me to bring that era of time alive in a novel.

SPJ: Thank youRita, I can see how you would be inspired with suchrich history. How long did it take you to complete your work?

RITA: The story ruminated in my mind for several months back in 1994. It took about two years to write the book, and another year of rewriting and putting the manuscript together to send out to publishers. At that time I was shopping The Rebel's Pledge around to publishers and agents, and that took me away from the book off and on. I decided to write a sequel to Thorns In Eden and that also took two years.

SPJ: Are the characters fashioned after anyone you know?

RITA: No. My characters are totally imaginary.

SPJ: Your characters are so real to life, wonderfully portrayed. Who is your favorite character in this work and why?

RITA: That is a difficult question to answer. I always fall in love with my main characters from the start. If I had to narrow it down to a favorite, I would have to say Rebecah. From the start, her character is a woman balanced with wisdom and heart beyond her years. She is strong in the face of opposition and adversity. She does not internalize her pain completely, and she is not afraid to show her emotions. Eventually Rebecah is willing to yield to love, in spite of what her culture taught her.

I have to admit that it is difficult to separate John Nash from Rebecah's character. He is the ideal man, yet not without flaw. He is brave, handsome, and processes that Yankee sauciness that draws Rebecah to him. His pride, however, gets the best of him in his pursuit of Rebecah.

I think a lot of people today believe there was not much of a difference in the cultures of England and Colonial America back in 1773. At a closer look, there is a striking difference. In Thorns In Eden, and in the sequel The Everlasting Mountains, the reader will see how the two cultural moir�s affected Nash and Rebecah's relationship. I guess that is what I like about these two characters the most.

What makes a novel exciting is conflict. Drama and sensitive characterization bring romance and intrigue together in Thorns In Eden. Who really wants to read a story that is all conflict with no romance, or all romance and no conflict? Dialogue plays the most important role in achieving this. The dialogue between Nash and Rebecah had to be true to life and true to the scene. Where there is intrigue in the story, their lives are adversely affected. Love is what brings them through it. You will find a woman loving a man in spite of his past, his status, or rank. You will find a man who loves a woman to the point he would lay his life down for her. I love them for that.

SPJ: You did a great job Rita in achieving your goal. How much research did you do for your novel?

RITA: I did not keep a record of that, but as the story was growing in my mind, I read everything I could on the American Revolution and the years prior to it, as well as the historical accounts of those years in western Maryland. The research led me past the Wilderness of Maryland, into West Virginia, on to the Ohio River Valley.

In doing the research, I felt like I was digging for treasure, to find those hidden stories of things that have been long forgotten. When I read about the hardships that the settlers endured my interest was piqued immediately. Tears were in my eyes when I read the account of the massacre of Chief Logan's family and his poignant reply to the American leaders. I was stunned while reading the accounts of settlers massacred during the Indian uprising, and of the escape of one man who traveled back through the mountains in the dead of winter.In contrast to their lives, we are a spoiled nation. We do not really know the meaning of survival.

SPJ: What was the hardest part of writing your work and what was the most enjoyable?

RITA: The hardest thing in writing this work was having the patience to let the story unfold without rushing through it. Also I had to believe it was okay for me to work full time as a writer at home. In other words, a writer's life can be very isolated, and the pay lousy. I'm not doing what everyone else is doing. I'm not a soccer mom working at a nine to five career, making lots of money so I can buy more things. I am at home raising two boys, running a house, and living on a fixed budget. I had to believe that it is okay for me not to be doing what the "culture"says I must do in order to be successful in their eyes. Writing stories is a gift, and if I gave it up I would be throwing away one of the best things about my life.

I do not write from an outline. Instead I have a basic idea, a glimmer in my mind's eye of the story, I know who the main characters are, and then I start with Chapter one, line one and move forward. It is very exciting. The most enjoyable thing about writing is seeing a story unfold as I move through it, and then reaching the credenda where the last line is written. Also it is enjoyable to be doing what I love to do.

SPJ: I have to say Rita that your love of writing shines in your work! What do you think writing this book did for you as an author?

RITA: It helped me to grow as a writer and gain more self-confidence. Once I had finished the last line, I felt strangely humbled by the whole experience. I realized there are two paths a writer can take. You stand at a fork in the road once you complete a book. Either you can go the way of self-serving pride thinking you are someone above everyone else because you wrote a book. Or you can go the way of joyful humility that you been allowed to make a small contribution to the world, that you've been blessed with a talent that you can and should use to better people's lives even if it is only for a brief moment.

That sense of joyful humbleness is not a weakness but a strength. I am glad I have learned this. I have seen writers who once they have a contract in their hands to publish, they have stars and dollar signs in their eyes. They fall quickly. But the writers who love people, and write to enrich lives, are not affected by the lack of fame and fortune.

SPJ:That is a great outlook, one we should all have. What do you hope readers will walk away with after reading your work?

RITA: I hope that they will have a better sense of how people lived in that era and be thankful for their own lives. We should be grateful to the men and women, white, black, and Indian, who settled this country with their blood, sweat, and tears. I also hope that the reader will see how love is worth fighting for, and that forgiveness can only lead to a better, richer life.

SPJ: Did you experience writer's block in anyway and if so how did you overcome this?

RITA: I experience what I call "writer's pause"from time to time. It usually comes when there are a lot of distractions and bumps in the road of life. I have to set priorities. My family comes first, and when they need me, my writing can wait. The best way for me to overcome "the pause"is to just sit down, open my file and begin reading through the manuscript. I start editing here and there, and that gets the juices flowing. Music helps too. I love classical and it sets me in the mood. Reading good historical fiction, especially the classics, help to inspire and motivate me to get back to work. Some may not agree, but the first step is pray!

SPJ:I can say that I agree with you on your first step Rita! I know it helps! How many hours a day do you spend writing?

RITA: I usually write in the mornings when the house is quiet. But there are just as many demands now as there was when my boys were little. I have to pace myself through the day. I write and do the laundry while I write. All together I write for about three hours each morning. Sometimes it varies. My goal is write whenever I can write, and write as much as I can write in the time that I have.

SPJ: Do you have a special place where you write?

RITA:It's always at my desk in front of my computer. I keep pen and paper with me always, just in case something hits me.

SPJ: How long have you been an author?

RITA: I've been writing since 1989. I became a published author in 2000.

SPJ: Where do you hope to be as a writer in 3 years and what are you doing to obtain that goal?

RITA: Three years from now I hope I will have finished the novel that I am presently working on and have it published. I also hope to be working on another book that I have notes for. Eventually I want to publish a book of short stories about growing up in the suburbs of Washington. I have most of it written now. I also am hoping to teach in writers' workshops, and overcome my apprehension of public speaking.

To obtain these goals, I am simply taking one day at a time, working on my books, and walking through the doors that open up to me.

SPJ: I believe that you will achieve your goals! Do you have an agent?

RITA: No agent yet. I've tried, but the ones I have solicited have said their client lists are full. It is not easy finding a good agent.

SPJ:Yes, finding an agent can be as hard as finding a publisher. However, if an agent is reading this interview, I strongly suggest you take a look at Rita's work, you will not be sorry! Do you feel you will expand your writing into different genres and if so what will they be?

RITA: Most likely I will not. The only exception is my book of short stories. Otherwise, I will only write historical fiction. That might sound stifling to some people, but it is what I love to write.

SPJ:Do what you do best is a good rule of thumb, and you write historical fiction top notch! Did you find it difficult to find a publisher for your work and how long did it take you to obtain one?

RITA: The business side of publishing can be difficult. I had one editor tell me to add a lot of heavy sex and get rid of the protagonist in The Rebel's Pledge. In other words she wanted me to destroy the story I had worked so hard on, and I just couldn't do it. Another publisher was enthused about my book and sent me two pages of positive comments from their review board. However, they suggested additional chapters, and then I could send back the manuscript. I did a rewrite, and the manuscript was sent back to me with a rejection letter...a very unprofessional one, I might add.

So it is the business of queries and submissions that I dislike. But it comes with the territory, and I've had to accept that. There has been a few times where I wanted to give up sending my manuscript out. But I never really have ever wanted to give up on writing. I'm part Irish for goodness sake!

A writer has to overcome rejection, or it will get you down. When I realized that the right publisher at the right time would come along and accept my work, life got easier, I was at peace, and I kept writing. It took several years before I found a publisher, but it was worth the wait.

SPJ: What advice would you give to other authors looking for a publisher

RITA: Be patient with the work you do, with submissions, and with getting published. Be professional. Do not write for fame or fortune. Write because you love to write, even if it means never getting published. Make the writing number one, and the publication of your work number two. It's tough to break in and a new writer needs to know the realities of getting published and the work that follows. A lot of beginning writers have the misconception that they are going to be rich and famous. They believe it is wrong to think otherwise. Do not be quick to set yourself up for disappointment. Fame and fortune may not come when your books get published. What is important is that you are a writer and readers enjoy your work. Do not ever let fame and money be your motivation for being an author. If it is you are writing for the wrong reasons.

SPJ: Do you have other books published and do you have any in the works?

RITA: My first romantic historical novel, The Rebel's Pledge, was published in 2001, and has received five star reviews. At present I am preparing for the release of Thorns In Eden in July 2003. Following a few months later will be the sequel, The Everlasting Mountains. I am writing The Sacrifice, another historical novel. I go back to my short stories from time to time, and I have a pre-Civil War novel in the planning stages.

SPJ: Please use this space for any final words you would like to leave with our readers about yourself, your work, or anything pertaining to the publishing world.

RITA: Just one last word from me. If you haven't read The Rebel's Pledge and Thorns In Eden, I hope you do. Both books are turbulent, romantic historical novels that will keep you up all night until you've finished. And once you have finished Thorns In Eden, there is no doubt you will want to read the sequel The Everlasting Mountains.

SPJ: Thank you Rita for allowing me to review your books and for doing this interview with me. I feel you are a very talented author and know that we will be hearing a lot more about you and your writing in the future. My heart and prayers are with you! God's best and thank you again!

INTERVIEW WITH JOE GLASGOW OWNER/EDITOR OF JONA PUBLISHERS

JoNa is a small publisher that has a lot of promise for the future, please let's begin our interview.

SPJ:Thank you Joe for allowing me to do this interview with you. Please give us some background information on JoNa Publishing (Books), how it began and how long it has been in business.

JOE: JoNa Books began publishing in 1996. The business grew out of a short story zine we were publishing at the time titled "The Tale Spinner."It gave us a base of writers that developed into JoNa Books.

SPJ: Thank you, would you please tell us your position in the company and what your job entails?

JOE: I own and operate JoNa Books. A small publisher as with most small businesses ownerswears many hats. However, my main focus is finding talented hard working authors and market them. I make all the final decisions on marketing and books we will print.

SPJ: I know that is a heavy load, but I'm sure very interesting. Please tell us if you publish special genres or if you are open to all genres?

JOE: We publish World War II, Civil War, American military history, mysteries, sci-fi, true crime, and looking for more stories on the old west. We are willing to look at materials from all highly motivated authors.

SPJ: That's great, readers here is your chance! Now, I would like to get right to the meat of things that I know authors are interested in, would you please tell us about submissions?
What do you expect from a submission?

JOE: I feel the most important thing about submissions is being professional insubmitting us material. We recently had a manuscript that came in with dried mashed potatoes on the cover letter.

We like to see the first three chapters plus synopsis of the remainder of the book. A cover letter detailing experience of the author. When proposing a book we are especially intrigued by authors who take the time to tell us about the market and the role that can play in making their book a success.

SPJ: Yes, I would have to say that a mashed potato cover letter could be a real turn-off! Gross! So, you are open to new material?

JOE: Yes, we are always looking for new and marketable to material. In fact, we are expanding the number of titles we are printing over the next couple of years.

SPJ: That's great, tell us,what grabs your attention in a submission and what will totally turn you off, besides dried mashed potatoes?

JOE: What grabs my attention is well written material. Make me want to turn the page, and you have captured my attention.
Turn offs is writers who can't follow simple instructions. Sending electronic files without prior permission.

SPJ: Please tell us how important current trends are in accepting a manuscript?

JOE: It can be very important for novels, true crime and other books dealing with terrorism. If a major case is going to trial we can get the book out and available to maximize publicity.

SPJ: Do authors get a reply in a reasonable amount of time?

JOE: Yes, we try to answer within 21 days.

SPJ: That's really good, with some it is a wait of 6 to 8 months. May I askhow many submissions you receive in a month?

JOE: Currently, we are averaging 200 a month for 2003.

SPJ: And of thoseon the average how many do you accept?

JOE: We will accept approximately 25 manuscripts this for publishing in the fall 2003/spring 2004.We will be publishing 20 books this year with that growing to at least 25 in 2004.

SPJ: How do you handle rejections?

JOE: 75% get a form rejection letter.As much as we would like to give individual attention time doesn't allow us. If we have someone we feel is very close we will give a couple of quick paragraphs.

SPJ: Do you work with a standard literary contract?

JOE: Yes, our contract is a very standard.

SPJ: Does an author have to have an agent to submit to you?

JOE: We do not require authors to be agented.

SPJ: Exactly what is required of your authors concerning promoting their work?
JOE: We are looking for highly motivated authors. An author, who isn't content with just seeing their name on a bookcover. We look at it as a partnership, we will promote and do our best for your book, in turn we expect 100% effort from the author in promoting their book. We don't leave them hanging out to dry, we will promote and work to get them as much publicity as possible.

SPJ: That is very good, working together for thesuccess of the book. That must be very encouraging for your authors. I know some publishers do not have a return policy with bookstores, do you have one?

JOE: Yes, we have a return policy with all bookstores.

SPJ:Great! Tell us this please, do you have a distributor and are your books available (on shelf) in bookstores?

JOE: Most of our books are available at least on a regional basis in major bookstores. Currently, we have a lot of niche books that don't warrant national distribution, but all can be found regionally in major bookstores.

SPJ: Ebooks are becoming more and more popular, will you ever offer your books in ebook format as well, and what do you think of the ebook trend?

JOE: As an avid reader myself, I hate e-books. I would rather pay more for a book a bound book. E-books, no doubt will become a part of the publishing pie. To what extent, we may not know for another twenty years.

SPJ: Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
JOE: Yes

SPJ:Thank you, that always helps an author to have that information. Now, from acceptance to book in hand, how much time expires?

JOE: First, it would depend on how time critical the material is. Currently, we have a book in the works, ifa certain mob figure is indicted we will bring the book to market in time for trial. In most cases, it is 12-18 months.

SPJ: That sounds good! Let me ask you about cover art,do authors have a say so ?

JOE: Yes, we try incorporate their thoughts on the book cover. Our artist will present us with three choices (often more) at that point we work to get a final. The author is part of the discussions all along the way.

SPJ: One question that does concern some authors,are you a POD publisher?

JOE: No

SPJ: One final question please. Do you have a good working relationship with your authors and do they have a final say so in their books?

JOE: We have a very good working relationship with 90% of our writers. The other 10% fall into the category of unreasonable expectations. They didn't expect to have to be very involved in promotion of their work.

The one thing we offer to attract more experienced authors is editorial control of their projects.

We look at our projects as joint ventures between author and publisher. We want to do our best to make sure we give every book a chance to be a success.

SPJ: I want to thank Joe Glasgow for a wonderful interview. JoNa may be a small publisher but I seem to think they will go a long way.Please see a current review of one of their books, "Lawman to Outlaw"in this column. My best of luck toJoNa and to their authors. I look forward to reading and reviewing some more of their work in the future.

Shirley Johnson, Interviewer

CONTACT INFORMATION:

JoNa Books
1324 K St., Suite 17
P O Box 336
Bedford, IN 47421
www.kiva.net/~jonabook
jonabook@kiva.net

Shirley Johnson, Reviewer
http://users.starpower.net/rpkg/index.htm

Laurel's Bookshelf
Dead Reckoning
Gordon A. Kessler
Xlibris
www.xlibris.com
ISBN 1401026491 390 pages at $19.54

In this follow up to Jezebel, author Gordon Kessler takes excitement in a different direction. This time the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is hot on the trail of terrorists, drug smugglers, murderers and worse. There are traitors aboard the USS Atchison, and it's up to Navy Officer and NCIS Special AgentJanelle "Spurs"Sperling to ferret out the bad guys.

One serious problem is evident to Spurs from the beginning of her first undercover assignment. There doesn't really seem to BE any good guys aboard the Atchison. The man she believes to be her contact aboard ship is not exactly what he's cracked up to be on many levels. And the homosexual officer she has pegged as head of the murderous gang of terrorists also has a surprise or two up his sleeve.

Despite her inexperience, Spurs turns out to be a surprisingly savvy adversary. The action heats up and continues non stop onboard ship and in exotic ports of call as Spurs battles to survive and identify the enemy. She's a courageous but unwitting gamepiece, thrown into a deadly game on purpose, left to flounder or survive on her own. She has guts and is fully capable of taking "dead reckoning", if only shecan keep herself alivelong enough.

Those who enjoy adventure-thriller, millitary action ought to love this one. Recommended to mature readers due to strong language and some sexual content.

Take Charge! Proven Strategies to Improve Your Business and Reclaim Your Life Today!
David Showalter
East Point Press
www.eastpointconsulting.com
ISBN 0971792003 at $29.95 - 8.5x11 paperback
ISBN 0971792054 e-book

I rememberthe time - many decades ago - when the business philosophy outlined in this book was the norm and not the exception. In Take Charge! the author demonstrates quite clearly why he has achieved international personal and professional success.Mr. Showalter'scredentials are impressive and he speaks from long experience.

This book provides a beneficial framework for anyone who reads it, whether experienced in business or a novice with high hopes. One satisfied customer said David Showalter delivers more than he promises in Take Charge!. I wholeheartedly agree. This business module is based on fair, honest, and friendly service, the kind that puts customers first and keeps them coming back. In a series of 84 step-by-step lessons, presented in a reader friendly format, the author spells out simple strategies to increase profits and decrease personal stress. A random sampling of subjects includes:

How to remain focused on what is good in your life.

Resources to help you achieve your dreams.

Appreciation and empowerment.

Give the customer / client what they are REALLY paying for.

Leveraging the internet's power.

Nurturing positive relationships.

Managing capital, profits, debts.

Managing employees.

Dealing with problem customers.

Each lesson plan has a work sheet, and helpful recommended reading is included in the appendices. Remember, there are 84 step-by-step lessons presented sensibly and compassionately by a man who's carved his own niche using these tried and proven techniques. Showalter says right up front that his goal with this book is to foster healthier businesses and happier lives. He accomplishes that goal in spades, and delivers what he promises in Take Charge!

Recommended reading for business owners, or any person who believes their life and work should notbe dry and joyless.

Beats a Wild Heart
Jean Adams
Treble Heart Books
www.trebleheartbooks.com
ISBN 193174212X e-book at $5.00 download, $6.00 diskette - 246 pages
soon to be released in paperback at price $TBA

This was a terrific book! The author writes well, and Beats a Wild Heart is notthe typicalromance genre novel. The multilayered story was rich, well crafted, and heart warming. Let me say straight out, I loved this book.

Emma Hayward has the single minded dream of becoming a world class nature photographer. Excellence means more to this naieve American than money, although money would be nice too. Her goal is to do what her more experienced male counterparts have not accomplished -- to capture the fabled "beast of Bodmin Moor"on film. She finds Bodmin Moor in Cornwall UK to be daunting, it's swirling fogs and mists frightening. But nothing Bodmin Moor can offer is as threatening to Emma's plans as Seth Trevelyan.

Seth Trevelyan is a man who haslost all trust in others. Nearly every hope and dream has been crushed, save one last secret plan. Abandoned in childhood by his mother, labeled an unwanted bastard by his father, and betrayed by a faithless wife, Seth has given up on any hope of love or joy. When he discovers Emma lost and injured in the fog, he provides her with shelter and medical attention. The unworldly but empathetic Emma sees almost immediately a deep sorrow in the man, along with secrets he tries to hide.

Neither Seth nor Emma have the confidence or courage to face rejection in love. Uneasily, over time, theyshare past disappointments and future plans with the stark beauty of Bodmin Moor as a backdrop. Instrumental in their understanding of each other is the aging, lonely beast Emma seeks and the regretful mother Seth has shunned for years. Their attraction to each other inevitably progresses to lovemaking, but that intimacy only adds to their insecurity.

I said up front that Beats a Wild Heart is a heart warming story, and so it is. How Seth and Emmareach forhope, ease lingering doubts, and help realize each other's dreams is the uplifting message. Ms. Adams did a bang up job of giving her characters life and telling their story. I heartily recommend this book to romance readers everywhere.

Not for children due to strong sexual content.

America's Autopsy Report
John Kaminski
Dandelion Books
www.dandelionbooks.net
ISBN 1893302423 150 pg at $18.95 paperback

If only a tiny portion of this book's content is true, we need to change our way of thinking and living in this country before it's too late.This reviewer ishorrified to think that it may already BE too late. Be warned, readers. This book is chilling reading. I barely know where to begin or which salient point to stress. The author states that the best slaves are those who believe they are free, such as the citizens and taxpayers of the USA. Here are a few more points made in America's Autopsy Report:

The US Constitution, long a shining light to the world, was trashed by the Patriot Act and Homeland Security Act. Our freedoms have been stolen by bankers, arms makers, politicians, and big business, and no segment of society is safe from their plundering.

Our government has long been polluted by conspirators who labor tirelessly to enrich each other.

Citizens and politicians - the same sort of stalwart souls who decried the Nazi persecutions and atrocities and today point out Hussein's elimination of his own people - eliminated 60 million American Indians in the name of "manifest destiny."And they did not blink an eye or shed a tear while doing it.

The same people who instigate the wars control the media that brainwashes us each day.

The results of high level investigations into happenings of national concern are kept from those who fund them - the US taxpayers.

Our votes do not count. They have not counted for a long long time. We hide our heads, pursue our trivial desires, and hope someone will fix the mess we are in.

Where did AIDS really come from and why do medicines kill?

Who actually inflicted the wound of 9/11 on America? Did we need another "Pearl Harbor"event to justify new laws that inhibit freedon?
Is it really true? Have aristocratic human predators taken control of how we think and feel via schools, religion, politicians, big business, and the media? Is our situation hopeless? Benjamin Franklin once said, "We either all hang together or we all hang separately."Millions of Americans would have to "hang together"- to peacefully throng our nation's capital - before our elected officials would listen to us.

Just as an autopsy examines human systems part by part, so does the authorput our country under a microscope. You may not like what you discover, readers, but take a look anyway.

A Picture of Guilt
Libby Fischer Hellmann
Poisoned Pen Press
ISBN 1590580737 at $24.95 hard bound 313 pages
Berkley Prime Crime
ISBN 0425191079 at $6.50 mass paperback

In this follow up to her award winning first novel, An Eye for Murder, Ms. Hellmann has surpassed herself. A Picture of Guilt was a fast, engaging, and exciting read. If you enjoyed the author's first novel, you will love this one.

Ellie Foreman is back, along with daughter Rachel and attentive lover David Linden. This time, the honest and uncompromising Ellie gets dragged into a botched murder investigation. As the plot unfolds, and potential witnesses turn up dead, Ellie's world goes haywire. She's stalked by thugs with Mafia and Tong connections, dogged by police and FBI. And that is the least of her worries. The more information she uncovers, the more dangerous her life becomes. The full picture, once it is revealed, goes beyond dangerous and frightening.

I don't want to give this plot away. The story was well-crafted and intense, exciting and enticing right up to the last page. Murder-mystery-suspense readers will love this one. It's a must read.

LeFin: Book Four of the Lambert Series
Victoria Taylor Murray
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1591298741 $19.95 paperback

Reviewing the final book in the Lambert Series will be difficult. Those who have read the previous three books are no doubt like me, eager to learn the outcome of characters and storyline. I'll try not to give away too many secrets or surprises.

This time, Nouri Sommers is at loose ends. Her husband Ethan has been killed, leaving her a very wealthy widow. She and the sexy Homicide Detective Gabe Baldwin have had a serious falling out. Gabe comes completely unstrung over their differences and his acting out behavior takes a direction I did not anticipate. Her long time devoted friend and lover, Private InvestigatorCharles Mason, is slated to marry the mother of his son at last. And just when I had hopes that everything would be OK, Nouri is seriously injured in a car wreck.

One thing is certain. The author kept me hanging until the very end. All the loose ends were tied up and every question answered. Those readers who have been entertained by the series and anticipated with relish each new installment no doubt had the same questions I did. I'll list a few of the questions, but won't provide the answer. It's the least I can do.

Will Nouri ever be happy with a man who loves her? (That is, provided she survives the car wreck.)

Will Charles actually finally marry his fiancee and leave his love for Nouri behind?

Will Gabe straighten his act out and marry Nouri if she lives?

And what about high powered attorney Clint Chamberlain? Is he really dead? Will Nouri ever get him out of her system?

That's enough to contemplate for now. Victoria Taylor-Murray did a good job with this sexy suspense series. I wonder what she will come up with to tantalize her readers next?

Not recommended to those under 18 due to strong sexual content.

Friendly Enemies: Book Three of the Lambert Series
Victoria Taylor Murray
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1591298733 200 pages at $19.95 paperback

Friendly Enemies picks up where Forbidden left off. Homicide Detective Gabe Baldwin is still protecting Nouri Sommers from someone who wants her dead. Despite his growing love for Nouri, Gabe is still fighting what he considers "forbidden fruit"- giving in to his desire for a woman loved by his best friend. The disappearance of her husband, murders at Lambert, and knowing she has been betrayed by husband, friends, and loverstakesa harshtoll on Nouri. She's beginning to see a pattern to her life and does not necessarily like what she sees. The author does a good job of portraying Nouri's crisis of understanding.

Herwealthy perverted husband is still missing. From all evidence, his wealth has been ill-gotten by associating with evil men around the world. Her best friend is plotting with a vicious killer to end Nouri's life. The man she thought was the love of her life - Clint Chamberlain - is cavorting with a sexy beauty in France despite his recent protestations of undying love and promises to stop playing the field. And the man she is beginning to love refuses to make love with her out of loyalty to his friend and fear that she will break his heart. It's a frightening and frustrating time for Nouri.

A few more loose ends are connected in Book Three of the Lambert Series. Nouri inches closer to what may possibly be genuine love. The devoted men in her life tolerate each other as "friendly enemies"to safeguard Nouri and her fortune. And readers are left wondering what the clincher will be in the final chapter, Le Fin. Until then, Ms. Murray keeps us all hanging, waiting foranswers and wondering at the outcome. Friendly Enemies is recommended for mature readers due to sexual situations.

Jezebel
Gordon Kessler
Xlibris
www.xlibris.com
ISBN 0738841234 385 pages at $19.54 paperback

Gordon Kessler has crafted himself one fine, scary thriller in Jezebel.

The fact that this scenario actually could happen made it all the more frightening to me. I couldn't help but think while reading it what a good movie it would make. All the ingredients are at hand: interesting characters, with non-stop fright and suspense that plays well against the Heartland locale. The prologue alone was enough to make my hair stand on end.

Tony Parker is the very-married hero with a devoted wife, two small children, and a St. Bernard to round out his life. Financial problems forced him to drop out of college one year short of his veterinary degree and he sees no way of completing that schooling any time soon. Despite that, Tony has made a good living for himself as Animal Control Officer of Sedgwick County Kansas and the City of Wichita. He's an organized and efficient boss with a deep love and respect for animals and is well respected by his supervisors and peers. The worst danger he has to face is an occastional bitefrom an animal that might be rabid. Itwould beanidyllicset upif not for a couple unanticipated complications.

Complication one. Tony's a good looking guy, a fact not overlooked by his young assistant Sarah Hill. She's made seducing the devoted family man her number one priority. Tony loves his wife and is not the play-around type, but a little of the zip HAS gone out of his marriage and Sarah IS an eyeful and well, Tony is only human. Sarah's selfish attempts at seduction turn outto be notso entertainingwhen all is said and done.

Complication two. People in Wichita and the surrounding area are dying horrible deaths unexpectedly, ripped to pieces by family pets. With each new grisly discovery, Tony's reputation as a professional goes from bad to worse. His job is on the line and solutions to the mystery escape him. Soon the nightmares begin, of Jezebel the huge demented demon dog that stalks Wichita. His behavior starts to change, as he suffers with the symptoms of what may turn out to be a fatal illness. One by one his closest friends are attacked and Tony fears his family will be next.Who or what has brought this horror to Tony and Wichita, and why?

Jezebel is a heart pounding, adrenaline pumping story and Mr. Kessler writes well. I recommend it toadults who enjoy suspense and fright. Not recommendedfor anyone under 18 due to sexual situations and grisly descriptions of violent death.

Alex 'n Bender
C.H. Foertmeyer
iUniverse
www.iuniverse.com
ISBN 0595265413 175 pages at $13.95 paperback

This is the fourth book I've read by C.H. Foertmeyer and it won't be the last. His books are always imaginative and well written, complete with excitement, danger, and life lessons as a subtle part of every story.

Alex Carey and Bender Baxter are teenage friends. They live in a small Idaho town bordering on forested wilderness. One day while swimming in the river, Alex drowns and Bender cannot save him. An unexpected and miraculous rescueoccurs, and Alex is discovered alive days later. Both boys set out to findwhoeversaved Alex from death. Their search takes them deep into primeval forest, and a world no one could possibly believe exists today.

Jubel Owens is a hermit like his father before him. Half Indian and half white, he prefers his life in the peaceful forest, away from the modern world. Still, he befriends Alex and Bender and helps them understand the mystery they uncover on their trek.

The Atiri are throwbacks to an ancient time before the white man threatened their existence. Although different from native Indians and modern man, the Atiri have their own language and way of life, are compassionate and devoted to their families. Jubel, Alex, and Bender finally meet Bersh, the male Atiri who rescued Alex and nursed him back to health. Bersh has a wife named Brish, and a son named Besh. The adventure proceeds as planned until two teenagers named Dirk and Carter stumble onto Besh and shoot him. From that point, less than kindly townfolk get involved in searching for the Atiri. Jubel and his young friends have their hands full in protecting the Atiri and preventing the world from invading their home.

Along the way, lives and attitudes are changed. New alliances and friendships are formed. And good behavior wins out over bad. With C.H. Foertmeyer, each book is a new adventure. The American wilderness and human nature are portrayed as what they were and are. This author's books are appropriate for both adult and young adult readers. The occasional mild expletive does not detract from the message. Highly recommended, as are all this award winning author's books.

How Did That Sun Get Out
Roger Burkholder
iUniverse
www.iuniverse.com
ISBN 0595001579 486 pages at $22.95 paperback

The author is a writer, artist, and pacifist who incorporateslong heldnon-violentbeliefs into his work. Science, art, and the humanities are woven skillfully into this fictional story of learning, maturing, and friendship. His well-developed characters represent the first generation who realized destruction of all life on Earth has become possible through nuclear means.

C.J. Rongo is theinquisitive, idealistic progeny of an equally idealistic father who died young. C.J.'s father seemingly wills himself to die in the years following his military service. In a poignant letter to his toddler son - saved for C.J. to read as he starts college - the elder Rongo states his generation has increased evil by glorifying war and abandoned the decency of their futures. The college age C.J. has difficulty verbalizing an endless stream of thoughts, scientific ideas, and life questions but he is far from ignorant. Chapter One was difficult to follow at first, until I realized that this was my introduction to C.J. and his inability to express himself with eloquence.

The character of Colin Tsampas is introduced quite effectivelythrough journal writings kept from 1945 through 1975. Colin is at first a student of psychiatry and then a practicing psychiatrist who simply cannot accept the times in which he lives. He questions why mankinddoes not create life enhancing opportunities with and for each other. His goal as a psychiatrist is to teach people how to be friends, how to care for one another, and how to love enduringly - traits seldom dealt with in human literature or education.

Jack Tane is a law student struggling to make sense out of a world he cannot believe in. His father is successful, old fashioned in the sense that he is an unquestioning patriot who supports political intrigue, war, and the American way of life to a maddening degree. Jack's family life has been superficial, an endless empty charade.Jack finds hisupper middle class life unacceptable, andbegins to question the wisdom of perpetuating such a life through the practice of law. He feels no way of life could be good and necessary enough to protect with such savage possibilities - nuclear weapons.

Leah Tetrao isethereally lovely, desperate to make a lasting mark on the world through personal expression. When acting does not produce the results she seeks, Leah turns to art as her medium. Her parents are supportive, but their impending divorce is the final straw in an already unpredictable world. The world she hoped to influencethrough her creativity no longer exists.

Leah, C.J., Colin, and Jack are thrown together in sometimes uneasy alliances as they all four separately and together seek an acceptable reality. Goals and hopes are thrown off balance in the turmoil that was the 1960s in America. The looming threat of nuclear holocaust, the snuffing out in rapid succession of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and the VietNam conflict take a lasting toll on four friends who cannot or will not adapt to such national horrors.

C.J. does not want to take courses in subjects he cannot personally care about. He finds life too complicated and drops out of one course after another. His relationship with Leah suffers because of his confusion.

Colin lives in despair due to his belief that man should be fighting the enemies we all share - hunger, cold, disease - instead of destroying each other. Jack's mind and healthare nearly destoyed by his dawning realization that he cannot change the world, and learning an awful truth about his family. In C.J.'s practical approach to life and living, Jack finally finds personal peace. Leah finds her own peace in solitary protest, motherhood,and artistic expression.

I found How Did That Sun Get Out to be engrossing in a cryptic way I cannot explain. The characters were well developed and the writing sometimes breath taking. But nothing has really changed since the 1960s, politically or otherwise. War machines still make war seem patriotic and right. Despite medical and scientific advances, humans still suffer disease and starvation in a world awash in money, medicine,and food. I could not help but wonder at the end of this book, what C.J., Jack, Colin, and Leah must be thinking today.

Reviewer's note: The author has created distinctive and colorful paintings depicting various passagesfrom his book. See these paintings and read book excerpts at www.rogerburkholder.com.

Democracy Under Siege: The Jesuits' Attempt to Destroy the Popular Government of the Unites States, The True Story of Abraham Lincoln's Death
C. T. Wilcox
ISBN 1893302318 292 pages at $23.95 paperback

The subtitle of Democracy Under Siege states the information contained within was banned for over 100 years. Through letters and clippings of the period, plus detailed court records and footnotes, the author reveals this disquieting history. The history discussed in this book explains, perhaps in part, why the founders of our constitution were so adamant about the separation of church and state. Theauthor laid out his beginning groundwork quite effectively, step by step, with footnotes to prove each point:

The Society of Jesuits was banished by Pope Clement in the 18th century and reinstated by the Congress of Vienna in the 19th century.

The Congress of Vienna at that time struck down the rights on which the USA was founded - a free press, a representative government, and separation of Church and State.

Jesuit history, philosophy, and oaths are not Christ-serving

The Jesuits are a society of hand chosen warrior priests who serve both short and long term goals of the Papacy.

As a group, the Jesuit's methods are so effective that Heinrich Himmler used the order as a model for his Nazi SS.

The conspiracies surrounding theassassination of President Lincoln, and the failed or successful assassinations of other presidents and politicos are numerous and well documented. There were, however, other revelations that gave me pause. One quote, in particular, struck a chilling and familiar chord. This quote was taken from Fifty Years in the Church of Rome by Charles Chiniquy, and refers to long term goals of the Jesuits.

"What does a skillful general do when he wants to
conquer a country? Does he scatter his soldiers
over the farmlands and spend their energy in
plowing the fields? NO! He keeps them close to
his flanks and marching towards the strongholds of
the rich and powerful cities. The farming countries
then submit and become the price of this victory
without moving a finger to subdue them."

This quote brought to me a vision of our modern day cities - decaying and crime ridden - and our family farmsdecimated and lost in the modern financial and political shuffle.

All in all, this book was a sobering experience on many levels. I thought it an interesting aside that "spin doctors"existed long before the 20th century. The spin, smoke and mirrors, and whitewash coatingsapplied tothe historical events in this book are up there with anything modern times might offer. Read Democracy Under Siege. Read it carefully and with an open mind. Ifyou doubt the facts as documented, a simple check of the footnotes one by oneshould tell the story.

Return to Suicide
Allison Pollack Alexander
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1588512231 119 pages at $19.95 paperback

With simple dialog and stark passages reminiscent of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, Ms. Alexander takes us into Addie Myers' life. Neither story nor setting is pretty, but somehow this reader was enriched by the telling.

Addie Myers is a scrawny ten year old orphan, dumped off on a brutish uncle in the early years of the dust bowl and depression. Uncle Ira offers no creature comforts, no hope, and very little food to keep an unloved child alive. And the good folks of Suicide Oklahoma prefer not to get involved. Staunch Christian souls that they are, they know Addie's history and that her future will no doubt be as suspect as her past. The hand of friendship is extended only by Miss Eleanor at the general store, and an awkward boy named Tom.

What little hope Tom has for a promising life away from Suicide is shattered in his youth. And Addie lives a bare existence, trying to stay out of her loutish uncle's reach as she comes of age. With nowhere to go and no one to guide or protect her, Addiesilently seeksacceptance in thefields, birds, and animals, the prairie winds and skies.

Spare blessings come in the form ofTom'slove for a wild girl and herblossoming tothe only tenderness she's ever known. Not even the revelation of dark secrets or theshocking end of Return to Suicide negates the sweetness Tom and Addie share for a brief time. I congratulate the author for making this story work, for bringing a sense of beauty out of hopelessness and dust.

Family Bound
Carrie Ostrea
iUniverse
www.iuniverse.com
ISBN 0595274293 186 pages at $17.95 paperback

Infertility is a heart breaking and sometimes unexplainable condition shared by more than two million couples in this country alone. Those are staggering statistics, and for couples seeking information a confusing and discouraging maze awaits.In Family Bound, Carrie Ostrea lights a beacon that will serve as not only guide but encouragement to childless couples.

The information Carrie Ostreaprovides is honest and compelling. The hopes and struggles she and her husband share are sometimes painfully candid. And thediagnostic testing, the medication effects, and fertilization procedures this couple braves is certainly not for the faint of heart. Unpleasant and painful experiences aside, the financialcost alone would be enough to discourage most couples.

This is an effective "how-to"manual with a personal touch. Carrierecords their experiences through each step of the process towards parenthood. From Clomid therapy to artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization to domestic and foreign adoption, each success and failure along the way is clearly documented, as is the emotional roler coaster this couple rides.

Family Bound should be mandatory reading for infertile couples contemplating treatment courses or adoption. Those wanting further information can check out www.familybound.com.

Wings of Love
Jewel Stone
Wings Press
www.wings-press.com
ISBN 1590881893 e-book and 1590888499 paperback
e-book $6.00 per download - 320 pages paperback at $10.95

Abigail Harper Gallagher thought she closed the door on her past when she walked out on her marriage after three years. Phillip Gallagher was the love of her life, her husband and only lover, but she could not bear playing second fiddle to his work. Having only the remnants of him left over at the end of his dayis not enough for Abigail. She leaves New York City, makes a cleaner, fuller life for herself in the Cascade Mountains, and becomes the best selling novelist, Desiree Love.

When Phillip turns up on the doorstep of her mountain home, near death from exposure after his SUV slides off the road, Abigail believes he's come in search of her. And Phillip still adores the very air she breathes. Neither has filed for divorce. They ARE still married after all and snowed in together. So, nature takes a most delightful course for several weeks. Making love and plenty of it is all they have to fill their nights and days as snow piles up outside. It's idyllic, until old hurts and misunderstandings resurface and Abigail figures out that Phillip is in the mountains looking for Desiree Love, not her. His career is back at center stage and the lovers'life resumes its rocky path.

This well written romance has terrific characters. Phillip is to die for, but can he prove to Abigail that she's more important than his job aspirations? And Abigail is the epitome ofa young innocent girl who has maturedinto a self sustaining woman. Can she maintain her momentum without Phillip, especially after he comes back into her life with such heated devotion? I suggest you read the book if you want answers.

Wings of Love is for mature readers due to the strong sexual content that drives this romance.

The Immortalists
Richard Cummings
Inprint
www.inprint.com
ISBN 1588640108 213 pages at $19.95 paperback

Surrealistic and quixotic are descriptive terms that came to mind as I read The Immortalists. But the contemporary issues were real enough and the characters clearly defined in this work of fiction.

Joe Forcione is wealthy, successful, living his dream life in the East Hamptoms with a young and sexy wife. He's proud of his palatial beach home and pleased that his investments have accumulated into the multi millions. But Joe is sixty. The vicissitudes of age are taking over. He turns to a phallic implant and viagra to offset his impotence,consults a priest dispensing healing miracles for dental bone loss, but what can Joe doto achieveimmortality? He does not want to die. Of all spectres, past or present, Joe Forcione fears death.

Joe's quest - and a large chunk of his money - takes him around the world. He has sheep gland injections in an exclusive Swiss clinic and invests in various life enhancing or prolonging techniques. Perhaps he can escape death through cryogenics or cloning! The sky's the limit if you have the cash to buy it. Joe's mood improves along with his hope of finding eternal youth and escaping death. Soon he has a pregnant wife and mistress, an increasing sexual appetite encouraged by a wandering eye, and a whole new set of problems to resolve.

The characters in this book are not caricatures. Joe Forcioneis a typical American in search of ever increasing wealth and all the trappings money can buy. AndI particularly liked Father McDermott, the healing priest with feet of clay, who moonlights as an actor and enjoys quality time with his mistress every chance he gets. There is humor in this book as well as surrealistic science fiction, and an underlying truth that allhumansmust eventually face. Nothing is permanent.

Recommended for mature audiences due to strong sexual content.

The Green Moon
Donna Conger
Port Town Publishing
www.porttownpublishing.bigstep.com
ISBN 097498333X 233 pages at $9.95 paperback

It's the 25th century. Mankind has eliminated the need for landfills and recycling by outlawing paper and plastic. Mass communication is accomplished by Mind Effacers - electronic devices. Cities are protected from pollution and atmospheric anomalies by domes. Hereditary and sexually transmitted diseases arenon existentbecause humans no longer perpetuate the species via traditional means. Everything is clean, well-ordered, sanitary, simplified by law. Full land rights have been restored to all Native American tribes and they have been given the honor and respect they deserve. The world has finally established a Utopian society.

Shawnee Walters is the last known surviving Native American of pure Shawano lineage. She has the day vision of a hawk and the night vision of a cat. Because of her extraordinary mental acuity and heightened senses, she has been elected to oversee the North American Mind Efface program. She is thoroughly indoctrinated into the 25th century way of order and governs with an iron hand. When she is kidnapped by the infamous rebel leader, Michael Che, Shawnee is dragged into a harsh environment outside the safety of her dome.His unprotectedworld is very different from her own. Michael is tall, strong, rugged, and desirous of a mate. He wants Shawnee, and he does not have in mind a DNA exchange under sterile lab conditions. Michael is determined that Shawnee will learn the truth about her artificially perfect world, including the lie that sex is unpleasant,unnecessary and bad. Villainy and subterfuge have set the world on a destructive course. Will Shawnee see the truth before the lie has gone too far?

This is an imaginative story with strong lead characters who have the world's good at heart. At every turn, Ms. Conger has surprises for us. Like, where did Michael Che really come from? What makes Shawnee's world less perfect than it seems? Where can they turn and who will provide the answers to dilemmas Shawnee and Michael need to solve?
I suggest you read the book and find out. Recommended to mature readers due to sexual content.

Cast a Cold Eye
Robert Louis Gideon
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1591296102 410 pages at $29.95 paperback

"Begin a war, you unchain hell."Mafia Capo Rienzi unwittingly begins the war, and hell is unchained in therolling Kansasgrasslands and sprawling prairie city of Wichita. Retired Special Forces Captain Ben Donovan runs across a failed hit on Rienzi's drug and money operation outside Wichita. Donovan consults his long time pal, Ritter Vanlaar, a retired Special Forces Major. Donovan and Vanlaar are black ops specialists,warriors of organized perfectionwho can and will do whatever is required to complete a mission or a goal.

Our heroes are strapping corn fed Kansasmales who don't take kindly to "Cocaine Cowboys"ordemented misfits dirtying their home ground. They are soon up to their winning smiles in unsavory sociopaths, foreign forces of assorted nationalities, the KGB, and a vicious deviant named The Yellow Rose. The lovely Yellow Rose has parlayed her mob connections intoa successful Great Plains drug trade and she doesn't suffer competition gladly. Then there are the dirty cops, one of which has taken sexual sadism to new lows. Unfortunately for this twisted cop-sadist, both Donovan and Vanlaar are men who genuinely like women. Very soon, the "foul smelling brown stuff begins to hit the whirring blades"in Wichita.

Mr. Gideon does a fine job of off setting violence with humor and giving his characters life. Donovan and Vanlaar are as boyishly appealing as they are coldly ruthless when the chips are down. These retired warriors have lost none of their potency in love or in war. Samantha Warfieldis especially believableas Vanlaar's long time one true love. Kat Killeloe his current mistressis the type who fits well with such a man and her father Black Jack Killeloe is a delightful Irish rogue.

Cast a Cold Eyegoes beyond being a macho romp, although it is that. The bad guys are so unsavory that their grisly and horrible ends met in the form of planned reprisal seem well-deserved.Unapologetic good guys take delight in meting out such harsh reprisals.

It's an exciting read and would make a whopper of a movie. I cannot recommend it for those under 18 and sensitive adults due to graphic violence, implied sexual sadism, and adult sexual situations.

The Snakeman Cometh
Allison Pollack Alexander
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com
ISBN 1592869629 108 pages at $16.95 paperback

Once in awhile I read a book of such eloquence, so beautiful in its simplicity, that emotion overwhelms me. The Snakeman Cometh is such a book. Set in the rugged Cumberland Mountains, with the Daniel Boone National Forest as its backdrop, the author's tale is both poignant and disturbing.

Jolene Mosley is a "coltish ten year-old"when the snake handling Reverend Browning makes his first appearaance in her Appalachian mining town. It's the 1940's. Mining is mostly all the menfolk know, while their women stay home to cook, clean, and raise a passle of kids. Life is simple but hard. It doesn't take the charismatic Reverend long to bring his flock around to his way of thinking. Religious dogma, harsh rules, and even harsher judgments become the accepted way of life with Browning and his version of God presiding. All enthusiasm, every individual behavior is drummed out of Browning's followers, including Jolene. She lives the life of all True Believers. No books, except the Bible, and no fun allowed in their colorless existence. Her curious mind and outspoken personalityhave beenblunted as she reaches a joyless adolescence.

And then the good Reverend's nephew Russell Nash comes to town. Recently released from prison, Russell is a past victim of Browning's voracious quest for power. The young stranger has a good heart, a quiet way about him, but rejects his uncle's harsh ways. When Nash's budding friendship with Jolene blossoms into tender concern, and then desire, life among the True Believers is turned upside down.

Throughout, I worried for Jolene, wondering who would cause her downfall first - the snake handling Reverend or her sex crazed brother. The plans Browning has for her are chilling, moreso because her parents go along with it. With Russell Nash as the one kindly presence in her drab life, she devises a desperate way to escape cruel fate.

Despite the simple telling of this story, The Snakeman Cometh was a devastating read. The author's character development and the purity of her prose took my breath. Ms. Alexander has two previously published books: Return to Suicide and Dance of the Misbegotten. I look forward to reading them both with the greatest anticipation.

This book has harsh themes, but is appropriate for adults and mature adolescents. I recommend it with enthusiasm.

David Showalter is a successful businessman with an excellent "how to"handbook slated for release in June 2003: Take Charge - Proven Strategies to Improve Your Business and Reclaim Your Life Today! I was impressed by the book, theman and his philosphy and thought his credo well worth sharing in an interview.

LJ for MBR: Thank you for talking with me, David. I'll start by saying that you believe life and work should not be dry and joyless. The steps you've taken to ensure that in your own life are clearly stated in the book. Why is it important to you that others learn your techniques?

DAVID: That is a very deep and personal question for me. Let me try to answer it the best I can.

I believe that God wants every one of us to succeed, and experience joy in the process. Perhaps more importantly, I believe that He provided each one of us with all that we need to do just that. Now, that should make a no-brainer situation, because everyone of us wants to be both happy and successful! So if we have what we need, and the blessing of our creator to go out and do it, then it should be easy, right?

Well, as we work toward this critical goal, we tend to get caught in traps. We listen to other people tell us what our dreams should be, instead of our own hearts. Family members, partners, kids, friends, parents, society, TV, bosses, you name it they all have their own ideas of what we should be doing with our lives, and what constitutes "success."Usually their ideas focus on what's best for them, not us. Yet we listen, and get trapped, and these traps can last years, decades, even a lifetime.

I have experienced that hopeless despair and self-loathing that go with living a life, even a successful one, that doesn't fit with what I want, need or believe. That's not success, no matter what your bank account says. When there's no passion for what you do, then there is no success. What I have tried to teach in Take Charge is that life doesn't have to be that way. One can live a successful life of abundance and joy, pay the bills, and love every minute of what they're doing for a career at the same time. It simply takes work and sacrifice, and a commitment to being who you truly are, without compromise.

The book started as a way to simply reach out and help others that were suffering as I had been, then turned into a money-maker, and has now come full circle to where I am more interested in people benefiting from the information provided then in making millions of sales. And that is again because I truly believe that it is God's will for all of us to be both successful and happy. Thankfully, many people have clearly benefited from Take Charge, and I've received many wonderful letters thanking me for both the book and the East Point Consulting website.

LJ for MBR: You wanted Take Charge to be especially appealing to libraries and worked with a specialist towards that end. Tell us what this process entailed from your perspective.

DAVID: Yes, it has been an extremely high priority to get Take Charge into public and university libraries. During the years I was undergoing my own personal "hell"at work, I searched relentlessly for books to help me improve my situation in libraries and bookstores all over my area, and found nothing. Lots of great books on marketing, management, and self esteem, but nothing that summed it all up and provided a step-by-step plan for me to make not only my business more successful, (which it already was), but my personal and especially my family life better.

As an avid reader and extremely self motivated person, I found it incredibly frustrating that I couldn't find any materials to help me solve my crisis without having to hire a professional consultant or counselor, both of which I eventually had to do, with effective but unbelievably expensive results. I created Take Charge to fill that gap, and I know from experience that there are just millions of small business owners who will benefit from this book being placed on their local library's shelf.

If in fact East Point Press never sells another copy of Take Charge, but it appears in every library in the country, then we've accomplished our goal as far as I'm concerned, (although our accountant will surely take another view!). The book is totally unique in the marketplace, and fills that important niche that no other book does.

In order to make the book a "must have"for libraries nationwide, we contracted with a professional editor who serves on the library board in her state. Wow, was she marvelous! She not only edited the book and provided us with some incredible improvements to its format, but she also shopped the book to librarians across her region to get their feedback on the book's content, format, you name it.

We incorporated all of their suggestions, bar none, and feel that the book is now indeed tailor made for the library market. Some of the ideas we incorp

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