I purchased a book for each of my 4 nieces and I've planned an adventure to Monhegan island in Maine this summer with all 4 of them to build their own fairy houses. This is the type of fun every child should be exposed to -- shut off those TVs and head outdoors to enjoy the wonders of a child's imagination!

We are eager to purchase this book after viewing "Kristen's Fairy House" which is the video story of how author/illustrator Tracy Kane developed the story and drawings for "Fairy Houses". It has earned the "Gold Award" for Parent's Choice and rave reviews from Parenting Magazine, Family Fun magazine and Publishers Weekly. In the video author Tracy Kane takes her niece Kristin to an island off the coast of New England to a magical wood where the fairy adventures are inspired. There are lots of child-friendly things to see and experience and one feels almost as if you're along for the ride and waiting to see what happens next. It would seem based upon the credits that this film was a family venture and if the book reflects even a sprinkling of fairy dust's worth of the effort that went into the film it too will be a winner....

Fairy Houses is an inspiration! Author and illustrator, Tracy Kane, has built in this book a magical world that glows and twinkles. Encouraging children to take an active part in nature, the book suggests how each of us might take found objects like twigs, a feather, perhaps some seashells, and setting them up against a tree or beside a brook can create a magical imaginary world that fairies visit when we are not looking. Kids of all ages can delight in this material, the stuff of the sweetest of our dreams. Fairy Houses is filled with imagination, beauty, fantasy and hope.

P>Every now and then I'm lucky enough to come across a very special book that demands my attention and captures my heart. A book whose characters refuse to leave my mind once the last page is turned. A book that is filled with everything that I love about reading romance. A POCKETFUL OF PARADISE is my idea of a dream book.

Immortal spirit Zacariah has been a soul collector for eons and is getting a little lackadaisical about his duties. His job is to collect the soul of a dying human and usher it into the afterlife. Because he has a little problem showing up on time for his "collections" he has altered more than one human life span. His superiors are furious with his blatant disregard for human life and have decided to teach him a lesson. Hoping he will learn to respect humans, his punishment is to spend one month on earth as a mortal man and at the end of that time make a collection ON TIME!!

Zack appears in a haze of mist and clouds before the startled eyes of widow Rebecca Hale. Rebecca is determined to save her son's inheritance, the Hale ranch, even though someone has been stealing her horses at an alarming rate. A bit wary of this stranger who appears to have a strange sort of amnesia she agrees to take Zack on as a farm hand because he'll work cheap and she desperately needs some help.

Rebecca struggles to protect her heart from this drifter but there is something irresistible about him, a kindness buried beneath the gorgeous exterior. When she sees him treating her son with the compassion, respect and attentiveness he craves she becomes all the more determined to protect them both from heartbreak. But as an innocent kiss leads to a scorching attraction Rebecca finds it difficult to resist this desirable man who awakens feelings she didn't know existed.

Zack is one of the most original hero's I've read in quite a while. A virgin in the true sense of the word its great fun watching him attempt to function with his "clumsy" human body as he learns to walk, shave and discovers a certain part of his anatomy that he can't seem to control when he looks at the heroine. As he becomes more and more human he begins to realize he's falling in love but he cannot give Rebecca the one thing she needs from him; the truth and he still has that collection to make before he can return to heaven . . . Torn between hurting the people he's grown to love and further upsetting his superiors Zack must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Ms. Kane writes with a rare sensitivity that thoroughly draws you into the story. Her characters are people you care deeply about. A POCKETFUL OF PARADISE with its reluctant and sensitive grim reaper hero has humor in all the right places yet is jam-packed with heart wrenching emotion. You'll need a few tissues before you're finished with this uplifting story.

I loved every word.

I read this book a few years ago and from time to time will pick it up to read again. Wonderful storyline poignant from beginning to end. I've seen this plot several times since then but still no one has done it with so much meaning and feeling as Kathleen Kane. You won't regret purchasing this one. If you read this I also recommend "The Outsider" by Penelope Williamson.

Happy Reading

Kathleen Kane has set herself apart from other romance novelists, because of her unique slant on romance writing. Her stories come with a twist of the supernatural which gets you hooked in the first chapter. If you like the unexplained and the powers that be, or have wondered if there is anything beyond this life, this book gives you a look at what might be.

This book has it all, not many books have the effect on me that this one did. In some parts my heart was beating twice its pace as if I were there myself, I couldn't read without my face reflecting the emotions of the characters, engrossed is the best way to explain it, and that doesn't even come close.

This is a must read, especially if you have read many romances and they're all becoming the same. Kathleen Kane's writing is fresh, unique and engaging. I would also recommend THIS TIME FOR KEEPS, another brilliant example of her work.

This book was a delightful read! It gives an up close and personal view of what the priesthood is like for so many that have answered God's call for their lives!

I no longer think of the priesthood as a "lonely" life.....this book has proven what "fulfilled" lives these men lead and that they truly do have lives in addition to their ministries of preaching, counseling, administrating parishes, performing weddings,funerals, baptisms, Holy Communions and Confirmations!
What an inspirational read, especially for those interested in vocations, young and old alike! Tom Kane is to be applauded for his work!

This book is a delightful compilation of very heartwarming stories depicting the human side of priests. With all the recent scandals surrounding the clergy in the Catholic Church, it was a pleasure to hear from the "silent majority" of good priests. If you ever thought priests were "holy" all the time, this book provides a refreshing look at the human and often humorous side of our church leaders.

THE CONTENTS OF THE BOOK ..WHILE WELL WRITTEN AND ENTERTAINING..WAS A
COMPILATION OF SURVEY REPLYS THAT SHOWED SOME VERY SINCERE MEN AND... LIKE ALL HUMANS...SOME PRONE TO THEIR OWN EGO...
THE BOOK WAS WELL PACED AND KEPT YOU GOING...HOWEVER..SLOWLY...SOMETIMES !!
I HAD THE MOST FEELING READING THE HILTON RIVET SJ.SECTION PG 167 AND DONALD KANE PG 139...THEY WERE UPLIFTING FOR ME !!!
FROM MY PERSPECTIVE...IT WOULD BE A WORK THAT ANY YOUNG MAN SHOULD READ IF HE IS PROSPECTING FOR A LIFE STYLE.....AND... THE BOOK SHOULD BE IN EVERY RELIGIOUS ARTICLE STORE..

This book is gold. Alan has made a guidebook, that has everything you need to know about a route, right in front of your eyes. From Elevation gain, approximate round trip time, difficulty, the map needed, route photos for every peak and a completely detailed description of the route. Also he has a colored mini photo album at the beginning of the book that shows some pictures of what you will encounter. He has included over 150 mountains that range from tiny hills that I could take my pet hampster up(jokingly), to glaciated masses of rock that can take a rope and multiple days. This book should be in every climbers pack. I erge you to buy it. It's well worth it.

The author, Alan Kane, does a great job of putting this guide together. This version is much better than the previous edition. Lots more peaks included. For the most part the peaks are all in alberta. Some in the south, others a bit more towards the north. Each hike includes difficulty level and other relevant information.

Alan has climbed every one of the peaks he described. The route descriptions reflect that intimate knowledge that the author has with each route. The details are excellent. Moreover, he really gives you a feel for the climb and from my experience reading the routes made for fewer unwanted surprises on the actual climb.

I'll also say that the book has a nice variety when it comes to difficulty of the scrambles. The concept of scrambling in many ways represents the highest degree of freedom you can have while climbing. This is because you needn't be weighed down by lots of gear (protection, climbing rope, chocks, etc) to do these scrambles. Yet they are more difficult and exciting than a regular walk-up. Kane has all the bases covered here. For a guide to scrambling in the canadian rockies, look no further. However, don't just take my word for it...Alan has a website where you can see some of the routes described in the book. I think it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

I just recently got this guidebook, and let me just say that it blew away all my expectations. Seriously, this is the finest mountain guidebook I've ever seen. Pictures for every mountain, great descriptions, introduction, etc. Bravo. Well worth the money. I had to try hard to keep myself from drooling on the book because it's an x-mas gift to my dad. There are certainly some great peaks to climb in Canada.

Caregivers who live with a severely ill family member or friend receive a guide on how they can handle life-threatening and life-changing illness. From how to help others heal using one's presence and support to understanding differences between healing and curing, this is packed with advice from the author's own work with cancer support groups, and provides a solid foundation for understanding and growth.

Have you ever read a book that felt like you were having a conversation with a good friend? Jeff Kane's new book, The Healing Companion makes me feel comforted, entertained, encouraged and enlightened; just as if I'd spent time talking with a good friend.

The book could be considered as a guide toward offering sick loved ones our healing presence. This guidance is valid for anyone relating to someone who is sick and is just as helpful to doctors, nurses and counselors as it is to family members and anyone who has a loved one who is sick.

A quote from page three says "This book will guide you toward offering sick loved ones your healing presence. By learning to ask them exactly how they're suffering and help them express their feelings thoroughly, you'll encourage an atmosphere of honesty. You'll move toward a perspective in which whatever happens physically, the emotional turmoil surrounding it will settle. All involved will benefit from increasing serenity."

I found especially helpful Jeff's discussion of how sick people suffer. He talks about really listening to their suffering and hearing their fears, anxieties, confusion, depression and rages. He says "I learned that people get emotional when they're sick and that fear and anger and despair aren't abnormal; they're a natural feature of sickness. In fact, I'd worry about the mental health of sick people who weren't affected by their consequent feelings. Hearing many hundreds of stories, I gradually learned that people don't generally suffer from their disease as much as from their emotions, the reactions their disease ignites in them." (page seven)

The rest of the chapters in the book are just as juicy and relevant as the above examples. In "Speaking With TLC", Jeff encourages speaking (only after much listening) with truth, leanness and compassion. He gives examples and practical questions to ask ourselves to pass the "TLC" test.

My two favorite chapters are "Welcoming Mystery" and "Healing Yourself". The first deals with the existential questions that illness can stir and the second with "continual" self care. What profound encouragement both offer for living in this world.

I truly enjoyed reading this book (and have read several sections more than once). The wonderful stories of courage and healing inspired me to be a better listener, a better friend and even a better person. Thank you Jeff.

Anyone confronted with the serious sickness of a family member of friend will find this sensitive but unsentimental book invaluable. Jeff Kane not only shows how the emotional support and participation of one's friends and family help the sick person in his or her illness (that is, the social and spiritual disclocation and emotional and psychological suffering caused by the disease), but also gives very concrete, practical suggestions on listening, responding, respecting, and feeling and showing compassion. Dr. Kane's insights about the experience of suffering, the devastation it causes and the opportunities it offers both the sick person and the care-giver for self-knowledge and personal transfromation make this a book to be read and reread time and again.

As I listened to "Instantaneous Transformation" with Ariel and Shya Kane, I was struck by the power that the Kanes have harnessed in their lives. It's not a power that dominates or sets up hierarchies, but one that vibrates with passion, success, and compassion - a contagious power that lives in everyone, but few as masterful as the Kanes have ever facilitated its discovery in such a an honest, down-to-earth manner. You won't have to change a thing about yourself. No new diets, no dogma, just simple enlightenment on a practical, daily basis.

A section of the tape covers a discussion the Kanes have with participants during this recorded seminar on the story most people listen to, the individual stories of our lives. The Kanes let their guests know that their seminar is "a place to discover the story isn't true - you are." Since hearing this tape, I've discovered so many intricacies of the story of my life along with the freedom that comes with letting go of that story to discover who I am now, in each moment. As I listened, I found that what the Kanes do is create and support a safe space for people to settle into being - not trying to get away from our lives or to feel good or bad, but just to feel. What makes them stand out is not so much the simple wisdom of what they say, but who they are, interacting with participants fully in each moment. Each participant helped to explore the variety of ways the Kanes pointed out that the mind works to take us out the present. The Kanes shed light on each question in a way that I felt myself in a whole room experiencing a profound "AH-HA!" In a world of mental mumbo-jumbo about happiness, Ariel and Shya Kane are a breath of fresh air. They have other tapes and a bestselling book called "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work." I can't recommend these guys enough.

Have you ever not been looking for something and you find it anyway. That is how I felt about this audio tape 'Instantaneous Transformation: An Honest Look at Self Realization' by Ariel & Shya Kane.

Ariel & Shya Kane speak about feeling light and alive in your life. I especially love that they are about not "working on yourself," i.e. not focusing on fixing or judging yourself. Transformation starts with becoming aware of your behaviors and thoughts. Once you are aware of them they do not have to have control over your life. I definitely recommend this audio tape for anyone interested in becoming the author of their own life.

The speakers have a selection of tapes with different themes that revolve around Instantaneous Transformation. My next pick is 'Magical Relationships'. I am really curious about the 'Magical' in relationships. They also have a book called 'Working on Yourself Doesn't Work'. The revues are great for this book. I can't wait to read it!

This was the best Audio tape I have ever listened to on Personal Growth. The speakers both seem amazing and have very great insights that helped me feel more at peace, more centered in my life. I have listened to the tape a couple times in the last two weeks... and I feel good every time I listen to the tape!

What they are saying is so simple - Just become aware of your thoughts and behaviors - and they will no longer have control over you! But while I have heard it before - They add nuances to it that have made listening to them very powerful! I see myself more clearly, I feel better about myself. But it is different from all other motivational or meditation oriented tapes I have heard before.

The authors exude a sense of centeredness and joy. It seems to rub off on me. My life seems to get better every time I listen to their tape. And that's the real thing...not just an affirmation...

I just ordered their book...(Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation) and some of their other tapes...and I am waiting expectantly...

I am so glad I stumbled onto this gem of wisdom.

Halid, a Muslim soldier, has just returned home after fighting in Sarajevo. The peaceful little village he left is now a hotbed of hate between the Muslims and Christians. His best friend, Momir, was a Christian. Now Momir is dead. Halid may be alive, but he's haunted by a crime he committed during the war. Refusing to return home to his mother, he wanders the streets of his village, sleeping in fields, smoking and gambling and drinking, seeking out Momir's wife (whom he has always loved), fighting for his life in a town that has lost its.

HOMECOMING is relentlessly dark. Although the grammar is at times bizarrely constructed, the prose is well written and easy to read, the images are evocative, the darkness is a driving force that propels the reader through the increasingly savage world straight into the bloody ending. I enjoyed the story because I know little about Sarajevo. However, I did not grow attached to any of the characters (perhaps because I wasn't supposed to), and even the horrible finish didn't evoke much sorrow. This novel is far more instructive than it is entertaining, far more tragic than it is intriguing.

As war novels go, HOMECOMING isn't the best, but it certainly earns a recommendation for stark honesty.

Everybody knows that war is hell. The thing people forget about is that there is a period after war, sometimes called reconstruction, sometimes called chaos. Especially in a civil war, there are feuds left over that still simmer, or revenge rears its ugly head. Such is the case in Natasha Radojcic-Kane's searing debut novel Homecoming.

Homecoming is about a muslim soldier named Halid returning from the Balkan Wars of the 1990's to his village. He finds an almost otherworldly atmosphere has settled over the place. It is a place of paramilitary police who are just as corrupt as the criminals. It is also a place of great poverty where the young have to steal or sell their bodies for money. In one poignant scene Halid sneaks up to a window to gaze on the emaciated form of his former lover as she works in the kitchen. Everyone has been changed by the war and continues to suffer from it even after it is over. Halid is going to be different though, somehow during the war he acquired a great deal of money, and maybe he might be able to rescue himself and his love from the horrible darkness of death by going to America. What follows is a tragedy equal to anything Thomas Hardy or William Faulkner wrote.

This book was an experience. It's not really to be enjoyed like entertainment. It's meant to send you looking into yourself and the jaws of war. Sometimes your past comes to haunt you and if you dont free yourself from it, it could destroy you. Even though the author was born in Belgrade, I have no idea if she is writing through first person experience. It doesn't really make a difference. The imagination can be just as gruesome as reality when it comes to war. Just ask Stephen Crane. I highly recommend this novel.

A great read that really makes you think about all you have in life. I bought copies of this book for several people on my holiday list last year.

This book is a great book. You can't tell who the bad guy is at all! The story really twists and you may start to think that Chris is the bad guy. Chris is a boy who looks for the treasure that a pirate was supposed to dump into the water. The 3 investigators go on a trip to Skelleton island to shoot a picture, but really to discover the secret of a ghost that is haunting Bob Andrews dad movie crew. When they come during a storm a guy takes and strands the 3 investigators on an island. That is were they meet Chris! There are quite a few suspicious people that I suspected. This is one of the best books out of the series(in my opinion). This book may look stupid but it is a great book. And beware you will be staying up all night reading this book!

In this adventure, the Three Investigators venture far away from Rocky Beach, California--3000 miles away to a haunted island on the east coast where Pete's father is working to restore an old thrill park for a movie he is working on. Having met with stolen equipment and the appearance of a ghost, the boys are sent for to figure out who is trying to keep the movie company away from Skeleton Island. The boys meet with danger and duplicity at every turn, it seems, getting themselves into even more trouble than usual--several times by their own doing. ...

There aren't really any plot twists or surprises in this story. What seems to me to be the biggest clue to the whole mystery flops out at you like a dead fish right in the middle of the book, and you have to wait until the end to see Jupiter finally seize upon it. Overall, though, it is still a pretty good story. It's hard to go wrong when you are writing about pirates, ghosts, and treasure. My childhood obsession with the secret headquarters at the Salvage Yard obviously continues because I certainly missed it in this book. The boys seemed to be somewhat out of their element here, and it shows. Of course, nothing can stop them from solving a mystery once they are on the case.

The book is about three investagators that are taping a movie,but well they are taping they acutually experience the tragic story that happend 10 years ago! Trust me you would love this story! Well I'm not finished with the book yet so I don't know the rest but it's really good so far!That's my review!

This was back when comic stories were interesting to read and were done by writers who could write and artists who could draw. The story of Hal Jordan, how he becomes Green Landarn, and tries to find balance in his life both as a superhero and a human being. The stories are easy to read and it does make a good case that Green Landarn should be made as a movie, are you listening Warner Brothers?

I highly recommend this book to all Green Lantern fans! It contains the early adventures of Hal Jordan...and even has a guest appearnce by The Flash (Wally West). Trust me, when you start to read it you won't put it down!

Green Lantern has always been an interesting member of the 'super hero' group by DC. As a boy, I used to look forward to the Justice League of America comic to see him in action. Later, when I discovered he had his own title, I began to buy it as well.

The character is uniquely human has an interesting story thread -- the mysterious guardians at OA, Sinestro (the renegade green lantern), Carol Ferris, and so on. Like The Flash, many of the characters come back for encores and give readers something they're familiar with - something to come home to.

This book, volume two in the GL series, is a fine addition to the growing DC Archive collection. Nicely hard bound, it consists of 222 full color pages on quality paper featuring 14 complete adventures of the Silver Age Green Lantern.

Features in this volume are the origin of Sinestro, how Green Lantern came up with his oath, and a battle between GL and the Flash. Great stories all.

If you enjoyed the Silver Age of DC comics -- if you liked the exploits of Green Lantern -- if you like well-done stories (for a comic book), this book will not disappoint you. It makes a fine addition to the first volume of the series. I hope they make a third.

The rest of the oath?

.... no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power, Green Lantern's light.

~Paul~

Alexandria and Drakes story is great. Alex stows away on Drakes ship so she can escape the trials of the Season and to go visit her father. Drake is a strong willed man and is shocked to find her on board his ship. In the end he takes her to Canada and to her father the govenor there. He is less then please with his daughter and forces her to marry Drake.

This story has it all. Romance, Suspense, and the magic that you can find in between the pages of an Andrea Kane book. Take the time to read this story you won't be disappointed.

I am an avid Romance reader, and i especially enjoy regency romances. This is the first novel i have read by Andrea Kane, and i enjoyed it so much that i plan to purchase all her novels and read them as well. In My heart's desire, Kane is not afaraid in letting the couple go through experiences together, feel adventure, travel. Many regency romances are the same, with the hero and heroine staying in London. This book was a breath of fresh air. The love scenes are also exceptional.

I have never been so completely enveloped into a story! Andrea Kane's writing is phenomenal. I fell in love with both characters. I would recommend this book to every historical romance lover!