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MBR Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 7 July 2005 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Bookshelf Harold's Bookshelf Klausner's Bookshelf

Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf Shirley's Bookshelf

Vicki's Bookshelf

Donovan's Bookshelf
Internet Piracy
James D. Torr, Book Editor
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0737723289 $28.70 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Here's another Greenwood title geared/intended for a young audience with high relevance and recommendation for ESL and low-reader adults. INTERNET PIRACY focuses on the primarily-music piracy going on in the industry, with contributors providing essays inspecting the underlying issues on both sides. These pro/con arguments provide clear discussions any reader can use to aid in personal determination of ethical behavior. An important set of concerns related in exceptionally clear language for a young adult audience becomes acceptable to adults too in INTERNET PIRACY.

Folk Music
Norm Cohen
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313328722 $75.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Joining others in Greenwood's excellent college-level history series 'Guides to American Roots Music', FOLK MUSIC: A REGIONAL EXPLORATION covers all aspects of American folk traditions, from differing styles ranging from blues ballads to hollers and erotic songs, to instruments, regional differences in folk music, and the evolution of songs. A thorough exploration of major and minor genres and sub-genres keeps FOLK MUSIC an in-depth study worthy of college-level classroom attention for any American music history course.

Multiculturalism in the United States
John D. Buenker & Lorman Ratner, Eds.
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313324042 $75.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

If MULTICULTURALISM IN THE UNITED STATES: A COMPARATIVE GUIDE TO ACCULTURATION AND ETHNICITY sounds familiar, that's because it here appears in a revised, expanded edition to update ideas initially presented twelve years ago. There've been numerous shifts in immigration patterns and immigrant makeup during that time, and seventeen essays provide comparative tools for reference. Seven new ethnic groups - Arabs, Haitians, Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos, Asian Indians and Dominicans - are added to this edition to round out new essays on the other groups, and expanded essays which remain. An outstanding college-level reference.

The Establishment of the Han Empire and Imperial China
Grant Hardy & Anne Behnke Kinney
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
031332588X $45.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

China's Han Dynasty created a prosperous empire from 206 BCE to CE 221, promoting a less harsh society than that of their Quin predecessors and developing technological advancements from the water mill to stoneware and paper. From elements of social change in Han times to kingdom problems and issues, its role in world society and politics, and its importance in establishing centralized control in Asia, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HAN EMPIRE AND IMPERIAL CHINA is essential reading for any college-level scholar who would understand the importance of this developmental period.

Bioethics and Medical Issues In Literature
Mahala Yates Stripling
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313320403 $49.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Advances in science have brought with them their own unique ethical and medical dilemmas, bringing the discipline of philosophy directly into the world of science. Students from high school to pre-med receive a well-rounded introduction to literary references to bioethical questions, from the beings created by technology to illness and end of life issues. Topics for oral or written discussion accompany synopses of plots.

The Scientific Revolution and The Foundations of Modern Science
Wilbur Applebaum
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313323143 $45.00 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Joining others in Greenwood's 'Guides to Historic Events, 1500-1900' , THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN SCIENCE is a recommended pick for both high school and college-level library holdings, reviewing connections between science and philosophy from 1500 to 1700, a period which created the foundations for the modern science we know today. Chapters survey changing scientific ideas, key individuals who fostered these changes, and changing methods for knowledge's advancement.

American Indian Food
Linda Murray Berzok
Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
0313329893 $49.95 1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Relatively few titles have been written covering American Indian Foods; much less in depth: this fact makes all the more valuable Linda Berzok's in-depth coverage of the history of American Indian foods and traditions. From how foods were gathered, prepared and stored to changing recipes, newly added foods, and food customs and traditions, AMERICAN INDIAN FOOD is an important coverage.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Four fine new titles are college-level recommendations and are also picks high school libraries can use: each diverse topic provides an excellent historical background and introduction. Robert P. Sutton's MODERN AMERICAN COMMUNES: A DICTIONARY (0313321817, $65.00) surveys utopian communities around the country, providing historical overviews of 20th century US communes covering their beliefs, key founders, and history. An A-Z reference makes it easy to look up individuals or communes alike. Recommended for social science reference holdings. Norman Pounds' THE MEDIEVAL CITY (0313324980, $45.00) will find its place in many a high school library as well, joining others in the 'Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Medieval World' series in covering Medieval life in cities and towns. From dangers of everyday living to different aspects of religious and social life, chapters use annotated primary documents and descriptions to lend authenticity to a coverage perfect for school research projects. H. Roger Grant's THE RAILROAD: THE LIFE STORY OF A TECHNOLOGY (0313330794, $45.00) and Eric G. Swedin and David L. Ferro's COMPUTERS: THE LIFE STORY OF A TECHNOLOGY (0313331499, $45.00) each belong to Greenwood's 'Technographies' series. High school students in particular will find these quick references provide easy consultation on the 'life story' of each technology's evolution, covering different generations of computers and trains, surveying their importance in American lives, and following key changes and events. All are excellent references, highly recommended.

Greenwood Press
PO Box 5007, Westport, CT 06881-5007
1-800-225-5800 www.greenwood.com

Two important, very different references are recommended college-level picks. New to the 'Exploring Social Issues Through Literature' series is Charles E. Wilson Jr.'s RACE AND RACISM IN LITERATURE (031332820X, $49.95), examining major writings which have addressed race issues, from Native Son and The Chosen to House on Mango Street. The focus on selected novels allows for not just plot summaries and critical commentary, but for a review of the book's history and analysis of how racism is portrayed. THE EZRA POUND ENCYCLOPEDIA by Demetres P. Tryphonopoulos and Stephen J. Adams (0313304483, $125.00) is a recommended pick for specialty college collections: Pound's work changed the course of poetry and made him one of the 20th century's greatest writers, and here are hundreds of A-Z entries referencing his works, influences, and interests. About a hundred expert contributors provide entries perfect for quick reference, many quite detailed and lengthy, which will also lend to student papers.

Diane C. Donovan
West Coast Editor

Harold's Bookshelf
Linux Network Security
Peter G. Smith
Charles River Media, Inc.
10 Downer Avenue Hingham, MA 02043
ISBN: 1584503963 $49.95 492 p.

If you are a network administrator who needs to get a quick handle on Linux security this would be a very good choice. It covers the basics of security in general (weak passwords, key logging, Trojans, network topology, etc.) as well as security issues that are specific to Linux.

It does a good job of explaining how Iptables are used in a firewall and how to tune the network. Linux Network Security does appear to thoroughly cover all the basic system security considerations including the passwd file, shadowing, enforcing security, using PAM, and SUDO security. The best part of the book is when the author gets to how to choose an appropriate distribution, use a chroot jail, and protect memory.

In addition to the basic Linux security common to all distributions the author discusses role based access control, the Linux Intrusion Detection System, and the secure Linux distribution SeLinux. The book ends with sections on securing the most common services for Linux - Apache, SSH, NFS, NIS, DNS, BIND, and FTP. It also includes a section on keeping your system secure using Tripwire.

If you need additional help on specific issues there are six appendixes which cover recompiling the kernel, kernel configuration for networking, firewall scripts, and cryptography. This book is obviously intended for the Linux network administrator, but the level of knowledge assumed is somewhat confusing. For some pieces it seems to assume no prior knowledge (like Chapters 1 and 2) and for other areas it seems to assume some basic prior understanding of Linux (although admittedly minimal). Keep in mind that there are whole books on some of these items (like securing Apache) so there is obviously much more detailed information available if you have a specific need. Linux Network Security is highly recommended to network administrators who are dealing with a basic file and print sharing network or who need a solid overview of Linux security and some of the security problems with common services.

Assembling Panoramic Photos
Bertrand Bodin, Arnaud Frich, Albert Lemoine
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596009755 $19.95 96 p.

If you have ever wanted to try your hand at creating panoramic photographs but just didn't know where to start or have had a hard time getting it right then this book is for you. It details the process from how to compose and shoot the pictures, digitize them, assemble, and retouching them to create your final composition. Some of the examples include unique point of view projects like "Urban Sphere" where the 360 degree panorama appears as the surface of a sphere. You should be warned that all the techniques illustrated are done using Adobe Photoshop software. So, if you are planning to follow along then you will need a copy of Photoshop. Written by nine leading French artists, Assembling Panoramic Photos is excellently done, lavishly illustrated and details the various techniques used to achieve masterful results.

Don't Click on the Blue e!
Scott Granneman
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596009399 $19.95 254 p.

This book is basically a primer on making the switch to Firefox as your web browser of choice. While Firefox is a better browser in many ways, it is not without its problems. For example, occasionally you run across a website that is poorly written and has sections that are specific to Microsoft Explorer and Microsoft update will only allow Explorer to use the update feature.

So, why change from Internet Explorer? Even with the newer versions it always seems to be a step or two behind other Internet browsers. Firefox is wonderfully convenient with tabbed browsing, better support for web standards, greater user control, and security that is so much better than Explorer as to make Explorer security appear to be non-existent. It has better pop-up blocking and far fewer infections from spyware and other malicious code. Since switching two years ago and adding GhostSurf I have not had any spyware or other infections. I spend a lot of time on the Internet and would become infested on an almost daily basis, but not anymore.

This book is designed for the person who wants to make the switch or wants to try out Firefox. Firefox can run alongside with Internet Explorer so you can learn how to use it while still having the ability to use Internet Explorer's update service and similar Microsoft only items. The authors do a good job of explaining how to setup Firefox, how to use it effectively and even how to tweak it with extensions so it works the way you want it to work. "Don't Click on the Blue e!" is highly recommended and an excellent resource for people looking to improve their browsing experience.

Test Driving Linux: From Windows to Linux in 60 Seconds
David Brickner
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 059600754X $24.95 334 p.

A true test drive, this book includes a Linux Live CD that can be placed into your computer and booted directly to Linux without affecting your current operating system. As a result you can test drive Linux without any concerns about your current system integrity.

The book covers the popular KDE desktop environment, using virtual desktops, change backgrounds, the Konqueror web browser, playing music and videos, games, email, using the organizer, and Instant Messaging. It also includes a section on using Gimp, an image editor similar to Photoshop, and OpenOffice, the suite of word processor, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software that many prefer to Microsoft's Office suite.

This is an excellent introduction to Linux and how to use it on a daily basis. It does not cover the details that a power user might want but it does cover everything an average desktop user would want to know. It also includes a good selection of programs so you can see what can be done with Linux. Just keep in mind that you are running them off the CD and so it runs much slower that it would if installed on the hard drive. While it is designed to allow the novice to experience Linux, if you already know a little about Linux you can mount up your Windows hard drive and work on the files on it. Test Driving Linux is an excellent book for the novice Linux user or anyone who wants to try the Operating System without committing to it right away.

Digital Audio Essentials
Bruce Fries, Marty Fries
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol, CA 95472
ISBN: 0596008562 $34.95 330 p.

This book assumes nothing and starts with the very basics of digital audio. From an examination of system requirements, performance factors, and external interfaces it moves the reader along to how to connect your computer to your stereo including the good and bad features of different interfaces.

Of course, once the hardware has been selected and configured correctly the next obvious place to go is to examine the software and that is exactly what Bruce and Marty Fries do. They cover ways to organize your music, get music off the web, using Internet radio, using portable digital audio players, and many other ways to get the most out of your system.

In the more technical sections of the book the authors examine things like audio formats, recording, ripping, editing, digitizing records and tapes, burning CDs and CVDs and fixing various common programs. They even include a section on making your own Internet Radio Station.

This is the basically the essentials of what a novice to intermediate fan of digital audio needs to know. The most advanced portion of the book is on using a waveform program to remove the hiss and pop of a bad recording. It does not cover advanced topics like mixing, combining, and using multiple tracks. Digital Audio Essentials is highly recommended for the novice to intermediate digital audio fan and just recommended to the more advanced user. It is, after all, only intended to be an essentials book and not an advanced treatise and it succeeds well at achieving that goal.

Mastering FreeBSD and OpenBSD Security
Yanek Korff, Paco Hope, Bruce Potter
O'Reilly Media
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol CA 95472
ISBN: 0596006268 $49.95 413 p.

If you are looking at implementing one of the BSD distributions of Linux and want to secure your installation this book is an excellent choice. The authors cover the basic security that applies to all Linux distributions such as filesystem security and creating a sandbox, and then follows up with security options specific to BSD. The chapters cover installation, secure administration, creating a secure DNS server, secure mail servers (including Sendmail, Postfix, and qmail), secure web server, firewalls, intrusion detection, system auditing and incident response, and some forensics. However, the forensics information provides a decent overview without being detailed enough to be very useful.

The authors do a really good job of explaining not only how to do various tasks but also the reasoning behind it and how it works to resolve specific problems. I like the fact that the authors don't do this in a piecemeal approach but provide a pathway to get to the system hardened before heading off into the specifics of harding particular services link DNS and Sendmail. They actually have a step by step procedure starting from a fresh install. This alone makes this one of the better books on hardening FreeBSD and OpenBSD. Mastering FreeBSD and OpenBSD Security is highly recommended

Linux Desktop Hacks
Nicholas Petreley & Jono Bacon
O'Reilly Media
1005 Gravenstein Highway North Sebastopol CA 95472
ISBN: 0596009119 $24.95 307 p.

Linux Desktop Hacks: Tips & Tools for Customizing and Optimizing Your OS is one of the better choices among the books of this genre. Although I have worked with Linux for years there were still several tips in here that I did not know and found very useful. Each chapter focuses on a particular area of the desktop computer and how you can make it perform the way it should or look totally different. Some of the subjects covered include changing the Boot Manager, bypassing the Manager, redefining keys, using macros, switching users, using multiple desktops, using creative cursors, using Windows and Mac fonts, running the desktop over the Internet, sharing applications and monitors, viewing Microsoft Word Documents in a Terminal, displaying a PDF document in a terminal, reducing startup time, encrypting email, configure Firefox, forwarding ports, new user setup, link monitoring, tweaking the kernel without recompiling, using unsupported printers, and boosting hard-drive performance. An excellent resource for those who have moved to Linux on the desktop, Linux Desktop Hacks is highly recommended.

The Real Business of Web Design
John Waters
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010
ISBN: 1581153163 $19.95 229 p.

This book takes a somewhat different approach to web design than the majority of other books. Instead of concentrating on a pretty site with the latest technology that looks great but doesn't increase your business he concentrates on building a customer experience and customer loyalty. This is about design for the web experience and therefore your customer's perception of the value received from that experience.

The basic process can be distilled down into three basic components: Identify the visitor, be clear as to your business objectives with that visitor, and move the visitor to reach that objective. This is a book about designing effective web sites for business and following business fundamentals instead of worrying about an artistically designed site that looks great but does not create customers. This is not to say that design is not important. The author goes in depth about the importance of the site's look and feel as well as its functionality.

One very important point should be noted here. There are plenty of books about designing a website with your business mission in mind. On these sites the business owner generally puts what they want the customers to want. This is not customer focused. Mr. Waters focuses on giving the customer what they want because what the customer perceives as value is what really counts and brings them back. The Real Business of Web Design is highly recommended.

The Practical Manager's Guide to Open Source
Maria Winslow
Open Source Migrations
112 Tharrington Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27516
ISBN: 1411611462 $35.00 215 p.

Exactly what the title promises, this is a survey of open source business software solutions from the business manager perspective. Most of the books on the market that laud the merits of open source programs are directed at the technically oriented user. This book provides management with the information they need to determine if they should investigate the use of open source software in their business. It includes actual case studies including the specific software products used and a cost savings analysis as well as how to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership if you are looking at making a change away from Windows products.

The book contains almost no technical jargon. It is a high-level overview of the programs available, what each one does, advantages and disadvantages, and where to find additional information. Ms. Winslow includes information on all the most popular business applications and distributions of Linux. She even includes information on determining when you should and should not make the switch and when a hybrid network is the most appropriate as well as how to get users and management to buy into the change. The Practical Manager's Guide to Open Source is a great non-technical overview of open source business programs and the perfect place to start for management considering Linux in their network.

Strengthening Your Singing Voice
Elizabeth Sabine
ProMusic Press
447 Georgia Street Vallejo, CA 94590
ISBN: 1931140413 93 $14.95

Written by a vocal coach who has worked with the likes of Axl Rose and Colin Hay, Strengthen Your Singing Voice shares her techniques and thoughts on how to sing without experiencing voice fatigue as well as how to build a stronger, powerful voice. The book includes a CD that demonstrates some of the lessons and warm-up exercises which is very helpful. With a good education on how the vocal cords and diaphragm work together to produce sound as well as how to care for them properly, sing without damaging them, and a lot of other important information. Includes a section on breathing that I wish more singers would learn - how to breath without making breathing sounds. While nothing replaces one-on-one teaching between a student and teacher, Strengthening Your Singing Voice is a reasonable alternative and recommended.

Spurn the Burn, Treat the Heat
Shekhar Challa, M.D.
Kansas Medical Publishing
2200 SW 6th Street Topeka, KS 66606
ISBN: 0974388335 $18.99 127 p.

Acid Reflux Disease affects millions of Americans and most of them don't understand the seriousness of the disease. In fact, most of them don't even know they have the disease but instead think they just have a problem with occasional heartburn. Dr. Shekhar Challa discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux disease (GERD). The book includes a section on frequently asked questions and recipes specifically for GERD sufferers.

Dr. Challa describes uses very lucid writing to explain exactly what the disease is and does in a very understandable manner. He also discusses the difficulties of diagnosis and how sometimes you may have the problem without experiencing any heartburn. A great book for anyone with Acid Reflux or who wants to understand the disease, Spurn the Burn, Treat the Heat is highly recommended and very informative.

Sophie and the Scoundrels
Nancy Rue, author
Grace Chen, illustrator
Zonderkidz
an imprint of Zondervan
5300 Patterson SE Grand Rapids, MI 49530
ISBN: 0310707587 $5.99 121 p. Ages: 9 - 12

Sophie takes a trip to NASA for a take-your-daughter-to-work day. Of course she learns a lot on that trip and when she and her friends have to do a science project they decide to convert their tree house into a mock-up of a space station. Unfortunately they start squabbling with each other and things soon get out of hand.

To add to the problems someone is sabotaging their efforts, mom is having problems of her own and nothing seems to be going right. Of course things do get resolved and through it all they learn valuable lessons in life based on Biblical principles. Sophie and the Scoundrels is a recommended read.

Shell Scripting Recipes
Chris F. A. Johnson
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590594711 $39.99 405 p.

If you are using a Bourne-type shell, and BASH in particular then you will find a lot of valuable information in this book. Author Chris F. A. Johnson provides an extensive education on scripting including scripts for viewing, editing, and manipulating files, manipulating strings, altering the path variable, monitoring the file system, filtering spam, backing up, archiving, deleting, and many other common tasks. How far can you go with a shell script? He even gives a working example of a database application written completely in script. On the other hand if you just want to have some fun there are even scripts for creating anagrams, fitting words into a crossword, or finding words that contain a given set of characters.

While the book is really written for the technically oriented reader, even the very basics that most users should already know are still covered. The format is more typical of what computer technicians want - this is the item to be discussed, this is how it works, this is an example, move on to the next one. When I am looking for answers this is the format I prefer and I found this book extremely useful. It will be on my bookshelf as one of the first to grab when I want to do scripting in Linux. Advanced and powerful, a real resource for the power user of the Bourne shell, Shell Scripting Recipes is highly recommended.

Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL, Second Edition
Neil Matthew, Richard Stones
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 1590594789 $44.99 541 p.

Despite the fact that many books claim to be for everyone from the beginner to the professional this book is one of the few that actually hits the mark. Not content to just dive right into PostgreSQL and how to us it, the authors include a lot of database history and theory that is sadly lacking from similar books. But it is not just for beginners. The authors include more advances sections on things like accessing the database using C, PHP, Perl, Java, and C#.

Between this beginning user and advanced user level the authors fill in all the intermediate parts so the book ends up providing a well-organized education from the principles of database design through database setup, query, ODBC access setup, and using a programming or scripting language to accessing and updating the database. The book also includes detailed information on selection procedures, data manipulation, functions, stored procedures, triggers, and PostgreSQL Administration. As a result you end up with a book where the database theory applies to all relational databases and as it becomes more technical in nature it moves from there to information specific to PostgreSQL for the advanced user, administrator, or programmer. Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL, Second Edition is highly recommended to anyone interested in using the particular SQL engine.

Pro Perl
Peter Wainwright
Apress
2560 Ninth Street, Suite 219 Berkeley, CA 94710
ISBN: 159059438X $59.99 990 p.

This is a very comprehensive book for those who want to learn the Perl language from the ground up. The author does an excellent job of being detailed without being repetitive or writing at too basic a level. Intermediate users of Perl can find a lot here but even a novice will find sufficient explanation to allow them to learn the language from scratch. The book is well organized and starts with an introduction to Perl followed by how to acquire and install Perl. From there it goes right into the meat of the language with variables, operators, data types, interpolation, substitution, subroutines, regular expressions, working with files and directories, etc. Besides the language itself the author deals with some of the common administrative tasks like adding new modules and packages. The book ends with some advanced topics like embedding Perl and dealing with processes, signals and threads, and networking.

At 990 pages this is a massive book that is easy to follow and full of examples to show exactly how each concept should work. Pro Perl is highly recommended to everyone from the complete novice to advanced level Perl programmer and includes a lot of detail that I have spent hours on the Internet looking for before.

The Starving Family
Cheryl Dellasega, Ph.D.
Champion Press, Ltd.
4308 Blueberry Road Fredonia, WI 53021
ISBN: 1932783148 $25.00 259 p.

With plenty of books from doctors and sufferers of eating disorders on the market, one of the areas that has been missing is how families cope with loved ones with those disorders. The Starving Family fills that gap by sharing the insights of various caregivers. Eating disorders or any other kind of similar problem does not occur in isolation. It affects and involves everyone who cares for or about the individual. Educational, insightful, and full of encouraging advice for those dealing with this problem The Starving Family is highly recommended.

Strange & Fascinating Facts About Famous Brands
Charles Reichblum
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
151 West 19th Street New York, NY 10011
ISBN: 1579123562 $9.95 304 p.

Have you ever wondered how different brands got their names? Now you can get the answer and the often fascinating story behind each brand name. Kellog, Post, Jell-O, Alka-Seltzer, and dozens of other brands are detailed as to how they started, how they got their name, competitors, mistakes, and successes. A fascinating read, it only takes a minute or two to read about each of the brands. But you will find yourself reading several at a time if you can put it down at all before you are done. Strange & Fascinating Facts About Famous Brands is highly recommended, educational, and fun.

Jesus and the Gospels
Professor: Luke Timothy Johnson
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Tape, DVD, Video Tape
Lectures: 36

When you mention the word "Gospels" most people think of the first four books of the New Testament. There are however, many other Gospels written by the early church. In this series of lectures Professor Luke Timothy Johnson examines how Jesus is portrayed in both the four canonical Gospels and several of the non-canonical ones.

Professor Johnson looks at these Gospels predominantly from the viewpoint of literature, but also examines how they came to be, the similarities between them, their differences, and the historical and cultural context in which they developed. These various Gospels have had far-reaching effects in the development of Christianity and our views of Jesus, Mary, and Christianity itself. Professor Johnson provides a systematic and detailed analysis as he delves into the details of all these factors to bring out the various views of Jesus held by the early church. These views can differ greatly from the more sterile view found by examining Him as only a historical figure.

Professor Johnson is one of the most highly regarded experts in the area of New Testament studies. A Benedictine monk for nine years his knowledge is extensive and his delivery style entertaining. Jesus and the Gospels is highly recommended.

The American Identity
Professor: Patrick N. Allitt, Ph.D.
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Tape, DVD, Video Tape Lectures: 48

Exactly what makes a person identify with being an American besides just being born in America? Professor Allitt examines a wide spectrum of people from every walk of life and every period of American history to try to answer that question. The people whose lives he examines include settlers, explorers, reformers, industrialists, artists, scientists, inventors, military figures, movie stars, sports heroes, and humanitarians. The individuals include John Smith, William Penn, Abigail Adams, Lewis and Clark, Horace Mann, Frederick Douglass, Louisa May Alcott, Black Elk, William Mulholland, Booker T. Washington, Henry Ford, Al Capone, Helen Keller, Duke Ellington, Shirley Temple, Douglas MacArthur, Roberto Clemente, Jesse Jackson, and 28 others who changed how we think, how we perceive ourselves, or how we perceive our county.

A total of 46 people get a full 30 minute lecture each as you work through all the lectures. Fascinating and insightful, Professor Allitt never loses sight of his goal of defining those attributes and common factors that define what it is to be American. He provides a fascinating perspective on how these individuals define a period of time, a particular viewpoint, or otherwise affected the way Americans think about America. The American Identity is a highly recommended purchase.

The Story of Human Language
Professor: John McWhorter
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Tape, DVD, Video Tape Lectures: 36

With over 6,000 languages in the world and linguists claiming they all originated from one, the first question on many people's mind is how did we get so many? Professor McWhorter describes how sounds change, words change, and whole languages change over time and are basically in a constant state of change. When a language stops changing it is on its way to becoming extinct. This extinction has been the fate of many, many languages and is part of the process of how we arrived where we are today.

At the opposite end of extinction is the creation of a new language. One of the ways this comes about is detailed by Mr. McWhorter when he discusses dialects and creoles. In the case of dialects he describes how these languages develop within another language, develop into a creole, and then new language.

But languages don't always move apart into new languages. Sometimes two languages borrow words from each other to the point that they become more and more similar. But whether moving apart or closer together, a living language is always changing.

Professor McWhorter also examines how major changes in pronunciation can occur, such as the "great vowel shift" in English. In a very interesting lecture he discusses the pronunciation of various English words before and after this shift. In this case, as in all the others, Professor McWhorter does an excellent job of picking interesting examples to illustrate his points.

Languages, language groups, dialects, pidgins, creoles, everything about the human language and how it changes is covered in this series and I found it to be one of the most fascinating courses from The Teaching Company. The Story of Human Language is highly recommended.

Mr. Lincoln: The Life of Abraham Lincoln
Professor: Allen C. Guelzo
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Tape, DVD, Video Tape
Lectures: 12

Who was Abraham Lincoln? What was it like to be him? How did he understand American politics and the political process? What was the history of his position on slavery and exactly what was that position? What were his talents that allowed him to lead us through the Civil War? In this series of lectures Professor Guelzo openly discusses Lincoln's failures as well as his successes and the myths that surrounded him. One of the more unusual pieces is a discussion of Lincoln's relationship with his father and how his early habits affected that relationship. While only 12 lectures in length it is an excellent and thorough introduction to Lincoln the child, son, father, husband, and president and a recommended purchase.

Luther: Gospel, Law, and Reformation
Phillip Cary, Ph.D.
The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Format: Audio CD, Audio Tape, Video Tape, DVD Lectures: 24

Martin Luther is the first name to come to mind for many people when you mention the Protestant Reformation. Although a lot of people are familiar with his later writings they are often not familiar with the details of Martin Luther's life and how his faith progressed from a fear of being condemned for his sins to a faith that freed him from those fears. Dr. Phillip Cary does an excellent job of introducing the listener to the real Martin Luther, as both a human being and a theologian. Some of the thoughts and processes he went through can be described as strange by today's standards but represent a common way of thinking during medieval Europe. Dr. Cary presents these beliefs and the evolution of Martin Luther's views brilliantly as the listener comes to know Luther as a person.

Starting with Luther's belief in seeking grace by means of penance, confession of sins, self-accusation and self-hatred he eventually comes around to realizing that grace is received by just believing the Gospel. Once he realizes this he soon attacks many of the practices of the Catholic church. As a result he is soon branded a heretic and has to hide while the reformation he started continues. Eventually even the many converts that accepted the Reformation become fragmented between those who want the reforms to move faster and those who only want to make minor changes within the current church.

Dr. Carey's coverage of Luther's live is extensive and even includes an interesting piece on Luther's wife, an ex-nun, and their family life. A large part of the last several lectures examines Luther's views on the doctrines of the Lord's Supper, Infant Baptism, Justification, Predestination, Politics, and the Jews. This series of lectures brings Martin Luther to life as a real person who had his own questions and struggles as he sought the truth. With an even-handed treatment of Luther that exposes his flaws (such as his vicious attacks against his enemies) as well as his greatness, Luther: Gospel, Law, and Reformation is highly recommended.

The Linux Enterprise Cluster
Karl Kopper
No Starch Press, Inc.
555 De Haro Street, Suite 250 San Francisco, CA 94107
ISBN: 1593270364 $49.95 405 p.

If high-availability is one of your primary concerns for your computer network then an enterprise cluster is something you will want to look into. In this book the author does an excellent job of explaining the purpose of an enterprise cluster and exactly how they work. Not just theory, the book details exactly how to install the various components of the system and even includes the required software on CD.

This is the first book I have seen on Linux clustering that not only provides a theoretical background but also a complete detail on how to actually implement it in the real world. He details setting up the heartbeat, IP failover, NAT, synchronizing and cloning, handling packets, and load balancing. Easily the best book on Linux Enterprise Cluster setup and maintenance that I have seen to date, The Linux Enterprise Cluster is highly recommended.

The Washing Machine
Nick Kochan
Thomson/South-Western
Texere imprint
5191 Natorp Boulevard Mason, OH 45040
ISBN: 1587991594 $29.95 286 p.

One of the best reads of the year, The Washing Machine details how various banks, politicians, terrorists groups, black market dealers, and others launder illegal money to give the appearance of coming from legitimate enterprises. The author is not shy about naming specific banks, groups, and techniques that have been used and follows the money trail from beginning to end. Some of the companies and groups mentioned include the Bank of New York, the Russian Mafia, Al Qaida, and offshore financial entities in Ireland, Turkey, Sri Lanka and other places. The final chapters deal with what the various countries and law enforcement are doing today to help curb the problem. This is a real education in what goes on in the underworld of illegal activities and how the income gets reintegrated back into business enterprises that appear legitimate. The Washing Machine is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the financial underworld.

Brainstorming
Dora Camp
Cypress House
155 Cypress Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437
ISBN: 1879384639 $15.95 124 p.

When a perfectly normal person suddenly has a brain injury as the result of an aneurysm, stroke, accident or other cause they have become a victim of acquired brain injury. It can happen to anyone and can run the full range from a minor incident to a complete loss of physical and mental functioning. Brainstorming is in part the saga of Norm and Dora Camp and how their lives changed when Norm had a heart attack that resulted in brain injury. It is the story of patience and perseverance and the lessons learned as they go forward with their lives. Brainstorming is highly recommended as a book of hope for those with a similar situation, understanding for caregivers, and encouragement for the defeated.

The Giant Surprise: A Narnia Story
Hyawyn Oram
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019
ISBN: 0060083611 $15.99 40 p. Ages: 4 - 8

A delightfully written and illustrated story that brings the wonder of Narnia to the young and young at heart. Puddleglum is a Marsh-Wiggle and Lally a young Wigglet who live in the marsh. When their two marsh mice friends are captured by giants they have to figure out how to rescue them. Beautifully illustrated and with a solid storyline, The Giant Surprise is a a recommended read.

Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff
Mark Hughes
Portfolio / Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014
ISBN: 1591840929 $23.95 225 p.

Over the past few years one of the most common themes in effective marketing has been tapping into the power of buzz marketing. Finding a way to get people to talk about your product or service is arguably the most effective method of marketing you can get. This word-of-mouth advertising is basically what buzz marketing is all about. There are plenty of books that discuss how effective it can be and have lots of examples of how well it works. The problem is that most of them don't discuss how you go about actually getting buzz marketing going. How do you get people to start talking about your product? That is what differentiates this book from most of the others on the subject.

Mark Hughes provides an interesting analysis of how to get people talking about your product and making it the topic of conversation on a regular basis. He provides a specific set of tools and information on how to get the buzz started. The focus of the book is on an analysis of why people talk about a product and how to use that information to your advantage. The only practical guide on buzz marketing that I have seen, Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff is highly recommended.

Ear Training For the Contemporary Musician
Keith Wyatt, Carl Schroeder, Joe Elliott
Hal Leonard Corporation
7777 W. Bluemound Road PO Box 13819 Milwaukee, WI 53213
ISBN: 0793581931 $19.95 120 p.

If you've ever wanted to teach yourself to recognize particular notes and patterns this book is an excellent resource. The authors examine things like the major and minor scales, fifths, sevenths, melodies, sightsinging, triads, and diatonic progressions. They also do an excellent job of describing what is happening, the theory behind it and how to use it to help train your ears to recognize the notes, progressions, etc. The book includes exercises, answer sheets, and two CDs with examples of the various notes and tones from the book so you can practice. If you are serious about ear training you can't go wrong with Ear Training For the Contemporary Musician.

Free Gulliver
Tripp Friedler
Trost Publishing
400 Poydras St. Suite 1850 New Orleans, LA 70130
ISBN: 1933205008 $19.95 118 p.

Even the title to this book gives you a preview into the creative abilities of the author. Free Gulliver: Six Swift Lessons in Life Planning plays on Jonathan Swift's book Gulliver's Travels and his experience with the residents of Lilliput. Although small in size and Gulliver is huge in comparison the Lilliputians succeed in keeping him under control. They do it by using thousands of small strings, each of which are small enough for him to break easily but when combined they hold him fast to the ground. This is the premise of this book and its whole purpose. We tend to let so many small things tie us down that in total we become incapacitated. This book is about freeing Gulliver - freeing yourself from all those little things that hold you back. Although he details the process in this book the basic premise it to figure out your vision of where you want to go and then cut the strings that hold you. Free Gulliver: Six Swift Lessons in Life Planning is highly recommended to people who feel overwhelmed to the point of being almost unable to cope with life or unable to move forward toward their goals.

Write It Right
Dawn Josephson, Lauren Hidden
Ground Rules Press
PO Box 8006 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
ISBN: 0974496626 $17.95 127 p.

Whether just an article or an entire novel most of us need to edit our work to give it that professional finish. This book is not a grammar book with all those rules on how to make your work syntactically correct. Instead it takes a larger view and supplies the basics of writing well. For example the "ground rules" include checking to make sure the story is organized well and and checking that paragraphs have a topic sentence that the rest of the paragraph relates to. For each of the ground rules the authors discuss how to check your work to see that it conforms to the rules and how to change it so it does.

The section starting on page 33 is a welcome change from most writing books. The authors suggest that you should identify areas where you have problems and include them on a check list of editing problems to watch for. But, how do you know your problem areas if you don't see the problem? This section gives several examples of sentences with various problems. Find the ones where you don't see a problem, go to the answers section that explains the problem and you have your short list of items to learn about and watch for in your work.

For the person looking to raise their writing quality to a higher level of professionalism Write It Right is a recommended read.

A Woman's Guide to Saving Her Own Life
Mellanie True Hills
Healthy Ideas Press
13213 N Ridge Circle Leander, TX 78641
ISBN: 0976600803 $39.95 169 p.

Many women are surprised to find that heart disease kills more women each year than breast cancer. Another surprise is the fact that each year heart disease kills more women than men. When Mellanie True Hills had a close call with a coronary artery 95% blocked and nearing a heart attack she decided to do something about her situation. How she saved her life and changed the heart disease scenario is what this book is about.

The author provides extensive educational material on risk factors and what to do about them. She also includes an excellent section on heart attack and stroke symptoms and how the symptoms of a man and of a woman may be quite different as well as how it is diagnosed and why it is often harder to diagnose in women than men.

After discussing how she was able to change her health she provides a how-to guide on developing your own plan to stave off or recover from heart disease. The book ends with an appendix containing multiple forms you can use to help develop your plan.

This is an excellent resource full of information covering the complete spectrum of heart disease. While it is written for women and has a lot of information specific to women, the method of developing a plan that you can use to ward off heart disease is useful for everyone. As such, A Woman's Guide to Saving Her Own Life is a recommended read for everyone.

Within Arm's Reach
Ann Napolitano
Shaye Areheart Books
280 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017
ISBN: 1400051886 $23.00 308 p.

Within Arm's Reach is a fictional novel set in New Jersey and told from the view points of six different people. Of course everyone is dealing with their past as well as the problems of the present. An Irish-American Catholic family, they are thrown into a crisis when unmarried Gracie becomes pregnant. The author does an excellent job of walking the reader through the maze of complex relationships between the characters as each shares their life story and point of view. For readers who thrive on a well-written family saga and the typical soap opera fare they will enjoy Within Arm's Reach and find it a recommended read.

Moral Intelligence
Doug Lennick, Fred Kiel, Ph.D.
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131490508 $25.95 247 p.

Not every business leader lacks a moral compass that guides their lives despite what the news services would have us think. In fact, the authors of this book suggest that everyone has an innate moral compass and the moral intelligence to know what is right and wrong. What the leaders lack when they engage in questionable or blatantly illegal actions is the moral capacity to follow that compass.

The second part of the book was the most interesting to me. In it the authors examine how to develop the skills to apply moral intelligence in the real world. They examine several areas of ethics including integrity, responsibility, compassion, forgiveness, and emotions. The final part of the book deals with moral leadership and how it can be used to create a morally intelligent company.

The bottom line is that those who can apply moral intelligence keep their moral compass, their goals, and their behavior in alignment in everything they do. By realizing that success and moral action are not mutually exclusive they have become some of the most successful people in the world. The authors even include a moral competency inventory in the appendixes which can be used to help determine where you and your company stand currently. Moral Intelligence is highly recommended to all business leaders whether a foreman over just a few people or a CEO leading thousands.

Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes for an Answer
Michael A. Roberto
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131454390 $29.95 235 p.

One of the most common problems of business and committees is the tendency of the members of the committee to say "yes" to whatever the owners or upper management proposes. In a company where career paths can be sidetracked quickly by not supporting your superior it is the only answer to give. As a result there is no legitimate feedback for management decision making. This is the problem addressed by author Michael A. Roberto.

Mr. Roberto proposes that great leaders develop a culture of conflict and consensus at the same time. Of course conflict must be created in a constructive nature and kept constructive. The problem is how to effectively deal with a lack of candor and stimulate a clash of ideas while keeping it constructive. Chapter three is one of the best ones in my opinion and the author does an especially good job of discussing the factors that keep dialog from being candid and the barriers to expressing and discussing dissenting opinions. Chapters 4 and 5 looks at the art of how to stimulate an increase in conflict and voice a dissenting opinion without seeming to be difficult. Of course once you have these conflicting ideas out in the open you have to somehow come to a consensus. Why Great Leaders Don't Take Yes for an Answer is a recommended for all business people but especially for those who utilize committees and boards for direction.

Don't Just Relate - Advocate
Glen Urban
Wharton School Publishing
One Lake Street Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131913611 $27.95 221 p.

Customer knowledge and power has changed drastically over the last few years and using the same old marketing methods is a sure formula for failure. That is the basic premise of this book and the author makes a compelling argument while also providing a blueprint for how to adapt to this change. One of the ways that the market has changed drastically is the level of education of the consumer. With the Internet and easy access to information on your company, competitors, and even opinions from your clients or competitors the customer can find out anything they need to know about you or your company.

Instead of selling the potential customer we need to be an advocate for them. That means telling them not only the good things about your service or product but also the weaknesses. Being up front about everything builds trust and trust builds loyal customers. Throughout the book the author argues that by building trust the customer advocate gains several major benefits. Among these are reduced customer acquisition costs, higher profit margins, and a long-term competitive edge. I particularly appreciated the fact that the author followed his own advice and pointed out industries where advocacy makes the biggest difference and where advocacy is unlikely to make much difference. Don't Just Relate - Advocate is a highly recommended read and should be required reading for anyone involved in regular contact with your customers or potential customers.

God vs. The Gavel
Marci A. Hamilton
Cambridge University Press
40 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011-4211
ISBN: 0521853044 $28.00 311 p.

It would be hard to conceive of anyone who would argue that religion has not brought tremendous good to the world. Unfortunately, these same people can quite easily turn to one of the many incidents of our time where religion has also been used to harm others.

In her book God vs. The Gavel author Marci Hamilton argues that the church, while being allowed to perform their purpose and service in the world, should also be subject to the rule of law that they should cause no harm. The author takes a well-argued position that there should be some limit on religious freedom when it harms others. Examples include the child who can easily be treated for a life-threatening illness but is not due to the religious beliefs of the parents, or the family that moves into a quiet residential neighborhood but then finds a church starting in the house next door followed by houses demolished to make a large parking lot, etc. Some of the issues are not as far reaching as these and include such matters as allowing a beard to military personnel whose religion specifies it, or kosher food for a Jewish inmate in a prison. There are many, many of these places where the interests of the state and the church intersect.

This book is a call to all of us, including religious practitioners, to practice our religion as we will as long as it harms nobody else. The author's arguments are firmly grounded in the First Amendment and the intent of its framers. Brilliantly argued, although many will have difficulty with the idea of accountability to anyone other than the local church, God vs. The Gavel is recommended reading.

Spring Into Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists
Barry J. Rosenberg
Addison-Wesley
75 Arlington Street, Suite 300 Boston, MA 02116
ISBN: 0131498630 $29.99 290 p.

Technical writing is it's own special world. Using standard writing techniques almost ensures that readers will have a difficult time understanding technical material. This book comes to the rescue of the technical writer by detailing the proper techniques and the things you need to take into consideration when writing. For example, nobody would argue that a technical book written for people with a doctorate degree should be very different from a technical manual written for the complete novice. So, knowing your intended audience is one of the most important places to start when writing technical material.

Section 2 covers the basics of writing including passive versus active voice, sentence structure, dealing with pronouns, working with lists, tables, and graphics and many more detailed pieces of information for writing. Section 3 then applies that information to the accepted layout of specific kinds of documents including manuals, web sites, proposals, internal planning documents, lab reports, PowerPoint presentations, and even e-mail. The last section covers the basics of editing.

This book is one of the best I have reviewed on this subject. The author walks you along the complete path from beginning to end with expert advice and detailed information. Whether it is a technical manual, a proposal, or something as basic as a lab report, Spring Into Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists is a must read guide for how to do it right.

Spring Into HTML and CSS
Molly E. Holzschlag
Pearson Education
Addison-Wesley Professional
One Lake Street Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
ISBN: 0131855867 $29.99 298 p.

While there are many much thicker books on HTML and CSS on the market there is very little in them that is not in this book. There is very little extra wording here but instead the authors take a direct approach to the subject. Each item is described in a fully understandable way with examples and an easy reading style. The book also serves as a basic reference on XHTML. If you want to understand how to write, edit, or understand a web page you can easily do so with this book. If you want to know how to do something in particular it is explained in a couple of pages and you can write it immediately, not 20 pages of fluff. Spring Into HTML and CSS is highly recommended as one of the fastest and easiest ways to get up to speed in HTML and CSS.

Green Weenies and Due Diligence
Ron Sturgeon
Mike French Publishing
1619 Front Street Lynden, WA 98264
ISBN: 0971703116 $28.95 288 p.

One of the things that distinguishes most industries is some form of jargon used by the insiders. Here to rescue the newbie is a compendium of terms and definitions from the world of business. Besides general jargon that is common among most businesses like alpha dog and peanut gallery it includes terms specific to particular industries such as Investments, Accounting and Tax, Debt and Banking, Legal, Real Estate, Insurance, Contracts, Business Planning, Acquisitions, and Divestitures. This is fascinating reading with lots of terms I've heard before and even more that are entirely new to me. Done in an interesting style that leaves you unable to put the book down as you read entry after entry it is a fun and informative read. Green Weenies and Due Diligence is highly recommended for anyone in the business world who wants to understand the slang used in their industry.

Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook
Phyllis Pellman Good
American Diabetes Association
Good Books
PO Box 419 Intercourse, PA 17534
ISBN: 1561484598 $15.95 272 p.

Counting carbohydrates and working through food exchanges in order to deal with diabetes can be a time consuming activity, especially for the busy working person. This book contains slow-cooker recipes complete with exchange list values, and information on fat, calories, cholesterol, fiber, sugars, protein, and just about anything else you would want to know in order to prepare a nutritious meal that takes minimal time out of your busy schedule. Casseroles, steak, stews, vegetables, chicken, potatoes, wings, barbecue, soups, chowders, desserts, snacks, and beverages are all well represented with an excellent selection of each as well as many more items. One thing is for sure, these recipes don't sacrifice flavor in any way. The recipes include recipes like Chicken in Mushroom Gravy, Lemon-Garlic Chicken, Potatoes O'Brien, Apple Crisp, and Carrot Cake. Fix-It and Forget-It Diabetic Cookbook is an excellent cookbook not only for diabetics but for slow cooker fans of all types.

Springboard to Success: Strategies to Keep Business Casual From Making Business... Casual
April Callis
Kensington Press
403 Kensington Road East Lansing, MI 48823
ISBN: 0976517108 $19.95 113 p.

The last paragraph of the introduction to this book clearly defines the objective - "...to help you discover how to present a professional image and conduct yourself with professional manner that transcends appearances". With the advent of "business casual" the perceived separation of the management from the worker by virtue of dress was greatly diminished. The problem is that it has also caused many employees and management to also take a much more casual attitude toward business. What is "business casual" and how can you draw the line that makes dress business casual without making the employees too casual about the business? Author April Callis tackles this question as she examines what constitutes a professional image, making a great first impression, proper business attire, business etiquette, interviewing skills, and presentation skills. Each of these areas are presented from the standpoint of creating the right image right from the start. Springboard to Success is required reading for people new to the office environment (especially high-school and college graduates) and recommended to those who are moving up the corporate ladder.

Fine Dining Madness
John Galloway
iUniverse, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68512
ISBN: 0595337775 $18.95 315 p.

Author John Galloway takes the reader on an inside tour through the world of fine dining from the perspective of the workers. Throughout the book he dispenses the rules of courtesy when dining out but does so with a humorous and very entertaining style. Mr. Galloway provides a lot of insight into the inner workings of a restaurant including how the server quickly determines who will be a good customer and who will not, often before they are even seated. Don't like the level of service you receive? He also discusses how to be treated like royalty at your favorite restaurant. Although written predominantly for the patron of the true upper scale fine dining restaurant much of the advice is also applicable to the average restaurant. Fine Dining Madness is an eye-opening, and fun read recommended for everyone.

The Pirate Coast
Richard Zacks
Hyperion
77 West 66th Street New York, NY 10023-6298
ISBN: 1401300030 $25.95 380 p.

After America became a nation it was only a few years before another country declared war on it. In 1801 Tripoli declared war on the United States. The pirates of the Barbary coast (including the Tripoli area) made a regular practice of capturing the ships of any nation plying the waters of the Mediterranean and declaring war made it easier to justify. When a Navy ship was captured and all on board taken for slaves Thomas Jefferson had to decide whether to pay the ransom or engage the nation's very small Navy in a war. Enter William Eaton, a failed military officer who, for various reasons, President Jefferson asks to engage in covert operations to remove the leader from power. This is the story behind the first covert operations of the United States long before the CIA ever came into existence. Author Richard Zacks' writing technique engages the reader so the story comes to life. The Pirate Coast is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in history.

Harold McFarland
Senior Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf
Scattered Suns
Kevin J. Anderson
Aspect
ISBN 0446577170 $24.95, 476 pp.

When Chairman Basil Wenceslas used a device to ignite a gas giant he unknowingly destroyed the beings known as the hydrogues in it. The hydrogues declared war on the Terran Hanseatic League and nothing in the league's arsenal seems able to stop them. The hydrogues also declare war of the Hanseatic's ally the Illdira, the only other major civilization in the Spiral Arm. Instead of uniting against a common enemy, the worlds of the Hansa and those of the IIdira are sinking into internal chaos. There is a civil war taking place among the Ildira while the leader's daughter was specially bred to negotiate with the hydrogues but nobody can guarantee her success. Basil is descending into madness, acting the tyrant to people, worlds, and colonists who don't agree with his orders. The only hope to defeat the enemy lies with the verdani, an organic based sentience similar to the Theron world forest which was destroyed in a hydrogue attack. It means working together if civilization hopes to survive the almost unbeatable hydrogues. Anyone who loves a good space opera will want to read SCATTERED SUNS the fourth novel in the Saga of the Seven Suns. This work moves the story further along but leaves the audience with a feeling of anticipation as they wait for the next edition to be published to see what happens. Kevin J. Anderson is a talented storyteller and his ability to create characters both human and alien that are believable makes his novels very special.

The Silence of John
D. S. Lliteras
Hampton Roads Publishing
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
ISBN: 157174410X $19.95

At the shadow of The Cross, John is unable to speak, a cretin amongst the brave women waiting for him to provide solace. He failed Jesus though he is the sole male disciple to remain at the Cross. The women are all there making him feel even more helpless and humiliated by his cowardice in contrast to their courage. In frustration he bangs his head against the wood of his stake. John sees Ester's disdain for him and the other men who fled seeking a safe haven. When he goes to talk with the resurrected Thief, Dinah tells him to back off as he is unworthy. When John reaches The Cross he drops to his knees in tears soliciting unwanted pity from Mary Magdalene and most of the other female followers, but more scorn from Ester who believes he is not honorable to even kneel where their beloved teacher died; he is no longer their equal. Mary the blessed mother tells all to accept God's Will, as she forgives those who failed him. Will John remain silent or heed the guidance of the beloved sacred Mother? Though the tale comes across more like vignettes describing the reactions of individuals to the aftermath of the crucifixion, fans of D.S. Lliteras' terrific biblical novels will appreciate the strong look at how the followers behaved when their leader died. The women are strong in differing ways while the men pusillanimously hide; interestingly the gospels that come later are all written by men. Due to the perceptive discerning look at the survivors, THE SILENCE OF JOHN is a fabulous entry in a terrific insightful series, though a different writing style than the previous novels.

A Bride Most Begrudging
Deanne Gist
Bethany House
ISBN: 0764200720 $12.99

In 1643, Lady Constance Morrow says goodbye to her beloved Uncle Skelly, a prisoner on board the Randolph. Skelly failed to bow to the king so he will spend the next seven years as an indentured prisoner in the Virginia Colonies. Before Constance can leave the vessel, the captain and his crew abduct her and toss her in with the other female detainees. Two months later Constance is for sale in Virginia while Skelly died on board. To the spirited lass' chagrin odious tobacco farmer Emmett wins the booty. However, Drew O'Connor collects the prize having won Constance in a card game. He takes her to his tobacco farm where he only wants her to serve as a maid and companion to his younger sister. He definitely does not want marriage still mourning the death of his beloved Leah. Drew rejects Constance's babble that she is the kidnapped daughter of an earl until he realizes she can't cook or clean or do anything domestic, but he desires her. She falls in love with her employer. A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING is a fantastic colonial romance that highlights the plight of women and incarcerated indentured servants. The gist of the story line provides a vivid look at the mid seventeenth century Virginia Colony, especially life on a tobacco farm. The lead couple is a delightful pairing as he begins to believe her only after he sees how domestically pathetic except for their kisses she is. The support cast is a bit extreme either being real nice folks or loathsome soulless thugs. Still Virginia and the prime lovers make for a wonderful historical tale.

In Plain Sight
Lorena McCourtney
Revell (Bethany House)
ISBN: 0800759559 $12.99, 311 pp.

Ivy Malone now appreciates being an invisible LOL (Little Old Lady) since avenging Drake Braxton begins to carry out his threat towards her after her testimony convicted his brother of murder. At first she ignores Braxton's harassment knowing from solving the murder of her best friend Thea (see INVISIBLE) that the police cannot help her. She no longer can ignore him when her house caught fire with her inside. Ivy consults with the Lord and decides it is time to go invisible again. Her niece DeeDee Harrington and family are off to Hawaii so Ivy moves into their isolated family property near Little Tom Lake, Arkansas. An unfriendly enigmatic loner, Leslie Marcone, thinks she is the Harrington housekeeper and Ivy fails to correct him; he hires Ivy to be his housekeeper, which she accepts as she wants to uncover his secrets. Meanwhile two former lovers arrive while police sergeant Yates plays matchmaker between Ivy and his widower dad that is when he is not considering arresting her for interfering with an investigation that could leave her dead. Everyone's favorite amateur sleuth LOL is back in a wonderful tale as she is as visible in the Arkansas side of the Ozarks as she was in the Missouri side. Ivy is as nosy as ever uncovering everyone's secrets, which places her in danger, but is comforted with her knowledge that the Lord is with her. Fans of a strong regional amateur sleuth tale with a subtle Christian message that augments understating of the heroic LOL on the lam will appreciate this fine tale that will surely bring Lorena McCourtney IN PLAIN SIGHT of the sub-genre.

Country of Origin
Don Lee
Norton
ISBN: 039332706X $13.95, 315 pp.

In 1980 University of Berkley graduate student Lisa Countryman, a half-Japanese, half-black American, conducts her dissertation research in Tokyo on the brutal societal conformity of bar girls. Lisa also has a personal agenda to learn more about who she is as a mixed race person. Needing work, Lisa finds employment as a hostess girl at a Tokyo men's club. Eventually she vanishes and her disappearance comes to the attention of American Junior Diplomat Tom Hurley, who has no interest in a half-breed's disappearance except as a nuisance that takes him away from the embassy pool and cocktails, which in his mind is more important to a purebred Hawaiian that he insists he is. In fact he is embarrassed by his roots of being a hybrid half-Korean, half white. Police Inspector Kenzo Ota, who spent three miserable teen years in Missouri, investigates the missing American, feeling strongly this case could make his career if he can solve it fast. This is an interesting look at racial relationships told through the three key characters whose convergence centers on the disappearance. The entertaining story line grips the reader from the moment that Lisa's vanishing is reported and never slows down as Tom half heartedly and Ota fully are engaged in learning what happened to her. Though minor in terms of the plot, the Tokyo embassy is in bright contrast to the stark Iranian hostage situation that is occurring at the same time. Don Lee uses a Japanese police procedural to provide a strong look at is racial origins.

Changer of Days
Alma Alexander
Eos
ISBN 0060765755 $6.99, 339 pp.

At the final battle with Toth near the Ronval l River, the king is killed and the general is mortally injured. Command fell to Fadrun who felt unequal to the task and promised the king's baseborn son Sif that if he would lead the men he would throw the army behind him and make him king. The true heir Anghara went into hiding as Sif led a pogrom against the Sighted (people with psi powers). Anghara returns from the desert realm of Kheidrun, where she has grown into her powers. On her first day back on her native soil she is captured by Sif's men and thrown into the dungeon where she resides for months until her loyal friend Kieman rescues her and takes her back to Kheldrum to heal and regain the Sight that was lost in Sif's dungeons. Her allies back home prepare the people for her return because this time when Anghara returns, she expects to take back the crown, the castle and the realm with the help of her subjects. The sequel to THE HIDDEN QUEEN is a beautiful fantasy with a protagonist who is strong and vulnerable at the same time. When she first fled the castle she was nine years old, untrained in the sight and unable to lead a nation; in the intervening years she grew up to be a courageous and strong-willed royal, ready to take back what is hers with the help of the man who loves her and kept her name alive in the hearts and minds of the people. Alma Alexander is a terrific storyteller who creates an imaginary world that seems very real.

Olympos
Dan Simmons
Eos
ISBN: 0380978946 $25.95, 576 pp.

While Helen mourns the death of her husband with the help of her lover twentieth century scholar Hockenberry, the Greek and Trojan warriors have united to fight the Olympic Gods who caused much of the conflict with their meddling (see ILIUM). However, the Gods have not been sitting back for a millennium as they are used to interfering, intruding and attacking mortals so they begin a counter assault. Abetting the humans is the moravecs space robots, but that might still prove inadequate as the allies war with the Gods they once worshipped. While Helen dresses for Paris' funeral following some lovemaking with traveling historian Hockenberry, in other dimensions the robotic voynix revolt against their dissolute human masters and Prospero and Caliban battle the Tempest god Setebos. Meanwhile Achilles mourns his beloved dead Amazon queen as Odysseus journeys to an alternate Earth. Soon these seemingly divergent happenings will converge with Trekkies appearing while Helen buries Paris before and after making love with Hockenberry. The storytelling talent of Dan Simmons is incredible as he somehow brings together this Homeric epic that feels more complex than the DNA helix yet the multiple story lines blend into a cohesive delightful satirical tempest of a novel. The story line combines humor with action adventure in a terrific time alternating science fiction thriller. Readers need to set aside several days to read this enthralling work slowly as Mr. Simmons "sneaks" in all sorts of tidbits. Readers will treasure this sequel that is as good as or perhaps better than the highly regarded ILIUM.

Love Underground
Amanda Cockrell
Signet
ISBN: 0451215826 $6.99, 288 pp.

In Hellas, Persephone is the prettiest maiden in the land, but though she has female friends like Echo and Narcissa, boys her age have nothing to do with her except the bodacious Hermes. Males fear her mother Demeter who has god-like powers and her great-grandfather High Priest Aristippus who communicates directly with Zeus. Persephone lives like a bird in a gilded cage as Demeter keeps her safe and apart from the other gender with an iron fist that only she and Aristippus can use. That is until the Lord of the Underground, Hades, sees her and desires her. He comes up from under the ground in her garden to abduct Persephone. In his dark realm he offers his "soul" to her, but she rejects him. Frustrated, but not a quitter, the obstinate intelligent Hades courts his prisoner showing her what no male dared, a wondrous world even if it is home to the dead. Feeling alive for the first time Persephone begins to see passion for the first time with her underworld warden even as her mother searches heaven and earth for her. Amanda Cockrell provides a fantastic retelling of one of the great Greek mythological tales, the story of Persephone. The heroine, her wannabe lover and her determined mother come together in a delightful romance even with the underground as the setting. Fans of modern day renditions of the ancient mythos will treasure Ms. Cockrell's entertaining novel of LOVE UNDERGROUND.

Lord Temptation
Lauren Royal
Signet
ISBN: 0451215923 $6.99, 384 pp.

They first met when Alexandra was eight years old when her brother brought him home from school. Over the next seven years, Griffin Chase came home with his friend Tristan Nesbitt to the delight of Alexandra. When she turned fifteen, Tristan informed her that his Uncle Harold is sending him to Jamaica to oversee the property he owns there. Alexandra is heartbroken as she knows he is the man she loves, but being perfectly behaved, too young and treated as Tristan's younger sibling she says nothing. In 1815 Tristan returns to England as a Marquess where Griffin asks for help to revive the family vineyards as he has done with his own. Alexandra, who never made a match during her seasons due to family deaths, realizes her teenage puppy love remains fully intact as an adult. However, Tristan has no plans to marry anyone; Griffin has selected Lord Shelton for his sister; and Alexandra remains a compliant model of behavior. The paragon concludes that she must break the codes of ethics to gain Tristan's attention as a husband and lover not a brother, but he insists never his bride though she has owned his heart when he was just a Mr. LORD TEMPTATION is a wonderful Regency romance starring two likable lead protagonists whose love for one another has been kept secret until the second time around. Griffin wants Alexandra as his wife, but when she was too young he was too common and now that he has a title his scandal makes him unsuitable for her. Though typical of the sub-genre, fans will enjoy Alexandra's chase after the man she loves.

Murder of a Smart Cookie
Denise Swanson
Signet
ISBN 0451215842 $6.99, 272 pp.

After being dumped by her boyfriend and losing her job and apartment, Skye Denison returns home to Scumble River, Illinois where she becomes district school psychologist. She needs a job when school is out especially so because she wants to buy her cottage. She becomes a salesclerk in Cookie's Collectibles but when she sees Cookie trying to cheat eighty-nine year old Alma Griggs out of a vase worth thousands of dollars, Skye tells Alma not to sell it. Cookie fires Sky who gets a job with the Mayor her Uncle Dante pulling together the First Annual Route 66 yard sale. She rents her home to Faith Easton, the star of TV show Faith Finds, who is coming to televise the miles long flea market. Everything is going well for Skye who has no trouble coordinating the event until her mother and grandmother find Cookie's murdered body in the liquor cabinet they are using to store stuff for the yard sale. Shortly thereafter, Sky and her mother find Alma's body in the trellis on her home, a sword in her body. The sheriff thinks Skye and her mother are viable suspects so once again she has to find out who the killer is. This is a hilarious amateur sleuth mystery as the heroine goes from one crisis to another trying to pull the Route 66 yard sale together. Denise Swanson never lets her characters get stale as they constantly grow. IN MURDER OF A SMART COOKIE, the author has a lot of surprises in store for the reader as the characters undergo certain changes in their lives ever the secondary support cast. This is one mystery series that just keeps getting better and better.

The Chase
Cheryl Sawyer
Signet
ISBN: 0451215664 $6.99 448 pp.

In 1815, as Napoleon returns to France, Jacque Decernay, who fought for the English, is accused of desertion. Convicted, the English military sentence Jacques to death. No one stands up for Jacques, perhaps because he is as low a rank as anyone can be in the English army as fodder because how else would one use a French "traitor". Surprisingly in light of the French killed her husband, Francophile Lady Sophia Hamilton sends a letter to the leadership that saves Jacques's life. She sees this as payment for his saving hers years ago. Meanwhile Jacques worries that Sophia is probably in danger from her fellow Englishmen, who want her dead because they fear she knows they betrayed their country. One man in particular pursues her to her home in Sussex with plans to murder her at the first opportunity. Only Jacques who has also followed her to Sussex can keep her alive, but she wonders if she trust a Frenchman especially one whose loyalties seem wrong. THE CHASE is a fine Regency romantic suspense starring an intrepid heroine struggling between whom to believe has her interests at heart. Interestingly, she remains ignorant to what she possesses while a traitor has everything to lose if she learns and reveals what she holds. Jacques is a refreshing protagonist as the audience learns the conflicting emotions that run through his head as he betrays his beloved vivre la France. Cheryl Sawyer writes a tense historical intrigue starring a novel hero and the brave woman he protects with his life.

Dearly Depotted
Kate Collins
Signet
ISBN 0451215850 $6.50, 304 pp.

After flunking out of law school, Abby Knight buys Bloomers, a New Chapel, Indiana flower shop from the original owner Lottie who sold the store when her husband's medical bills nearly forced them into bankruptcy. For the Fourth of July weekend, one of Abby's clients ordered begonias in red, white, & blue but the supplier sent pink carnations forcing Abby to spray paint them red. She is also the bridesmaid at her cousin Jillian's wedding, the same relative who stood up four husbands-to-be. Abby makes sure that her cousin goes through with their wedding but after the nuptials, she finds a dead body in the gazebo. The dead man is the father of Melanie's child (jillian's cousin) who had a fight with Melanie's father. Instead the police arrest the boyfriend of Abby's assistant because he threatened the victim after he discovered he was embezzling from his company and has a record that says he murdered someone in Texas. Abby sets out to prove he is innocent even though it puts her life in danger. Dearly Depotted is an exciting who-done-it because there are so many suspects who had reasons to kill the victim that readers will become absorbed in the story and will finish in one sitting. The heroine is loyal to her friends and is determined to find a suspect other than Richard while she is trying to figure out if her friend Marco who she is attracted to is ever going to take her out. Kate Collins' amateur sleuth tale is original and charming with so many unexpected twists that readers will have a hard time trying to figure out who the murderer really is.

The Company Car
C. J. Hribal
Random House
ISBN: 140006287X $24.95, 402 pp.

Emil Czabek is coming home to celebrate with his six siblings the fiftieth anniversary of their parents. As he travels to the gala, Emil thinks back over the five decades together of Wally and Susan and prays he never ends up like them though his gut tells him he is a chip off the old block. Emil reflects on his parents' marriage on the It's Your Marriage TV show to fleeing Chicago for the suburbs and fleeing the burbs for a Wisconsin farm. He thinks of all the failed get rich schemes that dad tried between children and how he always tried to protect his family, albeit fumbling at his efforts. Emil ponders if he is as big a bungler as his father was as he considers what to do about his aging parents and contemplates whether his spouse cheats on him between her triathlon events. The family gathering for a special event makes for a fine drama that uses internal and external perspectives to provide the audience a deep look at an extended family especially the core parents and siblings through Emil's filter. Emil is a terrific narrator who not only sheds light on his family, but his relationship with his wife as he sees things. At times the baseball size starting team can become overwhelming to keep score of especially when spouses and grandchildren come off the bench, but readers who appreciate an insightful character study that provides an interesting fifty year viewpoint with enjoy this perceptive tale.

Smokesceeen
Doranna Durgin, Meredith Fletcher & Vicki Hinze
Signature Collection (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373285221 $5.99

"Chameleon" by Doranna Durgin. Samantha "Sam I am": Fredericks can change into any disguise including becoming a street hooker or invisible. She is the only hope to keep a battered women's shelter safe when a mole reveals its secretive location on the Underground Railroad. However, only Jethro "what you see is what you get" Sheridan can keep her safe as he seeks his missing sister. "Upgrade" by Meredith Fletcher. In 2052 bionic superwoman FBI Agent Christine Chace is assigned to uncover the identity of who is leaking classified information to the enemy Bronze Tigers. Anyone including friends and peers she has known for years might be guilty so Christine trusts no one. However, her investigation spins out of control with an innocent young life potentially becoming collateral damage with her only help coming from security expert Dalton Geller, but can she trust him? "Total Recall" by Vicki Hinze. The terrorists plan to bring their trademark destruction to the United States by bombing the White House during a Fourth of July fireworks gala. U.S. Customs Agent Ben must stop them because cancellation is not an option because that means giving in to the terrorists. He turns to incredible photographic memory Special Agent Darcy as his only hope to stop a catastrophe. These three novellas star courageous strong women with a special skill each and the men who love them risking their lives to try to keep them safe in precarious situations. Each exciting tale is high octane super fast so that fans of romantic suspense with a touch of sci fi will want to read supercharged SMOKESCREEN.

Season of Shadows
Muriel Jensen
Signature Saga
ISBN: 037383652X $5.99

While her husband Naval Reservist John Keaton serves as a chaplain in Iraq, office assistant Julia dies in a tragic car accident leaving behind their two young children. On that same fatal day, John is wounded during a firefight so several months pass before he can look at his late wife's personal things including her journal that states that one of her two bosses at M&S Money Management embezzled client funds. Since she only gave a first name in her account, John plans to learn which one Ron Scieszka or Ron Milford is guilty of misusing funds and he believes murdered his spouse. John targets Milford, who retired with an affluent lifestyle that is evidence of excessive wealth while Scieszka continues to work and struggle to stay afloat. Thus John relocates with his children to Maple Hill, Massachusetts where Milford resides. John's efforts to stay low key abruptly ends when he rescues little Misty O'Neill from drowning. Maple Hill Mirror reporter Kay Florio wants to do a story with pictures on the hero, but John refuses. Curious Kay begins inquiries into why he rejected positive publicity; unaware of the perils she places the Keatons in. SEASON OF SHADOWS is a wonderful romantic suspense investigative saga that establishes the prime cast members so that a late twist becomes realistic and even more intense and gripping. Kay is a fabulous journalist investigating John, who in turn looks for proof that Milford killed Julia. Their falling in love complicates and compromises her efforts to uncover what her beloved hides, which amplifies the tension. Muriel Jensen writes a strong thriller that her audience will be thankful for a fine reading happening.

The Gentleman's Club
Joanna Wayne
Signature Spotlight
ISBN: 0373836511 $5.99

In New Orleans, the lowest attorney on the food chain at the corporate law firm of Williams, Williams and Castle, Rachel Powers prepares to assist a client with the IRS when a battered woman insists on seeing her. Tess Shepherd explains a friend sent her to Rachel. Five years ago Tess says she met wealthy Logan McCain following her high school graduation celebration; he forced himself on her and she gave birth nine months later to twins Danny and Davy. She never saw him again until recently when he demanded the boys. Rachel does not practice family law so she recommends where Tess can get an attorney, but the woman walks out, not interested in anyone else. Not long afterward Tess is murdered and her twins are missing. Although she knows she gave the right advice, Rachel feels guilt and concern for the boys. She begins making inquiries concentrating on insuring the safety of the children. When she gets to know Logan, she concludes he is no killer and would never force himself on a woman, but she also recognizes the rose colored glasses of love. Romantic suspense readers will enjoy this strong tale due to the transition of the lead couple especially Rachel who slowly and believably goes from suspicious to a woman in love who trusts her partner. The story line is action-packed with an interesting twist albeit used too often in literature and movies. Still the cast is fine; the cause is heroic; and the escapades delightfully written so that sub-genre fans will want to follow the exploits of Rachel and Logan as they risk their lives to rescue the twin boys.

Melting Point
Debra Cowan
Silhouette Intimate Moments
ISBN: 0373274408 $4.99

In Presley, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, the fire department answers a warehouse fire when a shot is fired from behind at the firefighters killing Dan Lozano. He is the fourth firefighter murdered in three months by a serial killer. Detective in charge Kiley Russell interviews firefighter Collier McClain, who witnessed the incident and learns he had a grudge against the latest victim; Lozano slept with his ex-fiancee. When fire inspector Teresa Spencer goes on maternity leave, Collier replaces her, which means he will work closely with Kiley on trying to sop the serial killer targeting firefighters. As they work together, they begin to fall in love, but both know their first duty is to uncover the murderer before someone else dies. The second Hot Zone tale (see BURNING LOVE) is an action-packed romantic suspense starring two likable heroes. Fans will appreciate the metamorphosis of the lead couple that begins with a rocky confrontational start, but eventually evolves into mutual trust and respect and ultimately a blazing love with toothbrushes serving as the symbol. The who-done-it is cleverly devised so that readers like the cop wonder if Collier could be a psychopath. This is a fine work by a top author who's always worth reading.

Danger Calls
Caridad Pineiro
Silhouette Intimate Moments
ISBN: 0373274416 $4.99

Until she met Ryder Latimer, FBI Agent Diana Reyes saw the world as black and white, good guys defeating bad guys. However, her perspective of the world is overcome even while she falls in love with Ryan though it is not her feelings for him that confounds her beliefs; it is his being a vampire that brings colors into her drab world (see DARKNESS CALLS). Dr. Melissa Danvers is the human caretaker of Ryder Latimer, a position she inherited from her parents when they died last year. As she learns her duties by studying her father's journals, someone steals one of them. Fearing for Ryder's life, Melissa asks Diana's brother Sebastian, a security consultant and computer guru, for help. Already attracted to one another, both wonders how they will avoid falling in love knowing they are already half way there. Neither knows that the person who stole the journey stalks Melissa needing more information to complete a diabolical plot. The second "Calls" supernatural romantic suspense is a fantastic thriller that grips the audience from the moment that Melissa realizes one of her late dad's journals has been stolen. Once again the audience will believe that vampires exist although Ryder plays more of a secondary role this time as opposed to his being the lead as he did along side of Diana in the first tale ((see DARKNESS CALLS). The two humans, Melissa and Sebastian star in this heated intrigue in which they attempt to keep Ryder safe while trying not to fall in love. In an incredibly short time, Caridad Pineiro is proving to be one of the sub-genre's best writers.

Double Vision
Vicki Hinze
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513593 $4.99

Air Force explosives specialist Captain Katherine Kane is in the Middle East trailing after a dangerous terrorist Thomas Kunz, a cunning person who runs GRID as a means to destroy America who he obsessively loathes. Thomas has replaced agents with doubles loyal to him. Katherine realizes she can only depend on herself, but the stakes are raised when Thomas abducts Americans to use as hostages. Realizing she has no choice, Katherine turns to an outpost base commander Major Nathan Forrester for help. He is willing to work with her in freeing the hostages and capturing Kunz, but he also tries to hide his desire for the captain with a gruff exterior; in fact he fears commitment since his wife died a few years ago. However, as the danger mounts for Katherine and Nathan he realizes he can no longer ignore his heart's insistence that he loves his teammate. DOUBLE VISION is an action packed military thriller that starts at high octane adrenalin levels and never slows down even when Katherine and Nathan display their growing love for one another. Surprisingly, even with the non stop action, the cast is solid and believable. Especially so is Thomas, a near perfect villain whose hatred of America and willing to do anything to harm Americans seems so genuine that he makes the tale even with two delightful opponents challenging his every move.

Checkmate
Doranna Durgin
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513607 $4.99

FBI legal attache Selena Jones took the foreign post in Suwan, capital of war ravaged Berzhaan after she caught her husband Colin in the arms of another woman when he was supposed to be on assignment overseas. As far Selena is concerned her marriage is over. However, Berzhaan Kemeini rebels take control of the embassy holding hostage many people including Prime Minister Omar Razidae, American Ambassador Allori, their staff, and visiting college students. On the loose as a wild card though trapped inside the complex is Selena who makes contact with the Feds. As she works to free the hostages, Colin is her lifeline to the outside, an assignment he demanded because he will do anything including storming the facility to free his wife who he loves. Take Die Hard out of Los Angeles to the Middle East and change John McClane to a female Athena Academy grad to get somewhat an idea of this exciting thriller. The story line centers on the action as Selena tries to find ways to disrupt the terrorists and save the hostages. Selena is heroic as the "roadrunner" battling the "Coyote" while Cole is frantic to hug her from the moment he realized that something was wrong by how she left their DC apartment until the final "cartoon" confrontation. Doranna Durgin writes an exhilarating fast-paced Athena Academy thriller.

Trigger Effect
Maggie Price
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513615 $4.99

In Oklahoma City, former cop forensic statement analysis expert Paige Carmichael provides a seminar on how to interpret documents and verbal and nonverbal language as clues to criminal behavior. However, she is also disturbed to learn that serial killer Dr. Edwin Isaac, who she busted, escaped; he is leaving messages for Paige. The threat to Paige is taken seriously by local law enforcement and homicide detective Nate McCall is assigned to keep her safe. As she provides instruction, Paige hears a comment from one of her students that raises her alert level. However, she knows from experience no one will believe her. At the same she is attracted to Nate who does not hide his feelings that she is a charlatan although he desperately desires her. Soon he will learn how accurate she is in "reading" words when he has to keep her safe from Isaac and his peer who want her dead. This is an exciting police procedural romance with the emphasis on the action. Paige's skill, especially with forensic communication, will intrigue the audience as it is cleverly interwoven in the plot to include the heroine having problems interpreting the confusing signals from Nate who wants her but scorns her expertise as voodoo magic. The story line is filled with suspense, but having two antagonists sometimes makes it difficult to follow who is doing what to whom. Still this is a terrific bombshell with a fabulous lead couple more than worth the price.

An Angel in Stone
Peggy Nicholson
Silhouette Bombshell
ISBN: 0373513623 $4.99

Fossil hunter Raine Ashaway is proud of the success of her family, owners of renowned Ashaway All, including herself in finding remnants from the dinosaur age. She is excited to learn of an opalized T-Rex tooth with the owner insisting the entire dinosaur is in the same state. However, instead of a simple purchase and expedition, Raine finds herself in direct competition with rival Kincade who seems to hate her and her family, but she has no idea why; even worse she is attracted to him while he seems to detest her. Cade and Raine head to Borneo, a divided island owned by three nations to find the full opalized T-Rex. She wants to find the bones before her rival does to keep her family reputation as the top gun while he wants to devastate Ashaway All as much as finding the remains. However, as they wok their way inland on the world's third largest island, a third competitor willing to kill has entered the game. To survive not necessarily win, Cade and Raine must team up or else. AN ANGEL IN STONE is an exhilarating romantic suspense thriller that emphasizes the action and adventure as much perhaps more than the changing relationship between the lead couple. Raine is a fantastic heroine and Cade is her perfect counter as he does not worship her as a female Indiana Jones, but holds her in contempt until he is forced to truly know her. Readers of action packed thrillers in an exotic place (the descriptions of Borneo augments the tale) will want to peruse Peggy Nicholson's exciting novel.

No Strings Attached
Millie Criswell
HQN (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373770642 $6.99, 384 pp.

In Manhattan, Samantha Brady feels like a failure. She has had no success as a writer, believes her biological clock is ticking after babysitting the neighbor's infant, has yet to meet Prince Charming, and depends on her roommate stockbroker Jack Turner to cover much of their expenses. Their parents back in their hometown of Rhinebeck, New York hope Jack and Sam, best friends, would become more, but both fears romantic entanglement with one another could devastate their friendship. Jack helps Sam with her depressed mood while she encourages him to leave his SOB of a boss to start his own firm, which he does. One night of celebratory inebriation leads to an evening of love making. The next morning Jack fears for their friendship while Sam knows he is her Prince Charming. Knowing she is asking for trouble, Sam plans to convince him that they belong together that is until she realizes she is pregnant and becomes unsure as to whether Jack loves her more than just the mother of his child and best friend. Though the tale of best friends falling in love has been used numerous times as a plot device and adding a pregnancy almost as frequent, Millie Criswell writes a fine contemporary romance starring amiable nice people. Readers will agree with the parents of the lead couple that Jack and Sam belong together more than just as platonic roommates. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this warm uplifting New York tale due to the genial cast that makes this romance fun to read.

Every Waking Moment
Brenda Novak
HQN
ISBN: 0373770456 $6.99, 384 pp.

For six abusive years, Manuel Rodriguez has kept his insignificant other Vanessa Beacon a virtual prisoner. He never married her because his family, especially his mother, would not accept her because she is from the wrong ethnic background, but he also refuses to let her go. With the help of Carlos the gardener and others Vanessa escapes when he is away on business. She changes her name to Emma Wright and flees the prison with their five year old diabetic son Dominick whom she calls Max for their trek. Manuel beats up Carlos and forces him to report the car he gave to Emma which was reported stolen to the police. They find the vehicle in Fallon, Nevada, but unoccupied. Instead, San Francisco stockbroker Preston Holman reluctantly gives the mother and son a ride east. He is heading to Iowa to confront Dr. Vince Wendell who he blames for the death of his son two years ago. Meanwhile Manuel has to save face with his family so is coming to take back his heir and at a minimum beat up or perhaps even kill his fantasy woman. EVERY WAKING MOMENT is an exhilarating romantic suspense thriller with the emphasis on the chase as the heroine knows evil is following but is handicapped by her son's health needs in her bid for their freedom. Manuel makes the story line work because though obsessed, he takes advantage of tools to abet his pursuit. Manuel's family business and Preston's thirst for vengeance seem like "convenient" devices enabling yet subtracting from a powerful woman on the run plot. Brenda Novak provides a compelling tale that grips readers from the moment they realize that the bird flew the coop.

An Unexpected Pleasure
Candace Camp
HQN
ISBN: 0373770626 $16.95, 336 pp.

In 1879, Irish-American Deirdre Mulchaey dreams that her dead brother Dennis wants his family to avenge his death. Deirdre's older sister journalist Megan needs to know whether her belief and that of her family is true that English aristocrat Theo Moreland killed her brother Dennis when they were on a South American adventure together ten years ago. She is also interested to learn whether Theo's expedition found the treasure they sought in the jungle and if yes what happened to the booty. Her sibling's dream is the impetus to act. Used to going undercover, Megan knows she needs to infiltrate Theo's home, Broughton House. She succeeds by obtaining a position as governess to Theo's younger twin siblings. Megan and Theo find an instant attraction that shackles him because he recognizes her as the star of his dreams. She tries to tamper down his allure for her that feels so good yet makes her also believe she is behaving like a traitor to her late sibling's memory. He also wonders why he keeps finding her in odd places in the house as if she searches for something. The lead couple is a fabulous pairing as both suffers guilt over the same person; he from the South American fiasco and she from betraying her brother. As they fall in love, neither is happy with this unwanted and undesirable emotion. The mystery of what happened builds suspense as Megan investigates while Theo wonders what she is seeking and who she really is because he recognizes her from his fevered dreams during the fatal expedition. Fans will appreciate this entertaining well written Victorian romantic mystery with a touch of the paranormal.

Before Sunrise
Diana Palmer
HQN
ISBN: 0373770413 $16.95, 304 pp.

In 1997 in Chenocetah, North Carolina, Native American cultural anthropologist Phoebe Keller, curator of the Chenocetah Museum, receives a call from a claimant saying he found a Neanderthal skeleton on the reservation. She is skeptical because a development dispute is brewing but before Phoebe can arrange testing of the alleged prehistoric remains, the person who called her is murdered with his body left inside a cave. FBI Agent Jeremiah Cortez leads the investigation. As a college senior three years ago Jeremiah felt a deep attraction to Phoebe that she reciprocated. However, he broke her heart as both went on with their respective lives. As they work together on the investigation, they fall in love even while the danger mounts from those who want to hide the entire truth. This is a terrific romantic suspense using a Native American background to enhance the plot. The lead sleuths make a fine team though both struggle with the ardent simmering desire for the other; their relationship seems like a throwback to a simpler romance novel yet is extremely complex as expected from fully developed protagonists. The who-done-it is cleverly designed to keep the audience alert although a twist late in the tale seems off kilter. Still readers will appreciate Diana Palmer's strong police procedural contemporary romance.

His Real Father
Debra Salonen
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712790 $5.50, 296 pp.

Documentary director Joe Kelly comes home to Worthington, California to film his family's bar Joe's Place before it is sold. To his shock, the buyer is Lisa Malden, who he has been attracted to for over seventeen years, but his twin brother Patrick scored with the ten teen Lisa should have been his sister-in-law but she never married Patrick although she gave birth to Joe's nephew Brandon who she raises as a single mom. Upon seeing Lisa, Joe knows he still wants her; Lisa reciprocates Joe's feelings, but does not want to deal with another Kelly. Still they spend plenty of time over Kelly's bar and soon their deep attraction turns to love. However, neither feels adequate to take that first step towards the other with their history in the way. HIS REAL FATHER is a strong character study that looks at a couple that almost made it as teens, but did not and now have a second chance to rectify their error. The support players enhance the relationship between the lead duo so that readers understand motives to not act on feelings. Debra Salonen writes a strong family drama with the emphasis on a fully developed functioning cast.

A Family for Daniel
Anna DeStefano
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712804 $5.50, 296 pp.

In Sweetbrook, South Carolina, elementary school principal Joshua White struggles to raise his abused nephew Daniel, who detests the small town and wants nothing to with his uncle as just the latest dumping on a relative. Every time Josh tries to help Daniel acclimate, he fails. After dealing with abuse, Amy Loar drops her daughter Becky at her mother's home in Sweetbrook while she tries to make a career in Atlanta. Becky has problems adjusting with all the recent traumas in her life and soon gets into a fight with fourth grade classmate Daniel. Their feud grows until Amy is forced to come to town. For some reason, perhaps a deep understanding of Daniel's internal demons, Amy seems to reach him where as Josh fails to have the slightest positive vibe with the son of his sister. On the other hand Josh seems to have done well with Amy's daughter. As they work together to help one another raise their respective child, these childhood friends fall in love, but each knows the kids must come before their own needs. A FAMILY FOR DANIEL is an intriguing family drama that focuses on the impact of abuse on adults and children. The lead couple, their children, and other support players like her mom and teachers bring to life the small South Carolina town that shows it takes a village to raise a child. Though the woes are cleaned up relatively easy (this is a romance), fans of powerful contemporary tales with social issues will want to read Anna DeStefano's fine storey.

Certified Male
Kristin Hardy
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791917 $4.50, 250 pp.

In San Francisco, someone steals valuable stamps from her grandfather's business while Gwen Chastain was on watch. Feeling guilty that she devastated the family business and needing to make amends, Gwen follows the thief to Las Vegas. There she disguises herself as Nina, a gambler, in an effort to recover what was lost. San Francisco sportswriter Del Redmond is in Vegas covering the World Series of Poker. When he meets Gwen, he can immediately tell she is not a cark shark. Curious over the masquerade and liking her he feels he pulled the ace of spades to complete a royal straight flush, but also wants to know what she is hiding from him. Poker will never look the same after reading this heated contemporary romance. The story line is fun to follow as Gwen tries to stay in sexy card sharp character (when she is more a homebody) to catch a thief while Del wants her in the buff not bluffing so he raises the ante with their relationship being the stakes. Though grandpa's investment reputation being shattered and distrusted as reasons to not call the cops seems wrong (maybe that is my ignorance) CERTIFIED MALE is a fine action-packed romance.

Thrill Me
Isabel Sharpe
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791909 $4.75, 251 pp.

Just in New York from Pine River, Wisconsin where Oshkosh is ten times the size, office assistant to a college dean May Hope Emerson is to meet Trevor (who she originally met when he visited the college) at the Hush Hotel bar. Instead she encounters male action thriller author Beck Desmond. She is on the rebound from a six year relationship with Dan and his agent demands he learn what pleasures a woman or he will be an ex-writer as his tough as steel hero needs some romancing. After small talk, she checks into the hotel with plans to spend an evening of pleasure with Beck. As Beck and May spend time together, their initial attraction ignites into heated passion and finally love. However, he wonders if she using him to get over heartache while she ponders whether he just needs a role model to enable his testosterone champion to meet his feminine side. This is an engaging torrid contemporary romance starring two likable lead characters who the audience knows belongs together. The secondary cast are nice people hoping Beck has found his true love (after they get an autograph). Isabel Sharpe thrills readers with this fine tale of Wisconsin cheese meeting New York bagel on the streets of Manhattan.

An Engagement of Convenience
Molly Molay
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750757 $4.99, 250 pp.

At Today's World magazine, publisher Tom Eldridge angrily confronts graphic artist employee Lili Soule for passing out a petition to keep the Riverview Building where their office is located so that the day care center will beopened. As a single mother of twins she needs the after school facility, but Tom says the insurance costs to keep a quality day care center is expensive and the building management will make the final decision. Tom has problems with his father wanting him married. He plots to buy time until his sister Megan returns to town so their dad can concentrate on her. Since he admires the gutsy Lili and likes her two children in spite of her daughter accidentally zinging him in the family jewels with a ball, he offers the mother of two an ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE that will keep dad off his back and provide some help to her. Reluctantly yet enthusiastically Lili agrees though she fears her heart may break. Lili is a fabulous modern day woman struggling to balance her personal and professional lives as a single mom raising two needing to put food on the table. Tom terrific is also a fine character who readers will like. The ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE seems inane as neither Tom nor Lili would agree to such an arrangement as that is out of character for either. In spite of that strained subplot, this Sullivan's Rules tale is a fine contemporary romance with hard working caring individuals that fans will like and enjoy watching love blossom.

The Mommy Wish
Pamela Browning
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750749 $4.99, 249 pp.

Only for Grandpa Emmett would Molly Kate McBryde board the Fiona in Coastal Carolina to deliver it to her relative in Fort Lauderdale. At the Tarheel Marina dock Molly trips and meets seven years old Phoebe, who is using an unplugged vacuum cleaner. The little girl mentions her dad and she lives on board the Fiona where he drinks beer. She cannot imagine why Grandpa Emmett would allow a drunk to live on his boat, but plans to find out. She quickly learns that Phoebe's dad is Captain Eric Norvald who will sail the ship to Florida. On the coastal voyage south, Phoebe notices a change in her widower father from24/7 Mr. Grumpy to nice and friendly; he even smiles. As she places messages in bottles that's he tosses in to the Atlantic, she believes that Molly is the cause and prays that the career woman becomes her mommy; Molly would second that emotion as she falls in love with the Norvalds. THE MOMMY WISH is a terrific relationship drama starring several realistic individuals besides the obvious lead couple and the precocious child. The story line emphasizes the need to move on when confronted with the loss of a loved one, but to do so at your pace. In spite of the inane title and the overly intelligent and too mature child, readers will treasure this deep powerful family drama that will bring accolades to Pamela Browning.

McKettrick's Choice
Linda Lael Miller
HQN
ISBN: 0373770294 $16.95, 352 pp.

In 1888 on the ranch of his biological father in the Arizona Territory, Holt McKettrick is waiting for the preacher to arrive to marry him to Margaret when a visitor from his home state of Texas arrives with a note that he carried from friend Frank Corrales. Apparently the man who raised him John Cavanaugh is being dispossessed from his land and his best friend Gabe is going to be hung as a murdering horse thief. He informs his bride to be that they will not marry at least that day, leaves his daughter with her grandfather, and rushes back to Texas to try to save the day. In San Antonio, Judge Fellows is exasperated with his daughter Lorelei who refuses to wed her fiance Creighton Banning. Instead as Holt arrives in town, she burns her wedding dress and flees to the dilapidated ranch she inherited from her late mother. Her neighbor Holt helps her and soon they fall in love though her father convicted Gabe and her influential former fiance has made the bid for John's land. The follow up to the McKettrick bride trilogy is filled with suspense and action, but belongs to a pair of rowdies who do not believe in love until the emotion slaps each of them in the heart. The story line is fast-paced, but also provides a deep look at late nineteenth century Texas through the colorful cast. Linda Lael Miller provides a terrific western romance that embellishes why this is one of the sub-genre's better miniseries in the last few years.

Her Last Temptation
Leslie Kelly
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373692285 $4.50

Cat Sheehan is stunned that Temptations, the bar owned by her family is closing. She wants to save the place, but feels helpless knowing she has no options. At the same time, Cat ponders cleaning up her act by finding a nice guy rather than the bad boys she always has dated. Her resolve ends when musician Dylan Spencer enters Temptations as he has bad boy and temptation written all. Dylan and Cat begin seeing one another in what is a heated affair. However, Dylan fears the relationship will end once he reveals the truth about himself. Dylan is a nerdy software engineer who has loved Cat since high school, but she never knew he existed back then as he was too clean and straight for her to enter his circle and she does not know him today as she knows the bad boy musician. This is a fitting title to the last novel in what has been a two decade terrific imprint. HER LAST TEMPTATION is a fine heated contemporary romance that fans will appreciate due to two delightful lead characters with a fabulous premise of wild girl seeks good boy, but falls in love with bad boy who is actually a good boy in disguise. Leslie Kelly insures that the Temptation line goes out with quite a bang as the audience will treasure the final act.

Sandwiched
Jennifer Archer
Next
ISBN: 0373230346 $5.50, 304 pp.

Forty years old Cecilia "CiCi" Dupree feels much older than her age. She recently filed for divorce from Bert, but believes she should have killed him and buried him at the sacred canine peeing ground after seeing him kissing a neighbor's daughter barely older than their teen. CiCi just took her widow mom Belle out of the Parkview nursing home to live with her and her college age daughter Erin. However, the three generations of females under one roof cause an overflow of estrogen that drives the one pulled in the middle over the edge. Using lists to keep track of the demands by her mom and her daughter, CiCi knows that being the SANDWICHED generation leaves no time for her. Yet she wonders if she would have it any other way as the women find they have different needs, different desires, and different perspectives yet share the need, desire and perspective of loving relationships. The family drama is told by rotating perspectives that reflect the background of the individual woman as they tell their side. Whereas CiCi uses a first person narration, Belle sends letters to her deceased spouse and Erin uses instant messenger and email; this technique highlights the differences between the three generational females yet also shows their common bond. Though somewhat disruptive and requiring a reader adjustment, Jennifer Archer scores a bull's-eye with this insightful relationship drama.

Riggs Park
Ellyn Bache
Next (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373880537 $5.50

They met as little kids in the DC Riggs Park area and have remained friends for over fifty years though Barbara Cohen lives in Wrightsville, North Carolina while Marilyn Waxman remained in the Washington area. Marilyn informs Barbara that she is back and she needs to see her to discuss what happened to another friend Penny when they were in college. Knowing that it is cancer Barbara agrees to visit her best friend although she is having personal problems with her lover Jon. Marilyn shocks Barbara when she mentions she will undergo a facelift prior to the experimental cancer treatment. Even more stunning is the secret that Penny had a child before vanishing; the father is either Marilyn's famous singing brother Steve or an unknown she apparently met on the "Bus Ride to see Steve. Reluctantly Barbara agrees to search for clues that would lead to Penny's offspring. As she begins her quest in the old neighborhood she realizes you can never go home, but continues her elusive venture. This fine middle age amateur sleuth character study is a well written buddy tale with a cast that makes the ensemble cast especially the lead female friends seem real. The friendship between Marilyn and Barbara serves as the key foundation to an intriguing plot. Barbara's inquires begin somewhat late in the novel as she is not convinced she should follow the clues until she realizes her beloved buddy needs to know the truth. With a terrific final twist to the delightful RIGGS PARK, readers will look forward to what comes next from Ellyn Bache.

Tart
Jody Gehrman
Red Dress (Harlequin)
ISBN: 0373895267 $12.95, 320 pp.

In Austin, Texas, Claudia Brown enjoyed the sex with her boyfriend Jonathan, but is not ready for anything permanent. She decides to discard domestic tranquility especially since Jonathan has already found a younger female and return to amazon tart status. She steals Jonathan's SUV and drives west only to have his bus ignite on fire; an oil change would have helped before the engine went up in flames, but it is too late now . Biker Clay Parker takes Claudia and her cat Medea to Santa Cruz where she will teach theatre at the University of California at Santa Cruz. Claudia and Clay hit it off until she learns he is married to a department peer and to make matters worse, his mother heads the department. Her class thinks she is a flake as her acting technique seems way out and some say so. However, her biggest issue is that she is falling in love with Clay and he seems so in love with Selena. TART is an engaging west coast chick lit tale starring a nice woman determined to return to her "roots" although Claudia cannot fully hide the real woman. Sub-genre readers will enjoy Claudia's up and down (figuratively but somewhat literally) relationship with "bad" boy biker Clay, who is a kind caring person. Fans will agree with his assessment that communication between them such as her asking him about his feelings would have solved many of their problems, but the fun is that she did not so the audience obtains an interesting dysfunctional relationship drama.

Miss Bubbles Steals the Show
Melanie Murray
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895275 $12.95, 304 pp.

At twenty-five, Stella Aurora Monroe feels like a big failure as she has not taken Manhattan by storm as an actress though she has tried for over six years. Adding to her feeling of failure is that she wakes up with some strange dude in her bed, having no idea of his name only she must have met him at Hell's Bar. After tossing the hunk out, her day goes further downhill when her neighbor Christian Porter treats her with his usual sarcastic disdain. Stella takes her beloved cat Miss Bubbles to the vet when a Jack Russell gets loose and frightens the feline, who while hiding whistles. Another client Francis Paine sees the white Persian perform and suggests Stella take Miss Bubbles to the Cherry Lane Theater where she would obtain a part in a play. Excited for Miss Bubbles, Stella is also jealous that her cat is going to be a star and paying the rent while Christian is beginning to look nicer. Talk about truth in advertising, MISS BUBBLES STEALS THE SHOW in this fun Manhattan chick lit romance. Stella almost seems like two people as she is kind to her feline owner yet a "bigger than big jerk" towards Christian although she always feeds him. Still Stella is no contender for smartest character as she sleeps around with no pleasure in that; readers will enjoy learning why in this fine lighthearted romp.

A Little Change of Face
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Red Dress
ISBN: 0373895259 $12.95, 304 pp.

In Danbury, Connecticut, her best friend Pam commented that Scarlett Jane Stein has her share of male friends and admirers because of her boob size. This shakes up Scarlett Jane, who thought men liked her because she was friendly and a nice person. If Pam is right and not just jealous, Scarlett wonders if that could be why she never met Mr. Right. Scarlett decides to experiment by sending out a frumpy schlumpy version. Pam helps her change into a dowdy version of herself. Scarlett changes her name to Lettie Shaw, her look, her home and even her job. Now she hopes to find someone who will get past her chest size to love the inner Scarlett. Two men enter her life, but does either see past Lettie to Scarlett. A LITTLE CHANGE OF FACE is an intriguing contemporary chick lit starring a likable protagonist who wonders if her good looks are a handicap hindering her finding a man who loves her. The story line is fun to follow when it concentrates on the transformation to a dumpy lead protagonist and the two men in her life. However, sidebars to include her so-called best friend acting like a Kamikaze drill instructor treating her like the enemy and Scarlett speaking hip hop with a black attorney pal seem inane for educated people and clearly in poor taste. Simply Scarlett needs to dump her best pal and treat TB (don't ask) with respect maybe the love of her life will do likewise.

Grave Intent
Deborah Leblanc
Leisure
ISBN 0843955538 $6.99, 374 pp.

Ephraim Stevenson branded his infant daughter with the imprint of a gold coin that he made for her so that she will have payment when she dies and not be stuck in the netherworld. At the age of nineteen Thalia dies in a freak riding accident in a small town in Louisiana; her family arranges for her funeral to be held at Savoy's Ephraim takes the gold coin off the ring he is wearing and puts it in his daughter's coffin. Michael Savoy's father Wilson comes back home during the Stevenson funeral because some very bad people want to collect on his gambling debts. He sees the gold coin and steals it with every intention of using it to pay off his bookie but he loses it before that can happen. The ghost of Thalia's grandfather warns Michael that unless the coin is returned to Thalia within forty eight hours, death will come for his loved ones. Michael's wife and daughter are at their summer retreat under supernatural siege with his child's life slowly slipping away, Michael and Wilson are also under ghostly attack at the funeral home. Only returning the gold coin to Thalia will save his daughter from certain death. GRAVE INTENT is a chilling horror story worthy of a Bram Stoker nomination. Wilson's sets events in motion by stealing from a corpse, which doesn't phase this hedonist, who symbolizes selfish me-me negative behavior; in contrast Michael and his wife risk their lives to save their daughter and readers believe they would insure that Thalia has the money to take passage to the other side even if their offspring was not in danger.

City of the Dead
Brian Keene
Leisure
ISBN 0843954159 $6.99, 357 pp.

Long before Lucifer fell, he sided with his fellow angels to rid the earth of the Siqquism. They were banished by the creator to the Void, a place colder than Hell is hot. The Siqquism have the ability to inhabit a body once the person's soul leaves it. Once humanity is erased from the planet the Ellium can corr

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