Rosanne Bittner is the best author I've ever read, althoughthis book continues the story of Abbie and her heart break over losing Zeke,I feel Rosanne could have shortened the time poor Abbie had to wait to reunite with Zeke. But NO-ONE could do better. Grab your tissues, you"ll need them. All through this book I really missed Zeke. He became like part of my family, they all did. I've collected the entire series. I think you will to.

this was the best set of books i have ever read. when abby lost zeke in death i could almost feel her pain, after i read all seven books i felt like i had known them personaly and i hated to see their story end

Greetings from Singapore, it is where I am right now. I loved it!!! It was very touching and I cried on those "goodbye's scenes" the characters are all so real and I felt that I was part of it too. It was a beautiful ending for Abigail, I loved that woman so much courage and life in her. The reunion of two brothers, Wolf Blood and Jeremy touches my soul. I felt victory for Zeke and Georganne when they discovered the gold pot. Hawk made use of his knownledge and fought it out in the legal way was very satisfying to me. I love the ending saga of "Savage Destiny."

Another wonderful American Indian novel by Kathleen Eagle which co-mingles two stories, past and present, into one unforgettable book. Cecily, a kind, young and guileless young woman becomes inextricably drawn into the American Indian movement of the '70's when she befriends a courageous young Indian woman and her world-weary but oh-so-irresistable brother, Kiah.

Cecily acquires a 100-year-old traveling trunk at an auction which contains some artifacts and writings of Priscilla Twiss, daughter of a White Indian Agent sent to educate the "savage" Sioux. Priscilla, drawn to the Sioux, comes to visit her father in the rugged, untamed west, and there she meets and falls in love with the proud warrier, Whirlwind Rider.

Both couples, though a century apart, share similar obstacles of restrictive social mores, racial hatred, and tumultuous circumstances in American Indian history, not to mention a suprising revelation which ties past to present.

Highly recommended reading for unforgettable romance, gripping storytelling, and fascinating American Indian History.

I lucked out and found this book before it went out of print. If you have access to a used bookstore, look for this title; it is one of the best stories I have ever read. Told alternately in the 19th and the 20th century, and spanning several decades, it is a tale of four lovers - two White, two Native American - who cross the boundaries of their respective cultures and give up what is comfortable in order to commit to one another for all their lives. Powerfully sensual, mysterious and somewhat sweetly painful and disturbing (particularly the 19th century story), be prepared to shed some tears if you find this book. Keep it, it can be reread and seen new each time. I've read as many of Ms. Eagle's books as I've been able to locate, and I think that this is by far her best work.

The old story is soooooooo moving , he promised to love and protect her and she gave everything up for him , their love was so pure ........ and the modern one is great ( as usual men are trying to be tough and stronge and love doesn't affect them ) but she made it true , she was able to move his feelings i think if u didn't read it , u missed a very beautiful two love stories

I found the book to be a good summary of life's journey expreesed in poetry. Being part of Ruth's journey has made it more meaningful.

Ruth feels her words, not just in her mind, but, also, with her fingers. She touches them, to gently draw them free and liberate the emotions she felt, that they echo and reflect within the reader. It is a book of Honesty and a book of Healing. Take the Journey and set yourself, free...

I found this book to be a spiritual gem. It takes us through the passages of life, the journeys we take along the road to wisdom, love, understanding, acceptance. Not only are the illustrations quite beautiful, the poetry touches the heart and mind in a universal sense. Give this book to someone you love, someone who is grieving, someone who is in need of spiritual belief and carry it with you. It's a real treasure.

A woman walks the beach lit only by a slight midnight moon, feeling the wetness of sand on her toes. She hears her grandmother's impassioned voice, urging her "to be strong, stand straight, trust herself." Clarissa intends to conquer a year's worth of fear in this simple walk. Her beloved husband Jake died in these waters a year ago. He'd been her dolphin, she was the mermaid, in children's books and to each other.

The man on a Harley has little patience for red lights, so intent is he on ignoring the events of the day. The entrance to the beach tempts him, and soon he rides along the beach when he sees her. As the night gown blows about her, the woman captures his attention immediately. Assuming she's a woman intent on suicide, Mick Carruthers gathers in his free arm, and pulls her to the seat. Soon he acknowledges that he's never felt an immediate bond with someone such as what he feels for the mysterious woman.

Their chance encounter gives Clarissa inspiration, and the following day finds her returning to her long abandoned illustrations for children's books. Vowing to live again, putting tragedy behind her, Clarissa even attends church. Following services, she encounters Mick once again. Despite his chauvinistic and bullying attitude, Mick appears honorable, not to mention handsome.

A picnic lunch on Mick's sailboat brings Clarissa more questions than answers. She's wildly attracted to him, but when she discovers that he's a smuggler, she wants to run. Despite his past, despite his "other" business, despite everything, however, Clarissa finds she just can't walk away from this gun-wielding, church going, restaurant entrepreneur with a shady side business. When Mick's around, Clarissa has a hard time sorting her morals from her emotions.

As a reviewer of often two books a day, not a lot of romances keep me guessing. The plot are fairly simple, boy meets girl, trouble in paradise and a happy ending. THE MERMAID AND THE EAGLE, however, kept me guessing from the first page to the last, pulling me along in its seductive tone and leaving me thoroughly satisfied. These daring characters and intricate plot twists only come to life thanks to epublishing. Sisk's voice makes this novel memorable reading experience. Very highly recommended.

Clarissa McBride is a young widow still trying to deal with her husband's death. Mick Carruthers is the dark and dangerous hero who saves Clarissa--more than once. We know from the beginning the two are meant to be together, but their path to happiness is not an easy one. Their story draws you in from the start, and you can't turn the pages fast enough! Just as she did in "Lyla's Song", Kay Sisk has given us characters we want to know better - Clarissa, Mick, Father Paul, Grandpa Long, and the rest. "The Mermaid and The Eagle" is definitely a great read!

I began reading this book and did not stop until the last page. The story was so well told my lap top heated up. From the first page you empathize w/ Clarissa and her lostness. It's predictable that Mick is her man, but how that will happen is fun to read and suppose. The twist and turns of the story keep you reading. In fact, I'm turned on and tuned in for a second run through.

I discovered Robert Goddard by accident when I took a random choice book (Caught in the Light by Robert Goddard)off the shelf in my local library about three months ago. Since then, I have devoured everything I can find that he has written. He takes a fairly simple story and weaves events and characters into his tale which keep the reader fascinated until the very last page.It turns out that one has read, in fact, a wonderful mystery story in the true sense of the word. Why is there not more publicity about the author? Do his books have large sales? A new reader only has to read his/her first Goddard novel and they are hooked forever. A modern Trollope whom the world should know more about.

I couldn't put this book down, dying to know the truth about whether this man was the one who supposedly killed himself years earlier or an imposter. What really made this book was that the chapters alternated between a first person point-of-view and a third person point-of-view. I previously thought it was impossible to pull off shifting point-of-views in a novel but this one proved to be the total exception. It was an experiment that was an unqualified success. All writers should also read this book to explore the outter reaches of creative possibilites open to them.

This book was recommended to me by my mother. She always gives good advice. After I read this book I went on to read all the other titles as soon as Goddard publishes them.

The plot is superb, a real gripper. Is he or isn't he James? You make up your own mind throughout, but you never really know until the conclusion. It is beautifully, intricately unravelled - it's just got to be read!

I was so impressed with this book - it struck so close to home - that I could not read it all at once. Like Mohatt, I lived with these people, I Sundanced with Joe Eagle Elk's father, ceremonied, got drunk, into trouble & rose again to help people. Mohatt's text is so close to the actual truth of the conditions on the reservation it literally scared me. That's why I had to stop reading from time to time. The Price of a Gift is the equal of Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions, which is one of the great books about Lakota spirituality.

This is a remarkable work that honors the true voice of a Lakota medicine man and the voices of his people. Mohatt's labor is not to analyze or interpret so much as present an experience which can only begin to be appreciated or understood when the suffering, missteps, fears, and clowning of the healer are shown along with their transcendence. Eagle Elk was an ordinary man who resisted but finally gave himself over to his calling. There are many books that romanticize tokens of Native cultures or presume to make use of them; this is not that sort of book. Like Fadiman's, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, this is a work of great reverence.

The story of Joseph Eagle Elk, Lakota Healer (1931-91), as told to Gerald Mohatt, cross-cultural psychologist, is simply and beautifully told.The effect of many mirrors of the gift of Joseph Eagle Elk derives in part from testimonials by people who he knew and helped to heal themselves. The sacrifice, persecution, and exhausting , demanding life of the traditional Lakota healer are fully portrayed. But the beauty that sings through in Price of a Gift is undeniable. Just to read such a book, just to know such a person lived and touched others, is profound and impacting in itself. An awareness of the core value of our lives radiates through the stories of the life of Eagle Elk. It is impossible to avoid the basic message of this book, with all its humble compassion. Without distortion, greed, evil, or pettiness, the matter of spiritual healing both as duty and joy is its glorious burden. Black Elk's vision included an awareness that the Lakota legacy would include an intrument of healing. The Price Of A Gift is evidence of that legacy. What a gift it is, to us all.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

Reason to Believe was one of the most true-to-life novels I've read. It covers a journey through true love that includes betrayal. Most of us have too much pride to survive it. Even though the circumstances are never justified, love saw them through it. The deep issues of this book really do almost justify the betrayal. So the question becomes, "Is it better to love him but never let him know I still love him for fear he'll hurt me again, or to risk the hurt and not deny the once-in-a-lifetime love?" Ms. Eagle covers life's issues - always in her books. This is a beautiful book that touches the heart and remains there. It's a huge switch for her. Typically, Ms. Eagle's characters are loyal to the core. This one was a shock, but a tremendous read! Ms. Eagle's latest book comes out this month (Jully 2002) and I've had it on pre-order since April. You'll lose lots of sleep reading her books! She has proven to be timeless!

Clara and Ben Pipestone's story is moving, emotional, and realistic. The book begins almost 2 years after their separation. It deals with a broken marriage, infidelity, alcoholism, parenting, and family. It is beautifully written and very true-to-life. I usually dislike such seriousness in my books, but the author manages to turn this into an incredibly uplifting book. I loved reading it. Very, very highly recommended!

Nobody developes characters as honestly as Kathleen Eagle. In "Reason to Believe" we are allowed to see into the lives of a family torn apart by alcoholism and infidelity. The story begins with Anna, the teenage daughter, rebelling against her estranged parents by shoplifting and getting drunk. In an effort to reach their daughter, they embark on an arduous winter trail ride in the Dakotas, following the trail of those who died at Wounded Knee. Anna's Lakota grandfather is the spiritual leader and Pipe Bearer. Her parents, Ben and Clara Pipestone, find themselves looking deeper inside themselves, and each another than they'd been able to before. Kathleen Eagle shows incredible insight in dealing with these very difficult issues. The story unfolds naturally, and never feels contrived. I love all of her books that I've read, but this is one of my favorites.

Philip Red Eagle is an amazing writer! There have been many exceptional books written about PTSD and the reality of the warzone. What makes this book different is the mind, body and spirit approach that Philip Red Eagle expresses so well. He not only takes you there with him,but shows you a way home through the pain, distrust and loss and to the strength of your heart and spirit. For anyone who wants to help a vet who is struggling to regain his or her spirit, this is the book you've been looking for! This is a way home.

There's been a lot written about Vietnam vets and post traumatic stress, but I've never read any author who portrays the pain and anguish as well as Red Eagle. Then he portrays the healing. But to understand it you must enter a different skin. The skin of a people not held to standard conventions; where time has a different meaning and visions and dreams are an important part of life. I have never read an author who managed to accomplish this, but Red Eagle does. Even Alexie, an author I greatly admire, still leaves the reader on the outside looking in. But with Red Eagle you are truly taken inside.

I am an avid reader who usually consumes one book after another. However, when I finished this book I couldn't start another one for a couple of days. It has that kind of effect on you.

I have taught this book alongside classic works of Native American (such as Leslie Silko's "Ceremony"), alongside exceptional works of Native philosophy (e.g. Vine Deloria's "Red Earth / White Lies") and alongside some of the most popular contemporary Native writing (Sherman Alexie, among others). Red Eagle's "Red Earth" holds its own in all these contexts, and has been the favorite of many students in my classes.

"Red Earth" is a magical pair of stories dealing with the trauma not only of Vietnam, but American colonialism.

This book tells a WONDERFUL story of a white medical doctor caring for an indian child with pneumonia. When the child began his recovery; the boy's father tried to pay the doctor, and Dr. Brown refused payment because of the way the indians had been cheated and mistreated by the government that made treaties and habitually broke them, and white settlers.

The boy's father was stunned by the doctors kindness, and insisted on giving him a pipe bag with bead and quill work. (A pipe bag is traditionaly made from leather with two segments or pockets if you prefer. Traditionaly; the pipe bowl, and stem are kept separate, and are only put together when you pray with the pipe.). This book tells the story of this pipe bag (allegedly belonging to Crazy Horse), and the story of the three people that cared for this pipe bag before returning it the Sioux.

This book also tells the story of Lionel Little Eagle (the third keeper of the pipe bag), and his beloved wife "Tammy" that was dying of cancer.

This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. In some places you will laugh hystericaly (as in 'Hey You' on page 37, 'Old Coyote's encounter with the kitchen boss' on page 46 and others. In other places prepare to find tears welling up in your eyes where Mr. Little Eagle relates the story of his wife's passing. and teaching "Trapper" (the son of Mr. Little Eagle, and Tammy" why they use the pipe (like making a telephone call to God), and Trapper picks up the pipe and puts it to his ear like a phone and wants to talk to his mom.

There are many nice illustrations.

On pages 59-62; Mr. Little Eagle relates one of the best versions I have seen of the White Buffalo Woman legend that I have seen.

In my humble opinion; if this book does not reach you; you do not have an open mind and heart.

However; with the platitudes mentioned above; I am disappointed with some portions of this book.

1. On page 47-48 Mr. Little Eagle relates the words of an elder that states in olden times the pipe was much larger about the size of a child's head, and his anger about non indians having the pipe. Mr. Little Eagle does not seem to share the attitudes of the elder because on page 9; he refers to himself as "a simple member of the human race" which is quite similar to mine "A human being; doing the best I can."

a. I know a gentlman that mines the sacred stone in the pipestone quarries (He sent me a photocopy of his permit to mine the stone). According to my acquaintance; it is extremely unusual to find veins of pipestone (Catlinite) more than 3 inches thick, and in order to get the sacred stone; they sometimes have to go through veins of quartzite up to 8 feet thick to reach the three inch vein.

b. Attitudes of anger and bigotry as expressed by the elder is making the problem worse not better. I want to see Nick Black Elk's vision of the flowering tree, and people living together in peace and harmony come to pass. People (indian or not, elder or not that have anger and hatred for non indians carrying the pipe in a sacred manner is causing disharmony. Evelyn Eaton the author of "I Send A Voice" relates her encounter with Native American anger and bigotry that was directed toward her because she carried a pipe. I have received many vitriolic comments from alleged indians after reading some of my reviews.

2. On page 142; Mr. Little Eagle tells of his meeting Wallace Black Elk the "grandson" of Sioux Holy Man Nick Black Elk. Wallace Black Elk is NOT the grandson of Nick Black Elk. I have VERY much respect for wicasa wakan (holy man) Nick Black Elk. I have NO respect for this new age flim flam man that inflates his ancestry to make himself look better. I know a man that was named by Ben Black Elk (the son of Nick Black Elk), and I know the real family of Nick Black Elk have been confronting this myth for years. Nick, and Wallace are not even member of the same Sioux sub tribe. Ben Black Elk acted as the interpreter for the two authors (Joseph Epes Brown "The Sacred Pipe", and John G. Neihart "Black Elk Speaks" because his father spoke almost no english, and the authors did not speak the Sioux language.

3. on page 209 another bigoted elder states "The people who blindly and deliberately scar and hurt Mother Earth. who line our sacred Black Hills with black pavement. They are the enemy! That is where our fight lies. (Isn't this inciting people to riot and commit violence? In my humble opinion; the BEST way to reach harmony is to put the past behind us, and go forward into the future; there all races teach one another, and explain why things are considered sacred, and what it means to use a pipe in a sacred manner. We can only do this if we open our hearts and minds, and allow the past injustices to remain in the past. I walk the red road because this path answers my spiritual questions and works for me.

Other than these problems; the book conveys a wonderful story, and shares some Native American Philosophy.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

"Greengrass Pipe Dancers" starts out with an intriguing story of how the author came to be the caretaker of Crazy Horse's pipe bag, and continues with a powerful story of Lionel Little Eagle's journey to return the pipe bag and to seek spiritual guidance dealing with his wife's cancer. The reader will join Little Eagle in Native American ceremonies both fascinating and uplifting. A sense of family and belonging in a community is strong throughout this book. Many emotions surface as Little Eagle searches for the next caretakers of the holy pipe bag while separating the pain of losing his wife from the realization that she also is to return to her spiritual beginning, just as the pipe bag must. Ultimately, the wonderful cycle of life vividly described here leaves you wishing Little Eagle will write again soon.

Greengrass Pipe Dancers is both a story of pain and death and a search for healing and transformation. The first focus is on the history, safekeeping and restoration of a holy pipe bag, perhaps once belonging to Crazy Horse. The underlying text is the author's experience of healing and acceptance in mourning the passing of his beloved young wife Tammy through witnessing the rite of the Sun Dance and pipe dancers with the Lakota of Greengrass, South Dakota. Lionel Little Eagle sees his own totem animal and receives his sacred message from the experience. Straight from the heart, Greengrass Pipe Dancers is the author's testament to the power and beauty of Lakota spirituality, and the miraculous healing essence of the beautiful pipe bag he is given to carry and protect until a sacred resting place is found.

The true story of the pipe bag is recounted according to Lionel Little Eagle's wife Tamara and other traditional sources. The pipe bag was originally given by a Lakota chief to Dr. H. A. Brown (Tamara Brown's grandfather) in 1895 after he saved his son from pneumonia. This tale has been told in another book, Warriors of the Rainbow, written by Dr. Brown's son, Vinson. In Greengrass Pipe Dancers, Lionel Little Eagle, a Micmac Native American, continues the sacred obligation of being the pipe bag bearer while presenting its history and his wife's story. The wonderful thing about the pipe bag history is it is directly connected to the founding of Naturegraph, a publishing house founded by Vinson Brown to publish Warriors of the Rainbow. Naturegraph continues to publish works on Native American history, spirituality and culture, thus fulfilling the dreams of both the original Oglala chieftain pipe bag bearer and Dr. Brown.

The author introduces the main elements of the story simply. They are Tammy, the Healing, the People, the Pipe Bag, and the Dance. Each element is key, but it is their interplay, the dance of words, visions, and songs that emblazons the heart of the book. Greengrass Pipe Dancers is voiced from the essence of sacred enlightenment, which includes death, pain, and deep celebration of life. Partly because of its simple, unassuming style, Greengrass Pipe Dancers may be read as a sort of personal journal of seeking spiritual enlightenment. The subtext is clear and undeniable, a brilliant witnessing of light and healing.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

If you love raptors, then this book is a great way to get you started learning about them. The drawings and full color paintings are superb. The information is more than enough for a good introduction, and if you like bird carving, then this is one of the best reference books you can have. I got one for myself, and gave the kids their own. It's not just a coloring book, the activities are designed to get the reader thinking and doing, especially observing nature and not television. Perfect for home schoolers.

This is the only children's book I've seen that does a comprehensive job portraying the richness and diversity of birds of prey that exist in North America...As a scientist, this is certainly the kind of coloring book I'd be happy to give my kids. And, as a raptor biologist, I'd be proud to give it to a colleague's kids.

Coloring books are not appropriate for library lending and are typically not featured here; but Raptors: The Eagles Hawks Falcons And Owls Of North America is a very fine educational guide and a highly recommended pick parents will want to pick up for their children and that librarians could utilize as a reading prize incentive for their summer reading program promotions. Color drawings of hawks, eagles, and owls accompany basic information on North American raptors, with complex and detailed black and white drawings kids can fill in. A simple, appealing coverage.