A beautifully written story of a prodigal daughter who is determined to control her own life and destiny. Katie walks away from a comfortable home, leaving behind a brokenhearted mother. Instead of freedom, Katie finds herself caught in a web of drugs, alcohol, shadows and danger.

When she meets and marries Ben, she is elevated from a life of squalor and deprivation into the glamorous world of the socially elite. Katie finds true love and happiness with Ben, but always, her memory is alive of the sordid secret of her past life.

The authors have created a stunning and unforgettable tale with a heroine so real, you will walk with her through her struggles and her pain as though they were your own.

This book is a beautiful reminder that no matter how deep the pain, nor how wide the estrangement, God's love and forgiveness are deeper and wider still.

I loved this book and eagerly await the sequel.

The prodigal daughter returns to her southern home after twenty-five years of absence. Katie runs from her problems, and she discovers she needs to make things right with God before she can solve her problems. This book was intriguing and suspenseful, and there were times when I was sitting on the edge of my seat! The characters were well-developed, and I'm anxious to start the sequal!

Shadow of Dreams captured my imagination and attention. The story flows with rich descriptions creating pictures for the reader. The mystery surrounding Katie's life and the threats over her draw you back to the final pages. Well worth the read! Great job Everson and Chadwick. Book two, is coming out when?

Thanks for Katie and Ben. What warm and caring individuals. Great contrast for their sinister and power hungry adversaries! The book reveals a good message, worth hearing again and again yet holds you, glued to the pages in anticipation of the lurking dangers and the mystery.

I for one am thrilled that you two wrote the book and will look for the continuing story.

Comments by Ellie Braun-Haley, Author of A Little Door, A Little Light and Editor of Angels on Earth and For Goodness Sake.

If you're into the stars, you've gotta read this book! I don't know if the author's a witch or something, but she really knows what I'm like, inside and out! I lent this book to my g-friend who knew absolutely zero about astrology and now she doesn't want to give it back to me! Help!!! Lots of books are kind of a drag...like a school assignment. But this one's fun to read. And the writer said that Libra and Leo are a match made in heaven. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

It's informative...it's delicious...it's fun! Georgia Routsis-Savas has created a masterpiece for teens. Not only is Total Astrology well-written, but the depictions of each sign are so right on and interesting. I highly recommend this book.

This book is FUN! On a whim I picked this book up for my niece and found that I (mature woman) was completely engrossed. The book is informative, too.

PS: My 13 year old niece loves it too. She spends hours with her girlfriends poring over each sign.

Each of us experienced the receipt of a gift we did not want. But how many of us took the time to find a use for that gift? In her book, A Gift of Mourning Glories, Georgia Shaffer describes an unwanted gift of morning glory seeds that she received and shares her struggles in finding a place for that climbing vine in her garden. At first convinced that she could not use the seeds, her struggle turned positive when she discovered uses for that gift in both her garden and her life. Although most of us would think to compare these unwanted seeds to the serious consequences brought by cancer or death, Georgia makes a believable comparison and shows how we can change troubling times into something lovely. Pain and loss are two unwanted gifts in life. A Gift of Mourning Glories voices the spirit of triumphantly living through these "gifts". Georgia's message offers comfort and equips the reader with an action plan for healing. Georgia's experiences convey a message that provides a light for the hurting and a path for the healing.

Cancer has become a household word these days, because every home, family and community has been touched, on some level, by its icy grip. In Georgia's book "A Gift of Mourning Glories", she lets us walk with her on her journey with cancer; from brokenness, to restoration of body, soul and spirit. The deeply personal feelings and experiences that Georgia shares, gives hope to the weary and encouragement to the downhearted. Georgia's struggles were not limited to cancer alone, but divorce and single parenting along with losing her job and health. Just as Jesus used the simple daily things of life to teach deep truths about victorious living, so also has Georgia used her garden to help teach the skills needed to restore life after loss. Just like Georgia's gift of morning glory seeds were not a "wanted" gift, not every gift we are given is "wanted" either. Many times, suffering and struggle are not viewed as "wanted" gifts, but God uses the hard times of our life to root us deep in His truth and love, so we can grow up tall and healthy for the glory of His beautiful garden of grace. This book is a must for everyone struggling to overcome life's darkest hours. In fact, I feel it should be in every Doctor's office waiting room, for it is there that we sit with our fears and worries. It is during those times, when pain opens us up, that we are made able to learn the depths of God's love and provisions for our lives. I have given this book to many dear friends who are hurting and discouraged and they have been comforted by it. "A Gift of Mourning Glories" is a great book for anyone that finds themselves in a support role with a cancer patient or huring loved one.

Just as the tendrils of morning glories entwine the cover of Georgia Shaffer's book, "A Gift of Mourning Glories", her true life stories in easy-to-read short chapters will entwine your heart. Georgia offers hope from one who has been in the pit of hopelessness to those who have suffered loss using lessons God taught her through her garden (And I love the added bonus of her gardening tips in sidebars.) No pious platitudes here, simply encouraging accounts of "Here's how I made it - you can too!" "A Gift Of Mourning Glories" is a refreshing resource for a church library or to give to a friend who is struggling. I plan to buy several!

After over 25 years of silent suffering, author, Georgia Durante opens up her soul, risking everything in hopes of bringing salvation to many of the lost souls out there trapped in their individual prisons. She does not try to make excuses for the mistakes she has made. The pure honesty of this book and the courage it took to write it is a testament to the author. I, for one, have learned some valuable lessons. I could see my own life on many of these pages. The depth of the story has provoked me to read the book over and over again as I face new trials in my life. She has proven to me that one can WIN against all odds.

This gripping saga takes the reader to places that are only seen in movies. They say that truth is stranger than fiction and this book certainly drives that point home. The characters are painted so vividly that all your emotions will come alive. Some that you will hate and others you will love. Each page of the book is compelling reading and will leave you anticipating the next. Even though it is 456 pages long, I found myself so disappointed that it had ended. I would love to read a sequel! It's that good!

I have shared this book with numerous people from various walks of life. Each person received a different message tailored for their unique circumstances. It's more than just a riveting read, it is an awe inspiring story that speaks to a mass audience and motivates and encourages the reader (man or woman) to seek new vision for their life.

It's hard to walk away from this book feeling discouraged or disappointed. Anyone who can say that they could after reading this has not yet tapped into their own spirituality.

There are some books that grab you by the throat from the opening page and shake you non-stop till the end. The Company She Keeps is just such a book. From her upbringing in Rochester's Little Italy to her years as an abused mobster's wife, to her current success with her own stunt car driving business, Georgia Durante's life story will have you on the edge of your seat. Told lucidly, with no self-pity, this is a story that is hard to put down. You will root for this feisty survivor as she struggles to raise her children and remain true to her moral and ethical framework, while competing in a male-dominated social milieu. Mobsters, actors, models and business tycoons are all depicted vividly and honestly. Heartbreak, violence, love, loss, joy, tears, and laughter all are made real as Georgia shares her truly incredible story with us. This is a must read.

Ever hear someone's story and say - hey you should write a book? Georgia Durante's therapeutic journal has become a life lesson for us all. This first time author masterfully weaves her strange but true tale into a fast paced page turning journey.

In The Company She Keeps a virgin teen-age model becomes one of the most photographed women in America as she poses for a major film manufacturer. But what happens next is anything but a Kodak moment. Georgia hangs with the local Mafia and becomes their favorite get-a-way driver. Who would suspect her? She marries into the Mob and has a family of outlaw in-laws. Years of unspeakable abuse and paralyzing fear follow. She escapes to California - fleeing the CIA, the FBI, the Mob and most of all - her past. Afraid to model and be discovered, Georgia began to cultivate her other talent - driving. Today she is one of Hollywood's top stunt drivers.

Georgia Durante's total recall dialogue puts us in the room and at the table where murders were planned and futures were determined. She was there for it all - the threats, the violence, the trust and the deceit. Her descriptive flashbacks are disturbingly real and any woman who has suffered abuse will immediaely connect to her marriage to the Prince of Darkness.

The road from Wheel Woman for the Mob to Stunt Driver to the Stars has been one full of treacherous turns, wrong way signs and countless speed bumps. But Georgia is a street-smart survivor - eager to share her story.

The Company She Keeps is an intelligent, inspirational movie of the week adventure where there really isn't an ending - just a new beginning every day.

Georgia Bockoven has done it again! She's created wonderful characters and a world the reader is able to immerse themselves in completely.

Catherine Miller seems to have it all - a luxurious house in a trendy subdivision, a successful fiance, and lovely teenage daughter. It all comes crashing down on her one night when her daughter, Lynda, is burned in a tragic accident. Her fiance isn't able to cope with Lynda's problems, leaving Catherine just when he needs her most. Rick Sawyer, the firefighter who is a volunteer support person for burn victims, and is assigned to Lynda's case, is there to pick up the pieces, not only becoming a support for Lynda, but a confidante for Catherine as well.

This book truly took my breath away. It really put me in Catherine's world and made me feel a part of it -- feeling her pain and sorrow -- and finally her need and her love for Rick. This is a book readers won't be able to put down once they start. If you enjoy the works of such great authors of relationship novels as Barbara Delinsky or Kristin Hannah, you are sure to enjoy this outstanding story from Georgia Bockoven, the master of the relationship novel.

I must exist on another planet because I have never read anything by Georgia Bockoven before today. If her other books are anything like this one, then I have a treat waiting for me. Disguised Blessing is a book that keeps you wanting more and more. Catherine's 15 year old daughter is accidentally burned at a party. She is taken to a burn center where she is assigned a mentor by the name of Rick who is a captain in a fire department. Rick is a fantastic leading man. We all know men like him. He is truly a good man who does whatever it takes to make the world a better place. Meanwhile, Catherine is dumped by her fiance who can't handle anything that doesn't fit into his perfect world revolving around himself. Lynda is a teenager who goes from having it all to learning to cope when life deals her a cruel blow. I expected light reading, what I got was a wonderful story with characters that leave an impact on you. I would really love a continuation of these characters in another book. How about it Ms. Bockoven?

Disguised Blessing is a deeply emotional book that really touches your heart. It seemed as if this book was very special to the author and she lavished loving care on every word. A very special read.

I knew Atlanta in quite a different way. This book has opened my eyes to how the city became what it is today and gave me a wonderful historically accurate picture of the people who build the city. This should be a must-read for anybody connected with the city or anybody interested in how race relations affect the building of any city. I was thrilled when I recently drove thru Atlanta and saw an exit off of interstate 75 south for the "John Wesley Dobbs Ave." and felt like I was part of history too after connecting some things in my family with events in this beautifully written book. This book also gives me hope that all human beings can strive together to make the future of Atlanta even greater than the past. This book was good on so many levels and touched so many different issues: Historic, human, socioeconomics, I can't begin to describe how much I liked it with the poor words at my disposal. I can say READ IT!

Through words and comprehensions that push towards brilliance, Gary Pomerantz has written a history of civil rights in the South beyond compare to others of our generation. Every sentence shows his devotion and study of the subject, which is still unfolding as I write, on Peachtree Street. His years of interviewing and researching are evident on every single page of the thick text. This is the kind of book that you re-read the last few pages several times because you are sad to see the story end. You hope to find out the author has written a sequel! This book is for those of us wanting to learn more about the fall-out from slavery and black oppression in the South. It is the best comparison of blacks and whites ever written that truly speaks from both sides and gives the "human condition" of this subject its best reward - which is to explain the true story of where the individual's predjudices came from and how they were daily being conquered...or handed down, as the case may be. It is an essay on the evolution of a culture and it's victims. It does not always give credit to those the media attempted to credit. It gives credit to the deserving ones...politically correct or not. Some of Pomerantz's book re-writes history. You should read it.

I loved this book! I am an avid reader of southern history and eagerly awaited the publish date.It did not let me down. Gary Pomerantz breathes life into John Wesley Dobbs and Ivan Allen and their families. When I ran down Auburn Avenue with a group of friends last year I felt as if I had been there before. The book is more than a history of Atlanta, it is an in depth look at the people who have made this city what it is today. Mr. Pomerantz is a writer and story teller of amazing insight.The book reads like a great work of fiction. This is a must for any southern history fan or anyone loving a good read about Atlanta.

At first glance, I knew this was not my type of book. You know the type. As sappy love story, with characters so perfect even Victoria's Secret models would be envious. With all those odds against The Beach House, I picked it up. The bargain was unbelievable, and I'm an avid reader. From the very first page, I was touched. A wife struggles with the loss of her husband. A divorced woman faces life as a single mom, while trying not to be bitter. An elderly couple proves that marriage is a wonderful institution. So many other things went on in this book. I couldn't put it down. I cried when Joe and Maggie made love for the last time. I also rejoiced when Joe joined Maggie in his final act of love. This is a great read. Every avid reader must buy a copy of this book. Georgia Bockhoven, here's one person who will buy anything with your name on it.

The Beach House is the second Georgia Bockoven novel I have read and I found this novel to be as excellent as the first one I read (Far Away From Home). This novel centers around real life issues and real life characters, all of whom are embracing losses of one kind or another. Bockoven's writing draws the reader into experiencing each and every heartache of all of the characters, and you can't help but be drawn into the heart of the matter. Her character depth will indeed have you crying. Her characters are easily embraced because they are so real and their life-situations are not set in some fantasy world. All of the women characters were strong and independent and not weak and malleable.

This is another wonderful book illustrating love's power and healing force. I especially found the scene on the couple that was married for over 60 years quite tender and touching. Bockoven once again proves that despite the pain and tragedy in one's life, love can work its magic and heal.

This is one book that you will want to read more than once and this book comes with my highest recommendation!

Although I've read all of Georgia Bockoven's books, "the Beach house" was her best yet, ITs a very well written book and you fall in love with the characters.

Ed Williams has put down on paper for the consumption of the general public the shared experience of young men of our generation. The fact that he is reporting the events as they happened in a very small southern American town is really just an added wrinkle because the stories he tells are not that different from the stories any forty something north american guy would tell. He however has done it. My wife has not read this book and probably wouldn't enjoy it much and it would probably prompt her to shake her head and inquire.."Are guys really like this??" The answer is Yes. Ed has the guts to tell the tales that let everyone know that we: think about sex constantly, love to watch others humiliate themselves, will go to great lengths to get cheap laughs, think farting is always funny and rate professional sports just above world peace and total enlightment. Many of the vignettes had me laughing out loud. Ed's ingenuous writing style is crisp, conversational and compelling. Again let me say this piece of work will be enjoyed most by men born between 1955 and 1965, however given the right script treatment it could be a very funny and appealing film. sort of "PORKY's" meets "DAZED AND CONFUSED" meets "FRIED GREEN TOMATOES."

Want to laugh 'til your sides hurt? Buy SEX, DEAD DOGS, AND ME. Who would've thought that stink perfume, vasectomies, or catching a choir leader with his pants down could be so funny?

The author, Ed Williams, may claim to be just a simple country boy from Juliette (of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES fame), but it takes a talented writer/storyteller with a naturally flowing gift of humor to turn what most of us would see as mundane or even disturbing and twist it into a series of humorous, can't-wait-to-tell-your-friends-about-THAT-one stories. It'll make you want to join the Brotherhood, impersonate Elvis, and think about your best and worst kisses.

Williams is also a brave soul. He is one of the few writers out there with courage enough to tell it like it REALLY is, even if it means revealing a somewhat warty side of himself.

SEX, DEAD DOGS, AND ME is refreshing in its honesty, filled with country wisdom, brave in its revelations, and, a-ah...forget the high brow, it's ! just a fun read. Trust me.

Oh, yeah. And do you know a guy who doesn't like to read? This book could turn him around and remind him of how much fun it can be. (Good gift idea, huh?!)

Williams thinks BTO ROCKS, well, that may be, but I think ED ROCKS. Can't wait for the sequel.

Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me - The Juliette Journals, published by Abique Books, and written by Ed Williams a.k.a. Balboa (online) is a good ole boy read reminiscent of Lewis Grizzard's down home stories. Add his book to your list of "must haves!" You'll laugh at the chapter about his vasectomy. (Not usually a hilarious incident, is it?) You'll savor his love for his family and come away impressed by the values he holds dear. Plus, you'll learn all about the Brotherhood - and why the members of B.T.O. were destined to become full-fledged members. Some of you may recall that Juliette, Georgia is the setting for Fanny Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Ed Williams puts that town on the map again. Sex, Dead Dogs, and Me - The Juliette Journals has lots of the same Southern charm, with his own special mixture of warmth and humor added as well.

I bought this book in early Sept. after "The Today Show" named it one of the fall's top books (with "Black House" by Stephen King & Peter Straub, Nancy Milford's biography of Edna St.Vincent Millay, etc.) After Sept. 11th, I waited several weeks to begin reading this: a plane crash story seemed too hard to take on. But I must say, this book made me feel better about life and old-fashioned goodness, and it made me understand Sept. 11th in a new way. The stories in this book about the two pilots, the flight attendant and a young passenger named Jennifer Grunbeck made me understand what real heroes are made of. Their courage reminded me of New York city's firefighters and the passengers on United Flight 93. This book is filled with courage, optimism and hope. It's even more important to read now after Sept. 11th. I loved it!!

This is a well-written narrative. While the crash of ASA flight 529 is the pivotal event, Pomerantz covers pertinent events years before, and years after, the crash. Unlike other non-fiction about aviation disasters, which tend to lean to the technical, there is a continuous focus on the people directly involved, all the way back to an original examination of the part that brought the plane down.

Pomerantz story's strength is its concise and unambiguous nature. The story is not complicated in its writing--it is rich in its detail.

Every named character is portrayed as a good soul, if not outright heroic. Again, compared to other stories in this genre, the lack of a personified villain may give you the idea that there's a CBS movie of the week in there. This may be a flaw to some.

Highly recommended for the aviation buff looking for a less technical read or those interested in a good human interest story.

I am a Flight Attendant, so I read any book I can related to this subject matter. The events are usually written from a technical standpoint. However, I soon discovered that this book was very different. Mr. Pomerantz brought incredible humility and heroism to this story - he lent a voice that allowed us to understand that kind of toll that this took on all involved, rather than the toll it took on the airplane. I applaud the bravery of each and every person involved in this tragedy and am very happy that Mr. Pomerantz allowed these people to have their story told in such a dignified manner. Don't pass this up.

I read the entire thing in one day--and then turned the book over and started again. An intriguing, genuine story; the relationship between Roy and the tiger is what makes Shikar so heartfelt.

I read a lot, and this is by far the best page-turner I've ever come across. It's as captivating as any thriller, but has much more substance and depth than any of the other Jaws-type hunter/hunted thrillers out there. Well written and hilariously witty. All of my friends will be getting a copy of this during the holidays!

When I read this book, I couldn't put it down. When I was able to break away, I spent the whole time thinking about the story and characters. It made me afraid to go hiking in the woods behind my house! Well written, action-filled, great story. I want more! I'm calling friends and recommending it - something I rarely do, but this book is worth it. If you want an exciting book to read, this is it.