Mary flies to Scotland to marry her fiance, Gareth, only to find he has signed on with a group trying to bring about some kind of healing in Northern Ireland.

So off they go to work in that battle-torn country,where nobody wants to comprimise because each side thinks they, alone, are in the right, have been for hundreds of years, and cannot forgive the wrongs done to them over that time. As Mary and Gareth's own personal adventure moves forward, Mary learns the history of Northern Ireland during the last 350 years as they visit various historical sites. The Scottish Presbyterians were being persecuted and emigrated to Ireland where they started presecuting the Irish Catholics. Then the English Episcopalians started persecuting them both. Every once in a while, they would realign themselves, but never for a moment forgive anyone not of their stripe. The results were massive bloodlettings leading to more massive bloodlettings.

Although both stories are fictional, Mrs. Crow has done a masterful job of intertwining the stories against an historical background. And she has done her homework. She even has a bibliography in the back of the book. She traces one family who came from Scotland in 1649 to the Easter Rising of 1911. This is all juxtaposed against Mary and Gareth's modern day story, both having related experiences.

For fans of historical fiction, this is a winner! The author knows how to involve her readers in the story. It also helped me see a little more clearly the background of the harsh feelings in that beautiful country.

"How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill gives the more ancient background of Ireland.

Mrs. Crow also wrote "The Fields of Bannockburn," which tells the very early history of Scotland.

This book tore at my heart as I read through the bitter history of Ireland. A must read for all who have even the smallest bit of Irish blood. The passion of the Irish people is absolutely amazing.

This novel is an incredible tribute to those who work to do the Lord's will no matter what the circumstances. How hard is it to hope, love, and give mercy to those who hate you? Ireland has a sad history, and this novel points to the only way humans can overcome their hatred and fear- by giving their lives to Jesus. I reccomend this book to anyone who desires to understand forgiveness and/or the history of Ireland.

Charles H. Whedbee really captures the spirit of good storytelling in this book. I really enjoy going to the Outer Banks, and his books create a romantic mood to the lore and legends of such a wonderful place. Any book by Mr. Whedbee is a book worth reading.

I found this selection of stories compiled and penned by Charles Harry Whedbee in this book entitled 'Blackbeard's Cup and Stories of the Outer Banks' to be remarkable. They are short, but well written mysteries, anecdotes and tales about a facinating region of the country called the Outer Banks. This book is more than just another collection of stories about a region of the country, the author actually conveys some personal experiences in living in the region that merit some attention. I found the entire collection to be quite enjoyable, but particularly the stories entitled: 'The Guns of Vandemere', 'Sir William Shakespeare's Wreck' and most of all 'Horace and the Coinjock Charade'. This last one about a mule named Horace literally had me laughing out loud, and was worth the entire book above all! You will enjoy this author's unique insight to the particular's about the region, as well as his attention to detail on the facts that really matter in telling a good story. I have read many collections of stories about North Carolina, particularly because I have a personal facination with the region, especially the Outer Banks, but this this collection is one of the better ones. This book also gives some intriguing history on the pirate Blackbeard. If you are looking to read a few good tales about this region, then this book would be a good one for you to start with as all of the stories are quite entertaining. This author has written five collections of North Carolina stories in all, so if you find you like this one, there are more to explore. Whedbee spins a great tale!

I have loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina for some time now.Charles Harry Whedbee gives a well written account of some of the mysteries and legends surrounding the area in this, and all, his books.Basically, this book is just a collection of stories he has recovered from local people.I wish he still lived so he could share more of his love of North Carolina with fans.

This is a great introductory text. My only complaint would be that it's a little dated at this point. It needs to be updated in a third edition.

Since I bought this book, I have it as my desk reference. For beginners in this area, is a great comprehensive tool to help understand capital markets. For the more skilled financial readers, is an obligated desk reference.

Fabozzi and Modigliani take you in complete tour through capital markets. In the early chapters you will find valuable information about financial systems and institutions, about how the primary and secondary markets work, among many other issues.

Then the book explains debt and equity markets, finishing in the later chapters with great explanations on derivatives markets.

Definitely, I made a great investment in buying this book.

We have been using this excellent book on our Capital Markets and Institutions course. It serves as a very solid foundation on which to build our more advanced courses on corporate finance.

David Grossman manages to do the seemingly impossible as he humanizes the conflict between the Jews and Arabs in Israel. An outstanding picture is drawn that shows the humanity of the conflict, both the ugly and beauty involved without any bias. A brief historical perspective is included to help further illustrate the ongoing problem. Grossman interviews and paraphrases his discussions along the way of his journey, seeking the truth without politicians interference from either side. The stories are for the most part heartbreaking, as Grossman explores and tells his revealed stories of the never ending conflict. Although written "early" on in the conflict, the issues and people are the same. Palestinians dispossesed, turned to bitter anger, further escalated by a Jewish authority that tries to mantain some order between the now, old adversaries. The book is insightful and unfortunatly prophetic of the current situation that now calls for a murder by one side in retaliation for another murder. The cycle is unending, the faces on the news all to real and Grossman revealed the faces long ago. He traveled throughout the country to gather the stories of those most affected by war. He talks to old and young alike as they complain and show their disdain, their fears and their little hope for a workable solution. The books raises many questions, often going deeper than the conflict itself, obviously there are no easy solutions.The cruely inflicted upon each group is part of the problem but the roots of the conflict date back to the partioning of the land and the changing landscape of the geography and it's inhabitants. This book is a very worthwhile read that is a fast page turner. Highly recommended for those interested in the conflict of the Middle East that seems to be the fuse of the powder keg.

An excellent read, and certainly the least biased book on the subject I've ever read. I was introduced to this book while reading a passage in THE OTHER ISRAEL written by Assaf Oron, a Sergeant Major in the Israeli Defense Force Reserves. Assaf is one of the reservists who has refused to serve in the occupied territories after years of serving there.

In THE OTHER ISRAEL, Assaf wrote, "A copy of THE YELLOW WIND..., which had just come out, crossed my path. I read it, and suddenly it hit me. I finally understood what I had done over there [in the occupied territories]. What I had BEEN over there."

This powerful passage taken in context moved me to buy and read the book that moved a soldier to completely change his outlook on the conflict, and I am so fortunate I did.

Grossman's book is written from a uniquely humanist point of view in regard to what life is like for both Palestinians and Israeli citizens since 1967.

He spent 7 weeks in the occupied territories, both in the camps and in the settlements to make a genuine attempt to see the immediate world around him through the Palestinian and Gush Emunim settlers' eyes.

This book does not bog down with the intricacies and interpretations of various peace agreements, nor does it bother to delve into the well-known positions held by political leaders on both sides as so many other books on the subject do. Rather, Grossman focusses entirely on those who are most affected by the situation in the region: the people.

The book was written originally in 1988, and has an afterward by the author written in April 2002. As Grossman says in his afterward, "Nothing has changed." This book is as fresh and revealing today as it was 15 years ago. I really gained a lot by reading this book. You will too.

David Grossman's "Yellow Wind" is superb with a richness and texture to his writing that is honesta nd sincere. Grossman was highly criticized for providing the Palestinian story but when one reads this text, it is all sides that he lies within and one can hear the injustices of both the Israeli and the Palestinian.
I think this text is wonderful and easy to read!

I BELIEVE THIS IS A GOOD LOOK AT HOW IT WAS AT WRIGLEY FIELD, THE FANS, AND THE HISTORY OF THE CUBS. AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF VARIOUS STORIES BY SOME CUBS ALUMINI. THE PERFECT MIX OF VETERANS REPRESENTING A DIFFERNT DECADE IN CUBS HISTORY. THE BOOK IS HUMOROUS, WELL TOLD, INTERESTING, NOSTALGIC AND DOWN RIGHT ENTERTAINING. I REALLY ENJOYED THE GREAT NOSTALGIA THIS BROUGHT BACK TO MANY CUBS FANS INCLUDING MYSELF. I CONSIDER THIS A GOOD READ AND A MUST FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CUBS FANS OR HAVE BEEN TO WRIGLEY FIELD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I absolutely loved this book, and I am not even a Cub's fan. It was very entertaining, very informatative, and very fun. It has great tales from Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Andy Pafko. I would recommend this book to any baseball fan. No, I would recommend it to any sports fan!

A+

From a review in the Chicago Tribune Books section, July 8, 2001: I had no idea reading could be so much fun.... By turns, the players' tales are hilarious, heartbreaking, defensive, nostalgic and brutally honest... When he first walked onto Wrigley Field, says Ron Santo: "The stands were empty. It was so beautiful. It was like playing in my backyard. It didn't feel like, 'Jeez, I'm overwhelmed.' It felt like, 'This is baseball.' " In "Banks to Sandberg to Grace," Muskat captures that spirit and magic...

Through my reading of this book I found many helpful tips on things to do w/ my kids. However, I purchased this book thinking it would center more around the "Christian" part of the title. It doesn't. This is a book for any mom but it fails to address many spriitual issues facing the christian mom.

I checked this out from the library and after reading it I have to buy it (for future reference - as my children grow older). Her godly wisdom and insight reflect on each topic and gives inspiration to women (even if you are not a mom, the first chapter about being a wife is inspiration enough). I intend to buy this for my sisters and all my friends as they begin to have children as well! Thank you Ellen!!

I am Ellen Elwell's son, and I would just like to say on behalf of her and the rest of the family thank you for your comments. I think this book has great potential and can do alot in the hearts of women everywhere.

Lynne Reid Banks's _Melusine_ is a fine example of the sort of book I like to call "Teen Celto-Gothic"--defined by mysterious places, dark family secrets, and forces of mythology that make themselves known in the mundane world. Among such novels are older books like Garner's _The Owl Service_ and Pope's _The Perilous Gard_ , and newer books like Liz Berry's _The China Garden_. _Melusine_ is another of this sort, and certainly good enough to be on the shelf with these others.

The story begins as Roger (whose age I estimate at 14 or so), his parents, and his little sisters arrive at the run-down French chateau where they will be spending their vacation. Their first impression of the house is inauspicious; the front rooms are squalid, and the owner, one Monsieur Serpe, a belligerent jerk. But things seem to get better. The part of the house where Roger's family will be staying is well-kept and pretty. And Roger begins to make friends with Serpe's shy daughter, Melusine.

The family vacation turns sinister as Roger begins to hear the sound of something slithering through his room at night. And a struggle he witnesses between Serpe and Melusine suggests a more ordinary but more disturbing horror. Stranger and stranger things happen, and all the while Roger's feelings for Melusine deepen. When he reads about the mythical Melusine in a guidebook, the situation at the chateau begins to become clear--but in order to believe what he knows to be true, Roger must allow himself to believe in the impossible. Can Melusine be saved from the horror at the chateau, or can she save herself? This is a creepy, moody, engrossing novel recommended to those who like that sort of thing. I couldn't put it down.

I read this book in junior high and loved it. This is the story of a sad, dark, lonely girl whose pain and frustration are finally released in the form of a supernatural occurence. The setting- a fallen-down French castle- is perfect for the storyline. This novel has enough suspense to make it a page-turner. If you like this story, check out the similar novel Pictures in the Dark by Gillian Cross.

I just finished reading Melusine. This would make a perfect stocking stuffer for any teenager that enjoys a little mystery and imagination. Or is it imagination? Something to ponder.

Back Cover description: Boston hunk Nicholas Barone could hardly believe one-year-old Molly was his daughter. The sexy businessman was committed only to his extended Italian family, to their business'Baronessa Gelati'and to short-term relationships with gorgeous socialites. Then one pint sized female turned his priorities upside down.
Enter Gail Fenton, nanny extraordinaire. Within days she had a cranky Molly smiling; within a few sleepless nights, she had a frustrated Nicholas fantasizing. Bewitched by a virgin. Vexed by the girl next door. Man-about-town Nicholas was in serious trouble, for unlike his former lovers, who wanted only his money or his name, Gail wanted his heart.

Good cast of characters. The whole family seems likable and this series is going to have 11 more books. Gail is a good, strong female lead. Nicholas is sexy, and nice. He has commitment problems but does realize where his love is. I just wish the author would have used something other than a car accident to bring them together.

The Valentine Day curse strikes CEO Nicholas Barone hard, first when he learns of his fiancé's mercenary nature, and again a year later when she dies, leaving him the father. Deprived of the first year of his daughter's life, Nicholas vows to be an excellent father, but he needs help. Molly's cranky response to her new environment has taken its toll on his parents and on himself.

A degree in computers seems an odd qualification for a nanny, but Gail Fenton's gift for peek-a-boo soon convinces Nicholas he has found the right woman for his daughter. Gail knows she's nothing like the beautiful, sleek women Nicholas usually dates, but soon she finds herself hoping she can prove herself to be as right for the father as she is the daughter.

Readers who treasured the "Dynasties: The Connelly's" continuity in 2002, will love the return to the family theme with "Dynasties: The Barones" in 2003. With lighthearted levity and sizzling chemistry, author Leanne Banks presents a mismatched hero and heroine that discover more than superficial passion. As a nanny myself, I always find great amusement when authors successfully combine spegetti-os and nursery rhymes with the complexities that draw hearts together. Banks' treatment is remarkably skillful with the eccentricities that make characters dazzle. In addition, Banks gracefully introduces a remarkable cast of characters readers will look forward to meeting in their own stories.

Handsome Nicholas Barone is a wealthy playboy. On Valentines Day two years ago he overheard the woman he intended to propose to tell a friend she was going to marry Nick for his money. Since then, Nick has vowed not to give his heart again and has only had superficial relationships with beautiful, shallow women. Out of the blue, Nick discovers he has a daughter, Molly, by the woman who broke his heart. Determined to be a good father, Nick hires Gail Fenton as Molly's nanny. Gail is not glamorous, she wears little makeup and likes to spend her time playing volleyball. Gail feels men have always considered her 'one of the guys'. Gail proves to be wonderful with Molly and she also has a soothing affect on Nick. Gail develops a crush on Nick but feels she to much of a "plain Jane" for him to ever be attracted to her so she sets out to make herself over. It's not long before she starts dating which drives Nick crazy. It's not long before Nick sees Gail as anything but one of the guys and their relationship really sizzles. This book is HOT.

This book is a wonderful book for people who are intested in the beach and WWII!! I liked this book because it was thrilling and exciting! It always keeps your attention and you always know what it happening! Nell Wise Wechter did a wonderful job! You will find that the introduction is just as good as the book! If you have not read this book, you should! Now I know why it is on Battle of the Books for the year 2001!

TAFFY OF TORPEDO JUNCTION is about a 13 year old girl who lives on the Outer Banks off the N.C. coast during World War II. This book was exciting and easy to read. I would recommend this book to a friend because it gives the reader a chance to see how rough it was to live during a war. Taffy uncovers a group of German spies living on Hatteras and reveals their location.

Taffy of Torpedo Junction is one of the best books about WWII I have ever read! It was action packed, there was nonstop suspense, and it takes place in North Carolina where I live. One exciting part of the book was when Taffy and her grandfather heard someone screaming in the wind during a large storm. When they went out to the beach to see what it was, Taffy stepped on a German sailor's head! This book was filled with great humor and excitement. I never wanted to stop reading so I could find out what adventure Taffy was going on next. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good adventure about WWII on the Outer Banks

John Auteurs and Richard Wolffe have written a thorough, often mesmerizing, account on recent efforts to win compensation for Holocaust survivors from Swiss, German, Austrian and Italian banks and insurance firms and German and Austrian firms. "The Victim's Fortune" chronicles how an unlikely alliance of American Jewish leaders and lawyers successfully confronted these banks and firms, winning long-overdue compensation to those who had lost savings and life insurance policies to the Nazis and their allies or were slave laborers working for German and Austrian firms during World War Two. To their credit the authors wade successfully through an intriguing mix of characters, covering in separate chapters legal battles in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria. This important book should be required reading by those interested in World War Two, The Holocaust, and present efforts in seeking compensation from those countries and individuals who supported Al Qaeda's dastardly terrorist attacks on the United States last year.

The Victim's Fortune is a good read and it offers interesting insights into the compensation talks saga. It is written in the style of 'barbarians at the gate,' i.e. it tells a story by following the people involved and the personal axes they have to grind.

At the time, I followed the news of the Swiss banks and German companies with half an eye, dismissing it as (tedious) legal blackmail. But this book, which fell into my lap by chance, brought the whole dispute to life for me, including yes the greedy lawyers but also the victims and companies who tried to do the right thing. As with everything, it is much more interesting when you feel you know the people involved. Contrary to a previous review, the authors do not simplify the conflicts or the characters, which is a strong point. The 'gossip' in the book is what makes it human, and a book about these settlements that does not take the human angle runs the risk of being exceedingly boring.

I also learned a thing or two about the grounds for compensation-the use of slave labor by daimler, even ford; and the arrogance with which insurance companies asked for a death certificate to honor life insurance of holocaust victims. As a victim says, 'at auschwitz, they didn't give death certificates.'

But it's not just for novices- those with a greater knowledge and interest in the compensation dispute will certainly find an extra couple of layers of intrigue and emotion.

The book is also about the difficulty of trying to compensate for something as profoundly horrific as the holocaust, the uselessness of monetary compensation.

For such a complicated issue, with so many actors involved, it is quite an easy and pleasant read.

The publisher says "John Authers and Richard Wolffe offer a spellbinding investigative account" of the international struggle to retrieve some of the debts owed to Holocaust victims for more than half a century by bankers, insurers and industrial executives. I rarely agree with a publisher's endorsement of abook but in the case of "The Victim"s Fortune" I can only agree with the judgement.
The authors meticulously give their sources for what participants say and do, and, by having visited many of the major protagonists are able to sketch accurate and very lively pen-pictures not only of people but of locations: there are 45 pages of notes and sources and a full index - the general reader may not need them but they are there to reinforce the veracity of the account.
It would have been easy to have been less than even-handed to some of the powerful characters encountered in the book: it is a tribute to the authors that they maintain an even keel while charting the reader through a variety of events which could easily have seemed an incoherent maelstrom. The story starts in 1995 and culminates in June 2001 when payments of $5000 begin to be made to the dwindling band of holocaust survivors. The six years saw the involvement of a swathe of characters, from Jewish leaders, lawyers, bankers, insurers, judges, to President Clinton and Christoph Meili, a security guard at UBS who found in the course of his patrol that key documents had been put ready in the shredding room. In return for his whistle-blowing he had to flee his native Switzerland when he received death threats and warnings that his children would be kidnapped, and make a home in USA, the first Swiss citizen ever to seek asylum there on grounds of political persecution.
It is a roller-coaster of a book with new, well-defined and important characters arriving in most chapters. It is a fascinating read both for the issues involved and the egos on display. I have only had time to read the book once and will certainly do so again. It is no exaggeration to refer to the epic battle over the debts of the holocaust: I am profoundly grateful to the authors for opening my eyes to the reality of how deals get made, who truly benefits in such a tangled web. Lawyers, companies, governments even, had their own agenda: the payment was too little, too late; to quote one former slave-labourer "if it had been earlier or larger, it would have been no more moral".
This book is a triumph and deserves to be widely read.