Invest with a teacher in this thought-provoking, moving story of a young girl who knew what it meant to deal with death, disappointment, heartache, and pain at a young age, but still managed to uses life's obstacles as stepping stones to life's goals, learning most of life's lessons through the school of hard knocks. Magnolia: A Wilting Flower ISBN # 1-59129-430-4 provides the reader with a glimpse of how Barbara J. Robinson came to be the teacher and the person she is today. Not one to let life's disappointments keep her down for long, Barbara learned early that giving up was not an option. Magnolia: A Wilting Flower is an excellent tool for the school and library markets and Young Adults, a heart-warming piece of literature that will have the reader laughing at times and crying at others, emotionally moving the reader as he experiences life in a small Southern town set in America's Antique City, Ponchatoula, Louisiana, where the author recounts her school days, losing her father when she was only four years old on a cold Christmas Day, peer pressure, and the reason she is not a cigarette smoker today among many other interesting episodes among siblings, and attending her first dance, a sock hop, in the gym where Pistol Pete once played basketball and where the movie Pistol Pete was actually filmed, the same school which turned out the teacher she is today. Barbara's passion for reading and writing provides young people with inspiration and encourages them to read and write more on their own. This autobiographical, mainstream novel recounts how her love for both was formed at an early age, and it is this passion that Barbara brings to her classroom and students of today which inspire, encourage, and motivate them. Michael Levy Author of Invest with a Genius What is the Point? Renowned Guest Speaker on Finance, Wellness, and Inspiration Appearing on Radio and TV in the United States and the UK...

This Southern memoir takes the reader on a life's journey, the author's. Set in the Strawberry Capital of the World and American's Antique City, Ponchatoula, LA, the book recounts the author's childhood and schooldays from losing her father at four years old on Christmas Day to coming of age and dealing with the trials and tribulations of life without a father. Humorous at times, it will also evoke emotions to the point of tears. This is the story of one gutsy little girl who learned through the school of hard knocks, but never gave up and kept on keeping on. Share her heartache, pains, coming-of-age struggles, and growing-up pains. Though raised on fairy tales, Magnolia soon learns that life itself is indeed no fairy tale and makes a vow not to raise her own daughters solely on fairy tales because she wants them to be prepared for the real world. This little girl turned teacher turned writer has a story to tell well worth listening to. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel so I can journey with Magnolia through her lifetime of adventures.

Life's Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Gary Roen
Florida (6/9/2003)
Reviewer Gary Roen reviewed MAGNOLIA: A WILTING FLOWER, and reviews
ran in the March issue of Senior Beat and in the April Senior paper in Daytona.
MAGNOLIA: A WILTING FLOWER by Barbara J. Robinson (Publish America $$
201 pages) is a very touching story of a girl's coming of age. Her hard life will either
make or break her. At a young age she has to deal with the death of her father and
later her mother's remarriage. One thing that kept her going was her father's belief
to have a good life, you had to have a good education. "Somewhere along the hard
row that Magnolia seemed to have to hoe, she had learned how important reading
and writing skills were for a good education and future, though, she actually had no
idea, at the time, just how important those skills would really become to her
someday . . . . Magnolia still had many of life's lessons left to learn, and sadly, she
would learn a lot of them the hard way."

In Fort Worth, three women meet in the ladies room of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation meeting hall. Middle aged Maggie Prescott is giving away her wedding gown that she wore twenty-five years ago because she believes her husband Mike no longer cares about her. Holly Weeks is stunned because the man she loves has proposed, a request that goes contrary to her life list and heats up her fears following her mother's death years ago from breast cancer. The third bathroom buddy sixty-five year old Grace Hardeman suffers from breast cancer.

Though from three different generations, the trio becomes friends. Grace provides a role model for her younger buddies as her philosophy of "today is a gift that's why it's called the present" resonates in all she does. However, even she fears dying as it is a matter of time before she must enter the hospital with her beloved loyal husband and her two pals providing her support.

Readers who enjoy a wonderful relationship drama that emphasizes the importance of loved ones during a health crisis will want to read THE PINK MAGNOLIA CLUB and donate to the Making Memories Foundation. The story line moves the audience through the three women confronting varying traumas in different ways. The characters seem genuine and fans will hope for the best whatever that might be for each one. Geralyn Dawson provides a powerfully emotional tale that will bring her much praise from fans and reviewers (and tissue companies) for this courageous tale.

Harriet Klausner

The Pink Magnolia Club, a wonderful story of women's friendships, is one of the most moving books I have read. I have never felt the need to review a book on line before, but it is my duty to praise Dawson for her service to the special friendships that we as women have and the magnificent work of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.
I have learned so much about this organization and its good works from Dawson's Book. The Pink Magnolia Club not only touched my heart but also my soul. I cried at the ups and downs in the friendships among the three women and recalled such friendships with older and younger women that I have been blessed to have. I am ordering this book for those women, ages 17-82, I am lucky enough to call my friends for 1 year to 43 years so they can have a good cry, remember our friendship and learn what to do with those rings still stored in their drawers.

Pink Magnolia Club touched me in a way no other book has before, and probably never will again. I lost my grandmother, my aunt, and my very best friend to metastatic breast cancer and my sister fights the battle today...so the story was very dear to my heart.

Geralyn Dawson does a marvelous job with the story of three women, touched by breast cancer..one at the beginning of her adult life, another in the middle, and a third in the twilight of her life. Everyone should buy 2 copies, one to read one to give away.

Trying to feel fulfilled with only 1 other person in your life? It doesn't work. Several friends add the spice to the spice cake, the toppings to the pizza dough, the rainbows to the landscape. Read this book about friendship and mutual support and then go out and build your friendships!

Real Magnolias was the most encouraging book I have read! It reminded me that I am not alone on this journey. There are friends around me who are going through the same situations and struggles in their lives. This book is about REAL women who share what makes them continue toward their walk with Christ. There is a lot to be said for women who enourage each other. Becky Freemen is a very unselfish writer who let these women tell their life story. Life stories that we all can relate too. Stories that are full of laughter, tears and hope for tomorrow.

My best friend and I sat in my living room reading this book to each other. We only paused long enough to grab some brownies from the kitchen and snag a box of Kleenex before diving back into the wonderful world of the Georgia Girls. We agreed that we felt like we went on the retreat with those women. We laughed and cried....sometimes these emotions even overlapped! It was truly wonderful. I've read nearly all of Becky Freemans books and once again she has succeeded in making me feel special as a woman, not on my own merit; but by just knowing that we all depend on Gods grace anyway.

This my first Diana Palmer book, and it hooked me! I stayed up reading all night... I simply could not put it down! I reccomend this to anyone who wants to read a great romance.

John and Clarie are perfect for one another (although it takes John a little while to realize this fact). The emotional aspects in this book were wonderful and increasingly hard to find in more recent romances. I liked the fact that the conflict was in the characters' relationship as well as outside of it. I highly recommend.

Magnolia was a great read. I couldn't put down. Claire and John are such appealing characters. I have read it over and over again, and it't just as good as the first time.

A compelling, in depth look at the lives of eight people in suburbia, "Magnolia-the shooting script" is one not to be missed by anyone who considers themselves a true "Magnolia" fan. It has often been stated that Paul Thomas Anderson lacks as a screenwriter but exells as a director. I finished reading "Magnolia" within 90 minutes, and I did not see how anyone could say that. The script pulled me in and kept me reading just like I was watching it on screen. We are offered director's insight into how he wants to see everything on film, and, this being the shooting script (meaning "original"), we are meant to see everything just how it was originally invisioned. We are offered the complete rules on "Seduce and Destroy". We meet the character of "The Worm" who is mentioned and seen only briefly in the film. Reading this script will immediately make anyone feel like he or she is reading a piece of classical American fiction, as well as assure them that they are in the presence of a the greatest natural born film maker since Alfred Hitchcock.

Admitted, I've not seen the movie. I loved Boogie Nights, which I thought was worlds beyond just "a flick about porno". It was deep, and intriguing, and dark. And this book is no different. These characters are not perfect, nor do they pretend to be. They are real, their emotions are real, and its so unabashadly beautiful how they can do what they feel when they feel it. Some of the writing (especially Frank TJ Mackey's monologues) are downright hilarious.

At first I thought that so many characters would make the story incoherant, harder to conceptualize exactly what was going on. The beauty of scripts, in my opinion, is the fact that you can visualize the film in your head, see the characters doing these things, ESPECIALLY if you haven't seen the movie, which I'm dying to do. Paul Thomas Anderson can't make a bad movie, or a bad script. The three stories intertwine and revolve around one long day in the San Fernando Valley; from the old, disheartened Quiz Kid, the young and new Quiz Kid, from the dying man and his frazzled bride, to the lonely cop with low ambitions. They all circle around one another beautifully, from scene to scene telling you the ultimate story about love, life, and what it means to actually BE there for someone. It doesn't have to be perfect, or beautiful, or meaningful, you can only do the best you can. At moments the script even pokes fun at itself, saying in one situation "this is the part in the movie where you help me out" which I thought was cool and funny and cute at the same time (and the FROGS! The FROGS!...) Don't doubt PT Anderson, his next will probably blow this one away.

But he'll have a hell of a time trying.

Luckily for me, Paul Thomas Anderson dropped by my favorite bookstore to sign copies of this publication a few days ago. I got a chance to shake the man's hand and tell him what an incredible influence he was on me wanting to write and direct my own films. "Magnolia : The Illustrated Screenplay" has to be the BEST published screenplay EVER. Not only do you get the actual shooting script (as opposed to those cheesy transcriptions of finished movies) but you also get a lengthy, fascinating interview with Anderson as well as a bunch of full color photographs taken behind the scenes of the shoot. But, of course, the best part of the book is the actual writing itself. This screenplay reads more like a complex and quite brilliant novel. As you read, you will undoubtedly be struck with genuine awe at just how Anderson managed to jump back and forth so many times between so many different, multi-layered storylines while still preserving a coherent narrative under the umbrella of a singular underlying theme: redemption. Although he'd be the first to deny it, the man's quite simply a genius.

A great collection of short stories. Southern mysteries by some of the best mystery short story writers around. Each story is charming and entertaining. A wonderful American take on the English-type mystery. Enjoy!

The southern mystery sub-genre is known for its "gentle" belles that solve crimes by being polite "steel magnolias" who "delicately" find the clues that identify the criminal. This collection pays homage to the regional mystery of the south as each tale provides that genteel background disguising a rock solid individual or two.

The fourteen tales are all well written as expected from some of the sub-genre's leading authors. Each story provides a full picture of the area to include powerful characterizations and many amusing scenarios. None of the stories are weak though some are incredibly excellent like those of Carolyn Hart and Elizabeth Daniel Squires. Fans of the Southern crime story will fully enjoy this anthology intended for leisure reading over several cold nights.

Harriet Klausner

Jeffrey Marks' anthology "Magnolias and Mayhem" from Silver Dagger Press is another winner from that small publishing house. Some great short stories including authors such as Jeff Marks, Margaret Maron, Deborah Adams, Dean James and Elizabeth Daniels Squires. There are also separate stories by the self-styled "evil twins", [Barbara]Taylor McCafferty and Beverly Taylor Herald as well as Carolyn Hart, Jeff Abbot, Toni Kelner, etc. Fine stories for those who like their mysteries with a Southern touch, but with a healthy diversity in style and content.

Restaurant Lulu's line of Mediterranean gourmet products reflects the training and culinary experiences of Chef Jody Denton, executive chef at Restaurant Lulu since 1995. Formally trained in the old-world cooking tradition, Denton has worked with such innovative restaurateurs as Wolfgang Puck, Mark Miller, and Rich Melman. He credits hot only this experience, but also extensive travel for inspiring the Lulu line. Denton returns with more than just traditional recipes. Many of the Lulu products are reinterpretations of classic Mediterranean staples and others are little known gems new to American palates. While the hearty cuisine of Provence inspires many of the products, others draw upon the cooking of Italy or North Africa: a truly pan-Mediterranean palette of flavors.

Having desired this cookbook for awhile, not disappointed in the least now that its in my collection.

This is rich book, with a rectangular format with big print and nice photos accompanying each recipe, which is given in adequate instructions and comments.

Knocked out by the variety and creativity of this recipe collection. They combine so many tastes and styles here --- Moraccan, Asian, Mexican, etc. Try these and you'll go bonkers as I--- Spicy Green Tomato Soup with Crab & Country Ham, Moraccan Roasted Eggplant Bisque with Grilled Chicken and Minted Yogurt, Roast Squab with Blackberry Essence & Carrot-Thyme Spaetzle, Pan Fried Mountain Rainbow Trout with Green Tomato and Lime Brown Butter Salsa on Sweet Potato, Artichoke and Crawfish Hash, or Grilled Sturgeon on Wild Rice Risotto with Butternuts, Grilled Leeks, and Cider Reduction.

Desserts are exceptional here, especially: Brown Sugar Pear Poundcake, and the Banana Pecan Crostata with Jack Daniels vanilla ice cream.

Super creative food, that takes some time and attention to prepare, but the results are worth it.

Recommended for the serious cook who likes this food which ventures to truly zap the diner with flavor, flavor, flavor. Excellent!

I'm a recent transplant from New York and have been spoiled rotten by its hundreds of cutting-edge restaurants and innovative chefs. But I have to tell you, the Barkers and Magnolia Grill are right up there. As a rule, I find chef cookbooks beyond the capabilities of the average-- or even the advanced-- home cook. NOT AFRAID OF FLAVOR is the exception. Not only are its recipes inviting, they're approachable. Moreover the story of the Barkers and their Durham, NC restaurant is warm and appealing. Thanks to the Barkers (not to mention several other local chefs they've mentored), this red-clay country is no gastromic wasteland. Even my New York City friends are impressed. I've given NOT AFRAID OF FLAVOR to half a dozen of them and they're as impressed by the cookbook as they are by the cooking they sampled at Magnolia Grill. From a huge Barker fan.

Don't tell me this scenario didn't happen in history! In fact, I've heard old Civil War songs about the men coming home and finding a strange baby in the house and they hadn't been home in years. So this was great to have it enacted and not to have to pity or imagine it! :)
Just a very interesting story played out well til the end.
A doctor, hard bitten from the War, finally arrives home after all these years and finds his wife has also just returned, with a strangers baby in her arms. The slaves have gone and his innocent sister has had to turn self sufficient.
Theres a lot the story plays on besides romance---yellow fever, war issues, that I was surprised and delighted to find in a romance. It kept me guessing until the end as to the resolution of the young lovers. And the ending is sad. But its unusual to find well written womens civil war stories. Besides Gone With the Wind itself, I recommend this and Ann McMillan's Civil War mysteries.

Dr. Dru Talbot has returned from the Civil War looking forward to the life he will lead with his "new" wife Sara. When he returns home he discovers he's in for the shock of his life. Sara is there, having just returned herself, but she's not alone. With her is her daughter, who is way to young to belong to Dru. Sara was lead to believe Dru was dead and being the naive, backwoods girl she was, fell under the spell of a Yankee soldier, who used her and left her with a baby. Sara returns to Kentucky and is an outcast by everyone except Dru's mentally disturbed sister, who takes her in. Can the damage done to this family be repaired??? Can mistakes be forgiven??? Can love conquer all???

This book was absolutely wonderful. It was so easy to read and had characters who seemed completely believable and sincere. I agree with the other reviewer that it is nice to read books about characters other than the ton and royalty. It is great to read about our country and the past it has with characters who are written to fit right in to the time period. The characters were well developed and the storyline seemed to be well thought out before the author started writing the book. If you love romances or books about America's history you will love Magnolia Creek.

Magnolia Creek was such a good read that I had the book finished in just two days! It was just too good to put down. I just love a book that leaves you wanting more after the last page and this book definitely does that. These characters seem so real that they become part of you and you miss them when you are finished.

This was my first Jill Marie Landis book and I guarantee it won't be my last! A great book to be read again and again.

I nearly went into shock in the aisle when I looked at this book and realized, lo and behold, it wasn't a Western romance nor, and this is the biggie, it wasn't set in England either.
Wow. No overdone "ton" and the hero wasn't a Duke! I wanted
to leap for joy. Are publishers finally beginning to realize there are readers, who would enjoy some variety after several
years of not being offered much?
Not only does the book have a interesting setting and time period but it is a great love story. I loved the hero and
the emotional pull of this story makes it a keeper. I think most romance readers will enjoy it, especially those who have
tired of the usual English/Western stuff.

I love this authors books! They are so full of humor, passion, excitment, tenderness and love. I can't wait to read others by her.

This story is the tale of a young woman named Peachy who has a very unique way of speaking. She's from a place called Possum Hollow, NC. She has just learned for a traveling Doctor that she is going to dye from the disease, Tipinosis. He gives her very little time to live so she is determined to live out her last days as a princess. She has seen all the omens and they have pointed her to a real Prince who has to find a bride soon. She has set her sights on Prince Seneca of Aventine. Seneca has just been told by his father that he must marry the woman he has chosen unless he can find his own bride in the next nine hours. Well that's when Peachy storms the castle and his life will never be the same.

Peachy is totally unacceptable as the wife of a Prince but is determined to make Seneca the best wife and friend she can in the time she's got left. It takes quite a bit but finally Seneca and Peachy find passion and love. They must struggle against the snobs and others who are determined that they shouldn't be happy.

I loved the way Peachy spoke, I could almost hear her. This book is a joy to read. I can't wait to read others from this author.

A big-hearted, country girl is fooled into believing that she's dying. She then sets of to an Island Principality determined to wed the Pricne of her dreams. Convincing said Prince of his fate is another (hilarious) story. I love all of Rebecca Paisley's books. This one is my favorite. It is soooo funny...love that about her books..they're all so corky. I recommend all her books to anyone. Get them anyway you can...beg, borrow, or steal if you have to! :)

Definitely a keeper, and one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. It really needs to be republished. I have looked frantically for another copy(I have already had, loaned, and therefore lost about 4 of them)and can't find one yet.My Mom usually only reads mysteries, and she giggled and snickered her way through it. After begging my daughter for 2 years to read it, I read several pages to her while she was cooking one day. "All right, I'll read it!" Then it was my fault because she was reading late at night and not getting enough sleep. She couldn't put it down. Now it makes the rounds of her friends, and they all love it too. Since it is a paperback, it will be all in tatters before it ever gets back to me, if anyone will admit to its whereabouts. Don't miss this one!

Steel Magnolias is a well written play that is easy to read. It describes the life of 5 ladies and causes you to feel as if you are a part of their lives. It is a moving book and expresses the power of love and friendship and endurance. It shows how the life of one can easily affect many others. We often take for granted the ones we love. This play helps the reader to realize this. I really enjoyed reading this play.

Wonderful book on the lives of friends in a small town, their enduring relationships and their ability to cope with difficulties and loss. Great characters! A must read!
Evelyn Horan - teacher/counselor/author
Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Books One - Three

It was wonderful! I recommend it to all ages