I bought this book after reading a couple of Elisabeth Mansfield books. I was kind of "turned off" by the title at first, thinking this was going to be some sort of sappy ghost story. It turned out to be more light-hearted than some Mansfield stories, in that there was a lot of humor--I particularly loved the funny dialogues between the heroine and the "phantom." But, it was also serious in the way it addressed the issue of how having a physical disability can affect the way a person views themselves and how others view them. This was a funny, sweet, and touching book. I loved it and it will definitely be on my "keeper" shelf. By the way, if you are looking for a "sensual read," don't look here. This book is so "clean" you could let anyone you know borrow it without blushing, yet there is no doubt about the potent physical attraction between the main characters. To top it all off, the hero and heroine not only love each other, but they have fun personalities and appreciate each others sense of humor. Great feisty heroine and tender hero! Highly recommended!

This was the first book of Elizabeth Mansfield's I read. As a self-proclaimed Georgette Heyer snob, I thought no one could write as vividly about the Regency period as she could. I was wrong, and I'm glad! Elizabeth Mansfield has a truth about her characters - so much truth, you want to invite them to tea! I read and re-read all of her books because it's like visiting old friends!

this is one of my favorite books of all time ...the emotions are so real and its nice to see a book where the guy is so sweet ....a great read ...

Elizabeth Crary really impressed me. This book was very well structured with content logically presented for parents to assist their children in developing skills and then developing self-motivation. She provides ample references to other authors for further reading as well.

Our child is in pre-school. We have just about finished potty training, and have told him how proud we are when he makes. I learned in this book how important it is that we verbalize that we are proud of him and he should be proud of himself as well.

Most of the material in the book is for children older than preschool but there is plenty here for preschool parents to think about. We will refer to this book for many years to come. I am definitely interested in reading more books by Elizabeth Crary. I highly recommend this book!

No parent wants to raise a child who is a slob, a couch potato and a brat. But how to help them grow from a toddler to a responsible teen is a daunting task. This book helps parents get a gameplan for teaching their children self-respect as well as respect for others. It also reduces frustration by helping you see what is realistic for different ages. With large doses of humor and many practical tips, this is a VERY helpful book.

Your children's college roommates and future spouses will thank you... :)

I recommend this book all the time to friends who complain about having lazy kids. My son's hardly perfect, but he's done his own laundry since he was 4! This book helps you figure out what to reasonably expect and how to get the whole family to participate (so that you don't have to nag). It's great--even if cleaning house isn't your life's focus. It has tons of information about learning styles, developmental stages, and so on.

Someone recommended this novel to me, as a 'prairie' romance, a novel about pioneers and the hardships they faced when settling the American frontier.

What can I say? I loved this book, A place called home, is the story of Livi and Reid, and the trouble they must face with conflicts with Indians, disease, death, and prejudice.

While some elements, such as the frontiersman's easy acceptance of Reid as a "half-breed," and Livi's daughter's quick recovery from Small Pox were a tad on the unbelievable side, overall, this novel is wonderful!

Would recommend this book to readers who love Americana romance.

This was my first Grayson book and I loved it.
The love between these characters is VERY real.
I could not put it down.
The story "wraps itself around your heart"
Don't pass up this book.

Elizabeth Grayson is a master at historical detail and bringing her characters appear real to the reader. From the start, you will wait with held breath as the heroines husband is murdered in front of her and her young children. Then to have to continue the rugged trail to make a new home out west took more strength than most women would possess, especially when that woman is pregnant and one of her youngsters develops smallpox which scares any decent help away. It is a joy to read!

My dentist had this book in his waiting room. It was September ll, 2001 and when I turned to a page at random it spoke directly to me as nothing else had, especially on that day. I will give this to everyone I know, it is a beautiful and inspiring and profound collection. Wonderful!

People today are recognizing the need and the benefits of incorporating more prayer and devotion into their everyday lives. This book, along with the editor's previous works, Earth Prayers and Life Prayers provides people with a multicultural array of poems, prayers, chants, blessings, and other types of inspiration to further enrich your life.

This collection focuses primarily on the coming millennium. The editors actually sent out a call to others to contribute their thoughts to this volume. So, unlike previous works, this collection is focused mainly on the words of people living today, whereas the other volumes, contained wisdom from the past as well as the present.

What makes this book even more precious, is that world leaders such as Desmond TuTu and Vaclav Havel, stand here side by side with other great thinkers, poets, religious leaders and visionaries. But also tapped, are relative unknowns, nuns, alternative communities, community leaders, singers/songwriters, poets, teachers, etc. providing a huge melting-pot of profound thoughts and wisdom.

These reflections are subdivided in categories such as: hope for the future, opening hearts, this moment in time, creating peaceful communities, one about children, the earth, solidarity and justice, politics, economics and morality, parables of our time, and we the people.

Instead of dwelling on decay and apocalypse, why not see the hope the future has to offer an enlightened civilization? This book is a breath of fresh air amidst the glut of negative material out there concerning the turn of the century. To the editors...thank you for providing us with continued inspirations.

This Project was the most thoughtful, insightful, motivating peace of art I've come across in a long time. I was almsot ready to give up hope being tangled in this world wide Web, but I'm relieved to see a brighter, more hopeful, and I'm looking for ward to this Celebration of Resolution soon. THANK YOU's both!! Love Spring~

I think Julie Elizabeth Leto is one of the fastest rising voices in the series romance field. She is so strong in her craft, she creates vivid, interesting characters that are very memorable, and imbues her stories with her love of the New Orleans area, showing a strong technique in romance writing. She understand how to create sexual tension on a level of 10, yet still remembers the difference between sexual tension and romance. She has the wee touches that make a writer shine and shine she does!!

This is the first of the Chance brothers series, and it is a knockout. Serena Deveaux, grew up with Drew and Brandon, but at 17 the childhood friendships began to change. Serena fell in a mild crush with Brandon Chance, and Drew thought he fell in love with her. Brandon drunkenly ruined it all by shattering her teenage fantasies about romance one night. Immediately after, he went off to join the air force, later becoming a Nightstalker pilot. However, vision problems have forced him to retire and he is now opening a private investigation agency in the French Quarter. And who should be his first client - his old love Serena!

During this time, Drew's insistence he loves Serena has grown to the point he is trying to force her into marriage. She wants to discourage him without losing his friendship, and hits upon hiring Brandon to dim Drew's feelings. She concocts a hair-brain scheme to hire him as her bodyguard against the "cliché killer", pure invention on her part (though she later admits to herself and him it was just an excuse to approach Brandon). She thinks if Drew sees them together in a romantic light, he will back off. She makes a bet, knowing the men of Chance cannot back away from one, and banks on him living up to losing. In short time, she see she still is very attracted to him, so fesses up to the whole thing being a red herring, that she was hoping to drive Drew away without ruining their friendship. Only, someone else has other ideas and suddenly is making the "cliché killer" very real.

Aside from the problem of the threat, the main characters' have to deal with their different goals in life. Brandon wants a wife in the suburbs, kids and white picket fences. Serena is New Orleans all the way, loves to party-on-down-Cher and dance till dawn at The Reservation Hall (I have done this so truly sympathised with Serena!!). Can they find that bridge between their desires and their wants for the future???

Serena and Brandon are very warm and loving characters. Serena is wild, full of life, but is afraid of commitment after her parents' divorce. She is working to find a relationship with her estranged twin sister. Brandon, while being Hunk extraordinaire, is also very human - having his vision problems, and forced to wear glasses. Very Nice touch, Julie!!

Sprinkled in are Serena's twin sister (raised away from her), her psychic mother - who knows all - the kindly cook who makes all those wonderful New Orleans dishes that Justin Wilson would adore and all sort of New Orleans 'all that jazz'.

As a writer myself, I think creating one these series books is likely one of the harder tasks any writer undertakes. To give so much in such a short span of pages is a great challenge and Julie Leto rising to that challenge so well.

She is one of the best and brightest talents in series romance - keep your eye on her - she is going places!!

I triple-dog dare you to read this and not love Leto's writing!!
;-)

When Drew Stuart moved beyond insulting or rude Valentines to mushy and started talking about marriage, Serena Deveaux decided to put an end to the nonsense. They've been best friends since kindergarten, and the last thing Serena wants to ruin their friendship by getting married. Her parents had already provided a terrible example of what can go wrong. Now she tries to live as simply as possible: an occasional lover without long term relationships, playing and have fun without marriage. Now Drew has made things not so simple.

Serena concocts an elaborate scheme to ditch Drew's romantic notions. And the scheme involves the only man she's ever loved, Brandon Chance. Fifteen years ago a graduation kiss with Brandon proved to her how foolish becoming involved with a best friend can be. Now she wants to hire Brandon to be her bodyguard and then make Drew think that they are lovers. He'll warn her about friends who destroy their friendship over romance, stop persuing her without destroying the friendship, and all her problems will be solved. After all, marriage is not an option, even if it costs her a cherished friend.

When she shows up at Chances Protection the first morning of business, Serena refuses to be turned away by Brandon's irritability. But he quickly changed his tone when she handed him beignets and cafe au lait. He's spent fifteen years trying to keep Serena out of his life. They are too much alike--"too reckless, too rash, too willing to throw caution to the wind and fly straight into disaster." What he wants is a sensible practical wife to help keep him out of trouble. What he gets is, well, trouble...

Julie Elizabeth Leto creates a passionate, sexy tale of love reunited. Serena is a playful, unpredictable sprite that doesn't back down no matter the wager or the chance she must take. Chance has to learn to reconcile the fun and unexpected with his vision of the future and learn to listen to his heart, creating a marvelous tension in the novel that keeps the reader smiling. Don't start this one at bedtime unless you want to be up all night. Very highly recommended.

"Pure Chance" is a romantic "who done it" novel. The heroine and hero have fun personalities. I did not want to put the book down!

As a Quaker, I greatly enjoyed this book ... sort of Miss Marple the Quaker (member of the Religious Society of Friends), about an elderly woman who feels Led to help solve a murder involving her Meeting. My only quibbles are that the author tried a wee bit too hard to make Friends appear unusual ... e.g., writing such things as "The two Friends walked down the street," etc., which no one would ever say or think. (One of the tenets of our faith is that we do not pass judgment on others -- so we're known for fitting in and getting along, despite not drinking, swearing, dancing, etc. As such, we do not stand out that noticeably, and you would no more say "The two Friends walked down the street" than you would "There goes a Baptist!") Likewise, we have unprogrammed worship wherein we sit quietly, waiting for the spirit of God to touch us and often inspire us to share something with the group. Although outsiders call it silent worship, *WE* don't. Also, the main character complained so much about her arthritis that I thought it related to the case's solution ... In the real world, however short of the mark we may fall, we nonetheless strive to be thankful for all that we have, rather than whining about what we lack.

However, that's just quibbling -- and probably something with which only a Quaker would find fault. If you enjoy comparatively light mysteries (no profanity, sex, vulgarity, or fast-paced, high-level spy themes) with a Miss Marple type of elderly woman thrust into the role of sleuth) and would like a glimpse of the Quaker beliefs, you should greatly enjoy this book. I certainly did!

No blood and guts, no drooling perverts, no wisecracking cardboard characters -- just a really good mystery written with a careful eye and a sort of spare simplicity that's appealing and fun to read. Less discerning readers may find Elizabeth Elliot a bit pedestrian -- but, what do they know? I love the way Elizabeth applies her deep faith, as well as her mature and healthy skepticism, to solve the mystery. Put the kettle on the stove and lose yourself with this wonderful book.

I appreciated the information on the Quaker tradition, and that the heroine is not a super hero or private sleuth. She is an interesting person dealing with the modern world. I look forward to reading more about Elizabeth.

I read the book in one sitting, and while it covers all a book can given the enormity of its subject, I was left wanting more. Give the author credit for capturing a remarkable monarch.

Those who believe that the institution of monarchy is archaic and serves no purpose in the modern nation-state might find Mr. Shawcross's book somewhat suprising. Employing a succinct writing style, Mr. Shawcross provides his reader with a fascinating glimpse into the woman who, by accident of birth and unforseen dynastic events, has occupied the throne of Great Britain for half a century and who, in a quiet, unassuming way, has exacted considerable influence over the politics of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and world. This book shows the error in characterizing the Queen as a mere figurehead. Indeed, her role as confidant to prime ministers, the political knowledge and wisdom she has acquired through her lengthy tenure as sovereign, her ability to lead by example, and her steadfast willingness to dedicate her life to the service of her nation and the Commonwealth, combine to produce a portrait of a woman who is anything but a token head of state.

This book successfully argues the case for monarchy. Politicians, scandals, and events come and go, but there, above it all, remains the Queen.

I found this book very interesting. I suggest all Britons campaigning for a republic read this book. It proves how influential and important the monarchy really is. It also proves what a brilliant woman Elizabeth II is and how she has come to embody the ideal constitutional monarch. What I found most interesting is her actual involvement in British (and many Commonwealth) affairs. Most Americans think of her as a mere figurehead who opens up hospitals here and there. This is far from the truth. As she is probably the most experienced diplomat in Britain, her sage counsel to Prime Ministers has proven invaluable. I urge those who pass off Elizabeth as dispensable to read this book and see how indispensable she really is.

Three years ago, I added this book to my too-large collection of books about the Royal Family. I started re-reading it this week when looking up something about her disinterest in clothes while reading the reports of her visit to Australia. Whoever is doing her hats now should be drawn and quartered!

This is an enjoyable book and I can only feel a bit sorry for the Queen. For all of her worldly possessions, she leads a rather dreadful life. Smiling, looking interested, holding flowers, etc. must almost drive her out of her mind! She does a good job of it, though, and for that I give her credit. It's a good show. I've been watching it for over 40 years!

One of the best books on the British Royal Family and on Queen Elizabeth in particular.

Reading this book one can see that Mr. Davies is quite knowledgeable and has done his homework where researching the subject is concerned.

Queen Elizabeth may not be easily amused - and she has every right not to be - but I certainly was highly amused and entertained.

Ever since I can remember I have been fascinated by the British Royal family; watching the weddings of both the Waleses and the Yorks, reading Majesty magazine each month, etc. I bought this book to find out more about the Queen and Prince Phillip. I finished this book within two days and still find myself drawn to it. The depth that the author reaches, describing the Queen's marriage, family, responsibilities, daily life - it is all covered with a thoroughness that makes the reader feel as though they knew Her Majesty personally. Undoubtedly there are other books available that detail Queen Elizabeth II's life, but this one will stand out due to it's ability to draw the reader into the world of this remarkable monarch.

One of the best books I've read...ever! A friend had given it to me- I didn't think I'd like it but was pleasantly surprised. It's also one of the only books I've kept since I've had it and have re-read it twice which I NEVER do as there are too many great books out there left to be read. I thought the story quite believable and totally entertaining - it would make a great movie, read it and enjoy!

This book is truly a great read right from the start. The female in the story is very realistic. An 'every woman' who has everyday problems and is very easy to identify with. A very good time travel story that pulls you in and doesn't let go until the very last page. This book definitely gets my recommendations.

This was the first romance that I have ever read. I was really bored one day and I just picked it up and I couldn't put it down. Now, I love Romance novels, especially the time travel ones.

This book is delightful reading for anyone who has either read Dracula or has simply heard reports on the doings of the infamous count. Professor Miller has some wonderfully witty and insightful commentary about this classic vampire story. She also shows a sense of humor about herself as she describes the trials and tribulations of being a "Dracula expert".

Professor Miller's work fills in the gaps of previous Dracula scholarship. Her book is both enlightening and entertaining, and no reader will yawn over these insightful, lively essays. Very highly recommended.

Scholarly, yet written in a clear and fresh style, the first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Dr. Miller's book, while always personal, is fully reliable as she discusses the history of Vlad II and Stoker's vampire count, as well as her own experiences and research as a "vampire expert." Humorous, fresh, interesting, accurate, filled with sharp observations about society and _Dracula_, beginning vampire readers will want this book...and "old-timers" MUST have it. Very highly recommended.