If you want to read a book by an author that writes like he probably talks, grab a copy! Not too many authors would even attempt Smith's style of writing. No King or Koontz filler or fantasy. And ultimately, more fact than fiction. "Nothin' Left to Lose" is a must read for any music lover and mafia dissident!

Carl T. Smith's NOTHIN' LEFT TO LOSE is a breath of fresh air. A good story with an exciting cast of characters and all of the other elements missing in so many other contemporary novels. As he goes from Nashville janitor to a semi-successful performer/songwriter, John Ryan Stone passes all of the high roads and low roads of the music industry. Smith is careful not to make the path easy nor to sew the story up with major stardom and an unrealistically happy ending. The book is a story of people who work and play in the music industry, yet it is not a music novel.Unlike many of the light weight 'sex, drugs and rock and roll (country music?) novels, Smith's characters are real and touchable. The author's style and characters remind me of the works of James Lee Burke. A great read and definitely movie material.

If you like music, intrigue, mystery, romance and powerful endings - this is the book for you. The lyrical writing and skillful handling of characters make it hard to believe this is Carl Smith's first novel. A must for any avid reader's Christmas list.

Country music, horse racing, and the beautiful Texas hill country set the scene of Dekker Malone's Nashville Gold. A surprised Payne McCarty hears country music's hottest singer, Rusti King singing the song he wrote on the radio. Payne and his horse jockey best friend, Skeeter head to Nashville to the offices of Sure-Star Publishing to find out why they stole Payne's song. Before he can get an answer from unprincipled publisher Roger Durwood, Durwood has Payne arrested and thrown into county jail where he spends ten miserable days for assault. Dekker Malone has given the characters distinctive personalities that provide the book with its charm. Those who aren't fans of country music and Texas cowboys should still take a look at the book. Though I'm a Texan, I'm no fan of country music. We city types are constantly trying to prove we're not all "cowboys" and "country," but at least readers can get an inside look at the picturesque Texas country. Finishing the book leaves the reader wanting more of these likeable folks and happy to know that Malone has a sequel called KENTUCKY ROSES. The book receives an old-fashioned Texas yee-haw to Dekker Malone for striking gold with his first book.

Nashville Gold starts with a bang and never skips a beat. You'll be hooked from page one. I only hope there's a sequel.

A MUST read! The characters are so well written it's as if they are real, rather than fiction. The author describes in vivid detail the area of Texas which I grew up & I can still see now through the vision of his writing. I tried repeatedly to put the book down, but was unable to lose the grip which was necessary to keep it from slipping from my hands in between the hysterical laughter and sobbing tears.
Definitely a book that will make you fall in love with the characters, their stories, and the wonderful Texas ways of life.
I can't wait for a sequel! I will be standing in line to buy copies for everyone I know!

If Mark Twain comes back from the dead to write a guidebook of the state where he was conceived (in Jamestown, as Bradley explains on p. 196), then buy that. But old Sam Clemens would be wasting his time, because in Moon Handbooks: Tennessee, Bradley's already written the "Life on the Mississippi" of Tennessee travel guides.

Like "Mississippi," Bradley's "Tennessee" is so fascinating in in its details and anecdotes that I kept finding myself reading far more than I "needed" to for the travel at hand. And like Clemens, who clearly wrote from a genuine love of the river and the bygone steamboat days that he wanted to capture on paper, all of Bradley's local lore and country cookery reviews and sidebars on everything from roots musicians to the development of the the atom bomb in Oak Ridge...well, these all swirl together to create a sort of love song to the author's native state.

Bradley isn't afraid to criticize where criticism is due--look at his coverage of the outlandish developments near the Smokies. But even then, it's clear his concerns are not based on some disaffected political agenda, but from a genuine, familial concern for a cousin who has lost his way. Consequently, Gatlinburg doesn't "outrage" Bradley, it breaks his heart because of its failed potential. And even then, Bradley doesn't just sneer and proceed into the pristine National Park, shaking Galinburg's dust from his feet. Just as any good family member will make a point of telling you that old yellow-eyed aunt Ruth used to knock 'em dead at the USO dances and can still cook a mean casserole and belt out a showtune, Bradley lingers and explores Gatlinburg on its own terms. He points out its cherished place in many Volunteer hearts (including his own) as a childhood wonderland, and shows that he's not above enjoying the small simple pleasures of a candy shop, or even the more garish wonders of Ripley's aquarium.
If you don't know Tennessee, you won't find a more comprehensive introduction to the entire state. And if you already love Tennessee...you'll find all of the states most endearing qualities captured between the covers--and in the spirit--of this book.

I have the first edition of this book, and I've raved about it to my circle of friends. I heard this third edition was vastly improved, and I doubted this, but figured I couold always give it as a gift.
This book is going nowhere but to a choice space in my book shelf!
It covers more material, has a format which invites digging deeper into a topic at hand, highlights special topics, has a clearer type face, and is simply loaded with URL's for further cyber digging. I got out my Tennessee Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme mapping, a topo coverage of Tennesee, my state, and put a "mark" by all the towns and villages Mr. Bradley covered. Not a page without copious markings. What a living history exprience.

He begins in the East as our state did, moves west, and brings out information about people, about the locale, gives historic facts and loads of human interest materal. He covers the Civil War as it progresses in various locations and is in fact more historical than a course or two I've had in Higher Eduction. And READABLE!! His wry, delightful humor graces most every entry. And as you follow this through the topo maps you SEE how history unfolds. Now I know where the Cumberland Gap is, I know where the mysterious Melungeons 'are', I've followed the tragic trail of tears, I know where to find barbeque all across Tennessee etc etc. I know where that terrific meteorite hit Tennessee, where biggie dinosaur fossils are found etc. .
What a book! What a marvelous travel companion, what a history of my state. And I have a store house of "stories and tales" I'll make good use of.
If you have an interest in Tennessee and can get only one book: THIS is it! Hands down. I'm grateful to Mr Bradley for doing it.
Hap Eliason

I'm a lifetime Tennesseean, and I couldn't put Mr. Bradley's book down. I know Middle Tennessee and the Smokies fairly well, but as I got into his marvelous book I couldn't believe one author could capture and capsulate so much in such limited space. I've garnered information about my State- so much new to me- that it just blew me away--some info right at my doorstep, so to speak. About locales I know fairly well his presentation is right on target. I especially value the boxes about history, personalities, buildings etc. Don't hesitate. Buy the book!

Betsy Kuhn has shown herself to be a gifted writer with this delightful tale of two young girls with big dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Not Exactly Nashville is about two pre-teen girls who live in a small Pennsylvania town and love country-western music. These girls could have come straight from a small Texas town, as well, where folks are known to enjoy that music. I call this book "refreshing" because it seems that so many books for this age group nowadays deal with difficult, painful subjects, subjects that most children seldom come into contact with. I don't mean to put such books down because they serve a purpose. Ellen and Valery, the girls in "Nashville" also have problems, but they're the kind that most kids are familiar with, such as siblings and teen-age romance. The whole tone of the book, however, is upbeat and charming, right up to the end when Ellen and Valery lie in their tent listening to the cars speeding through the night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I got this book for our school library (Red Elementary, Houston, Texas) because I felt our girls would like it. They do!

This book harkened me back to my childhood of playing with friends in the backyard, pretending to put on shows. The book's conflict was resolved in a credible, positive manner, very appropriate for the readers for whom this was intended! Loved it!!! Read it!!!

Retta and Denison's roller coaster of a love keeps the reader captivated in "A Falling Star." Carolyn Brown continues her climbing career in the literary field with this Avalon romance. Dive into the many other Brown romances and historical romances.

You don't have to live in Nashville to enjoy this book. I absolutely loved this book! The part where the plane landed and the storm took place had my heart racing. This was a wonderful written book. Retta and Denison were meant to be together. I fell in love with the characters the moment I started turning the pages. Again another book that Ms Brown has written that will stir the strings in your heart. Ms Brown is an excellent writer. Ten stars plus and two thumbs up on this book. Read it. You won't be disappointed!!

This is MY book! (See dedication page!) Carolyn Brown is my mother! My opinion might be a little biase, but...I LOVE this book! She told me the story line on the way to an award's dinner. I loved the idea. One of the hardest things was waiting for it to be written, sold and published! (I don't get to read them before hand.) Yes, there really is a Bugtussle, Oklahoma! (Most of her books contain small Oklahoma and Texas towns.) This is a book that will make you FEEL. I guarantee you will laugh, cry and laugh some more! All of her books are like that...Love Is, A The Way From Texas, A Yard Rose, and The Ivy Tree!

I read this book before my first trip to Nashville and was miles ahead of others coming to town who had not read this masterpiece. It is by far the most thoroughly researched, informative, complete, concise guide to Nashville's music industry ever published, and should be on the best seller list. If you have ever considered a career as a songwriter or want to be a successful recording artist, you must read this book cover to cover. It's easy reading, packed with useful info, and written by a very nice, successful woman who lives in Nashville and knows the industry because she has worked in it her whole life.

This is a great book that fills a real need -- practical advice for anyone who aspires to be a songwriter or performer in Nashville. I work in the music industry in Nashville and am often asked for advice from songwriters new in town. I'm not necessarily qualified to give advice, so now I can recommend this book. One of the most interesting features is a chapter that suggests a week's itinerary, including where to eat lunch. Often people will come to town and not have any idea of what to do. They'll try to drop in on busy publishers, get turned away again and again and then go home thinking everyone on Music Row is unfriendly. Bond explains the right way to get your foot in the door. Again, highly recommended.

The fine art of songwriting and marketing it to a music business audience is covered in this title, which provides an examination of the Nashville music industry and how an aspiring songwriter or musician can get heard in the big city. Bond is a songwriter and music publisher who blends interviews with music professionals with details on record companies, producers, recording studios, and others. Chapters cover all the basics, from preparing a product to marketing and avoiding common errors.

The Bluebird has been a mainstay of the Nashville music scene for years. Here's the story of how it all happened from the owner Amy Kurland to the performers who make the Bluebird what it is today. This is a great read and a must of the collector of country music history.

Just a pleasure to look at. There is no pretense and a lot of funny stuff.

I work as a DJ at a country radio station and I produce and host a weekly classic country program. I needed a book that provided a good bit of general information about a wide variety of singers and groups without a lot of useless information and what not -- this book has exceeded my expectations! As an "encyclopedia," this isn't something that you read cover-to-cover, but anyone who has ever belted-out a note of country music can be found with just the right amount of information. If you are looking for a country music reference book, this is it!

After hearing about this book, I was anxious to find it. I am pleased to report that it is indeed "the real deal" and not only met but exceeded my expectations. Well organized and easy to read, this encyclopedia provides just enough information in each entry to fill your plate. It is not too sketchy, nor too long in any areas (but I would have liked to read a bit more about Hank Williams and George Jones!) As an encyclopedia, it is not something you "read" per se, but rather "explore"...over and over. The names of familiar artists jump off the page and every scan can lead you to learn either something more about someone you know, or perhaps introduce you to someone or something totally new. Numerous illustrations (and it could use a few more)break up the mountain of text; the pictures provide enough rest for your eyes before scouring the pages for more well-researched documentation. This compilation is just awesome; the years of research have paid off in my humble opinion. What makes the book so wonderful is its scope -- suitable for a newcomer and also detailed and informative enough for the country music veteran. I highly recommend you buy at least two. One to enjoy as often as you want to and the other to offer as a special gift. Whoever you give this book to will NOT have another like it on the shelf. My "gift volume" will be going to my Dad as a tribute and thank-you for being weaned on the music that is country. If you love country music or think you want to, add this book to your library. There is enough interesting history and data collected here to satisfy even the largest musical appetite for the better part of year. ENJOY !!!

I am never dissappointed in a Thoene novel. This Irish series is best of all in my opinion! I love the on going story of Kate and Josheph and all the characters of Ballynockanor. The stories my grandmother told about her childhood in Ireland have really come to life. It is amazing how similar the stories in the Galway Chronicles are to the real life history of many of us Irish Americans! The injustice of l800 Ireland under English rule make me value America all the more in spite of our problems here. Anyway, this is a great read for ANYONE!

This is book number 3 of the Galway Chronicles Series. I did not realize this book was part of a series and read it out of order. However, I went back and read the first two books and the last. I could not put them down. The history that is a backdrop for the novels is fascinating and gives one an understanding of the animosity between the English and the Irish. The characters are so real and the story keeps you on the edge wondering what will happen next. I loved all four of the books.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Galway Chronicles- I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of the next book. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I love anything about Ireland's past, so these books have been such a treat for me. I'm even recommending them to my dad, who strictly reads non-fiction, because I think he would enjoy them immensely. Through all the tragedies and horrors that these characters have experienced, one common theme is evident- God is always there, always protecting, loving, and comforting, even while the world is crashing all around. A sincere thank you to the authors, for conveying such a wonderful message and a terrific story.

The Road to Eden's Ridge by M. L. Rose is a complex yet riveting family saga and romantic novel.

It tells the tale of a family from Maine, primarily through the eyes and experiences of Miss Lindsey Briggs. Lindsey is a vivacious and headstrong young woman who is standing up her fiancé at the alter as the novel opens to abandon the traditional life style and follow her heart and dreams by heading off to Nashville to try her hand at country music.

"Follow your heart" is pretty much the cornerstone of this novel and Lindsey's determination to do just that serves as the prism through which the twists and turns of this novel are reflected and refined. For it is the will and determination to block out all but her dream that brings Lindsey success-and great pain and heartache, as in the process of "following her heart" she loses track of the fact that it's a world with many roads and that one's heart may be destines to travel more than one of them.

Heartache has certainly been a facet of the character of her family members and the choices they have made. The whole middle section of the novel provides context for Lindsey's agony as she learns the truth about the previous experiences of the women in her family and the choices they have made and the heartache they have endured.

In the end Lindsey must decide whether her laser like focus on her dream is (as her country music mentor and long time family "friend", legendary country music performer Ben McBride wonders) Lindsey's greatest strength or her greatest weakness.

This is a richly constructed novel with an array of likeable and well-developed characters. It is realistic in its approach to the striving and struggles of musicians on the make and working to fulfill a dream as well as to the Nashville music scene in general. Most importantly, it is an honest and engaging love story that revolves around what feels to be real people with real emotions-a rarity in this day of mass manufactured "romance" novels consisting of cardboard characters of contrived circumstances that exist merely to titillate the reader and make a buck rather than communicate anything about love or life.

This is a novel that will move you and remind you of those bygone days when your own heart was so moved and so full of aching, longing and happiness at the same time. In other words, this is what a romantic novel is supposed to be.

This is a refreshing story for anyone who believes that we have souls that might be connected and that love exists as part of that connection. Not that Lindsey Briggs necessarily believes it. "No one is destined for anyone else," she tells her grandmother early in the story. But she does call off a wedding that just doesn't feel right and heads to Nashville to pursue an old urge, and as soon as she arrives she falls into a set of friends and a life that seems to be scripted by a fate Lindsay claims not to believe in. But fate, whether one believes in it or not, is a central character in this story. Or was it merely chance that Ben McBride walked into the Bluebird as Lindsey's band was beginning their thrid song. Was it merely chance that Lindsey, in order to relax in his presence, began to talk before she sang that song, unwittingly speaking the words that connected him to her in a way she didn't know.

This is a good story. There is an honest feel to the landscape. And the gentle conversation between Ben McBride and Lilly when they are looking at the sunsert and the flowers and talking about Emily Dickinson and birds is as good as it gets. How can one not believe in love and the connection of souls.

The fact that Lindsey left a sure thing behind to follow her dream is quite inspiring. It reminded me how important that is. It doesn't take a songwriter, singer or musician to be captivated by this intriguing story. This one will stay with you. Eden's Ridge needs to be on the big screen.