Daisy Malone has been hired by Marcus Van Buren to certify the family estate free of ghosts. A prospective buyer is phobic about them even though he intends to demolish the old mansion. Daisy needs the money and is willing to certify the house, even though she knows that it is indeed haunted. The only problem is the ghosts, and they have no intention of either hiding or leaving!

I really enjoyed this fast moving ghost romance. The characters are very well drawn and vivid, especially the ghosts. Daisy's family is alot of fun and the plot fast moving and interesting.

In Atlantic City, the three Van Buren siblings (Jonas, Isadore, and James) died when inebriated and they drove off the road into the nearby water. For the last seventy years they have haunted the family home at Laguna Vista, but the last decade has been boring, as no one has resided in the house. The ghosts know they are somewhat at fault with their pranks that have kept their descendants away.

One of their relatives Marcus Van Buren hires novice ghostbuster Daisy Malone to certify that Laguna Vista is ghost free so he can get rid of this mausoleum. Her family needs the money, but ethics and knowing spirits live there provide Daisy with a moral dilemma. As three worried apparitions play matchmaker, Daisy and Marcus fall in love, but does this couple have a ghost of a chance to make a permanent relationship last when they disagree about the existence of Jonas, Isadore, and James?

The key to what makes SCANDALOUS SPIRITS so delightful a novel that paranormal romance fans will want to read is the strong cast. The lead couple and the ghostly support players seem real so that the audience believes in the magic of love and the authenticity of sprightly spirits. Surprisingly Jonas faces an angst-laden decision that will endear him even more to readers and showcase the abilities of C.B. Scott to convert the surreal into feeling so real.

Harriet Klausner

Rarely have I enjoyed a debut book as much as I did Scandalous Spirits. Fast moving and flat-out funny, the action draws you in at the same time that the characters make you laugh out loud. Daisy and Marcus are to die-for. Daisy's family members are as charming as they are quirky and Marcus's right-hand-man Rufus is so sexy, you'll be as thrilled as I am that he's getting his own book.

I rarely read paranormals, but I heard so much positive buzz about this book that I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did. The Van Buren ghosts are a trio you'll never forget. The author does a great job with their 1920s lingo and style. You'll find yourself falling for them as much as you do for the modern day hero and heroine.

If Scandalous Spirits is any indication, CB Scott is an author with amazing fresh, lively storytelling talent. Lucky for us that more books are on their way!

This book covers everything from Adrenaline to Windchill and anything you need to know in between. Starting with the category 'The Biology of Endurance' then 'Training Tools and Techniques' then 'Nutrition for Maximum Endurance' followed by 'Injuries, Obstacles, and Perils' and finally 'Great Endurance Challenges'(a listing of many major endurance athletic events around the world).

Ogranised in Encyclopedia format, this book is packed with the information you need to become a good endurance athlete. Wether looking up Massage Therapy, Fartlek Training, or Aerodynamics you'll find the information you're looking for quickly and easily. If you're a Personal Trainer or a beginner you will find this book usefull. I've had this book for almost as long as it's been published and have consulted it again and again. This is a book I'm sure any athlete would enjoy.

This is a book you can go back to anytime. Tinley (and McAlpine) cover all the aspects of endurance training. This is not a book that will give you all the detail, but it offers just the right amount of advice to help you through. I've done a few Ironman Triathlons myself and have actually met and talked to Scott tinley; he is the book and the book works.

This book is simply great for the endurance athlete. It deals with training, diet, mental aspects of endurance training, and medical issues. The book is instructional as well as motivational and is a work that you'll keep referring back to time and time again.

This is a great book for anyone who appreciates a dry wit and intelligent sense of humor. I agree with the other reviewer who compares his writing with Dave Barry but "less wacky." Rather than write about family and chores, Leary's focus is more broad, encompassing the media and pop culture. A very fun read. The illustrations are cool, too! I bet Bill Douglas does great comic-style work, too.

This is a FANTASTIC book. I've read Sean's column for years, and was delighted when he decided to publish a book with some of his greatest columns. Sean's command of the English Vocabulary is simply amazing. He has a way of phrasing words and sentences that will leave you in awe, wondering "How does he come up with that?"

If you are a Dave Berry fan, this book is a MUST-BUY! I think that Sean is far more talented than Dave is, not to mention just a tad less wacky. Dave, I think, writes more for the older generation, where-as Sean is more into Pop Culture and is more in tune with what is popular and current. Plus, Sean has a lot of insight and knowledge of just about anything pertaining to the entertainment world. You can't help but from laughing out loud when you read this book. For example, one of my favorite columns in the book is called, "Behold the Power of Candy". He was writing a spoof on candy becoming a super drug. Here is an excerpt... It all started with a tiny mint call Mento's. The Mentos commercials chronicle several dorks who find themselves in circumstances that would twist the mind of David Lynch.... Not all of the columns are humorous ones, there are some serious ones but the majority are funny. He begins with an amazing column that he wrote when he was 7, then ends with a spoof on VH1's "Behind the Music". Also, throughout the book he has little snippets of background information that gives you a little bit of behind the scenes.

Yes, I highly suggest buying this book. The price is right and you will NOT be disappointed I can promise you that! And if this book doesn't at the very minimum leave you with a smile on your face, then I guess you will need to be visited by "Foolish Jack"!

Now younger (twenties and thirties) readers have a columnist who can speak to their age range. Sean's always funny, and at times he's hilarious! Sean's columns are hip and poke pointed but affectionate fun at lots of society's weirdisms. A cool book! Sean's column runs in the Midwest, but you don't have to be an Iowan like me to enjoy this book. Someday this guy will probably be national.

With a plot that reads as if it came from the mind of Alistair MacLean, Robert Ludlum or Tom Clancy, this long unreported episode in our nation's history could not be more relevant in 21st century America.

From a World War II Nazi plan for espionage and terrorism, the authors have managed to craft a compelling and intriguing historical account, which raises many important questions. Questions which desperately need to be asked in post 9-11 America. But, they are questions which are all too often being ignored by most of the ratings-starved and war-hungry media.

Messrs. Gordon and Abello have done their home work, and it shows. Bravo, to the first time collaboration of this judge and this novelist.

Abella and Gordon hit the nail on the head with this book. If you are even slightly interested in WWII history, this is a great read. Given what's going on in the world today, the subject matter is truly relevant. Abella and Gordon make this historical story accessible and interesting.

This terrific book is about foreign terrorists who land on American shores and plan to destroy American buildings, military bases, and kill civilians. In particular, they plan to bomb Jewish owned businesses and stores such as Macy's. No, this doesn't take place now, but in 1942. And these terrorists are Nazis.
The first part of the book describes the true story of how 8 Nazis landed on the eastern coast in 1942. These were men who had spent part of their lives in the United States, so they knew how to blend in and they knew American customs.
If not for the work of the FBI, and for the defection of one of the men to the Americans, the damage that would have been done to America would have been horrendous. And these 8 may have been just the first of many terrorists to follow.
The second part of the book describes how the men were given military tribunals, because Roosevelt believed that public trials would only endanger our national security and our country. Sound familiar?
This is a well-written, timely book that holds the reader's interest from start to finish. I thought I knew quite a bit about World War ll, but I didn't know anything about the events described in the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone concerned about the politics and policies of today, and for anyone who is simply interested in a good and interesting story.

I remember reading this series as a teenager during the last days of the Cold War. I was so caught up in the struggle of Matt and Dani because I was so close to their age and lived in a society that feared the end of the world through nuclear holocaust. Now, as we face war again, in this new millenium, I wish that the series would resurface and be completed. The characters were really well-developed, the plot was fantastic and really left me wanting more. I was so anxious to read the 5th volume... waiting for those "hailstones the size of grapefruits"... I think I'm going to go dig up the series and re-read it.

The series focuses on Matt and Dani, two teens who survive nuclear devistation from the (now former) USSR. This book finds them in Colorado where they have arrived at the town of Denver which holds a community of people who have done their best to restore a 'normal' town since the bombings. (This is also the first example of such they have seen since leaving their homes on the east coast to travel to California in an attempt to find Matt's parents who had traveled there before the bombings). This paticular story threatenes to seperate the friends as after the long journey Dani is eager for anything that resembles normal while Matt wants to press on to california. Wonderful book which focuses on the attempts to rebuild civilization and the strengthening bond between the friends. Alas I believe this is the last book that was written for this series and several important burning questions are left unanswered at the end. For that I would give the series 3 stars, but the read itself a 5. I think that these authors went on to create the popular "Anamorphs" series of books.

I recieved this book when I was about nine, and it was really good. However, I wanted to read the other ones, but they're out of print. But it was full of wonder and excitement, and it was a great read.

I believe I've said this already, but I think this S.C.E. idea was about the best ever (you GO, DeCandido!), and this next batch was no exception to that idea. Waiting for the paperbacks puts me woefully behind the eBooks, this I know, but my patience has been consistently rewarded with each new publication.

In Book Three, we get eBook stories 9-12, and each one is a separate little thrill ride into the S.C.E. universe. And I guess what I'm most impressed with is the continuity of character development and growth throughout each author's writing. That can't be an easy task, especially when the authors are also charged with writing a compelling plot.

If you're like me and don't really care for the eBook format, but are interested in learning about the Starfleet team that goes in to clean up the messes, I *highly* recommend these books. Fast-paced but complex, with great character development and depth.

Good job, I say! Don't stop!

Star Trek-Starfleet Corps of Engineers Book #3: Some Assembly Required is an anthology of four stort stories involving the the corps of engineers first appearing as ebooks and now is in printed form.

"Some Assembly Required" contains:

"The Riddled Post" written by Aaron Rosenberg
"Here, There be Monsters" written by Keith R.A. Decandido
"Ambush" written by Dave Galanter and Greg Brodeur
"Some Assembly Required" written by Scott Ciencin and Dave Jolley

In this book the stories contain high-tech action-adventure and it will keep your attention. The stories are written as short stories and they are written as building on one another. As the stories building to an exciting climax and they have some very clever solutions.

I liked the way the stories are written and the way plot is laid out and the action moves quickly... but the character development is not lacking and it gives the reader a sense of being within the confines of the story... like your in the middle of all of the action.

As each story is written as a complete stand alone story, there are references in each to past adventures making for intresting reading. You'll be engrossed in the story and wanting the characters to succed in each adventure.

This anthology covers story #9 through #12 of the ebook series and the corps of engineers work at solving problems. This is a fresh addition to the Star Trek series and you'll be fascinated as a group of giant monsters fall through an interdimensional gateway, the engineers work on a planetary computer system, solve a mystery of an outpost riddled by a strange new weapon, and defeat a foe who has the corps outgunned in an exciting space battle.

Have tech, will travel is the corps motto and Starfleet's miracle worker will take you on a journey you will not soon forget.

I originally read all the S. C. E. novellas in eBook form. But I pick up the paperback print compilations as an excuse to re-read them! S. C. E. is probably the best Star Trek series and these 4 stories are excellent, building up the crew and giving them character. At about this point in the series, you really start to care about the characters. I heartily reccomend this book and the entire S. C. E. series to anyone who's look for a well-written series that is a new twist on Star Trek.

Beyond a doubt, this is one of the best ideas ever conceived. A University hosts a contest where the contestants try and come up with the most intentionally stupid opening lines for a novel. Needless to say, some of the results are downright hilarious. I spent a good part of a day pouring over the pages of this book. There are categories for science ficton novels, romance novels, plain-jane fiction, detective stories, "It was a dark and stormy night" stories, you name it, it's probably in here in some shape or form. Because the entrys are short, this is one book that can very easily be finished in one sitting, whether you're riding in the car, or flying your hang-glider. The artwork that goes along with the book is nice, too. If I were you, I'd hunt down these books with the same enthusiasm that a headhunter would go after Mr. Potatohead.

"Son of 'It was A Dark And Stormy Night' " is the second of, to the best of my knowledge, five collections of entries in the annual "Bulwer-Lytton fiction contest". (The others being "It Was A Dark And Stormy Night", "Dark And Stormy Rides Again", "It Was A Dark And Stormy Night: The Final Conflict", and, I think, "Bride Of Dark And Stormy", if I'm not mistaken.) The Bulwer-Lytton fiction contest is a contest , named for Sir Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, whose "Paul Clifford" (1830) opens with the immortal line "It was a dark and stormy night...", which is run by Scott Rice and sponsored by San Jose State University, in which contestants vie to write the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels. Generally, the trick is to make the sentences as complex syntactically as it is possible to imagine, while violating as many rules of creative consistency as possible, and to be certain that no noun is without more than its share of purple-prose adjectives.

This is not for everyone, but if this sounds like fun to you, it probably is. This is the third of the collections that I've read; I thought that "The Final Conflict" was better than the original; this is even better than that one.

The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction competitions are simply great for light reading. Highly suggested. Great Gifts, too.

I really love this book ~ it is perfectly illustrated for children.

Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators of children's books. Here, his illustrations for three verses of Francis Scott Key's poem and song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," provide an excellent introduction for children to the meaning behind his famous lyrics.

I usually read this aloud to primary classes around a patriotic holidays. This year, because of our late school year, I read it for Flag Day. Since the words and historical setting are unfamiliar to most younger students, I have begun introducing this book with "The Story of 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" which can be found in "The Children's Book of America," edited by William J. Bennett. These two volumes make fine companions.

Even with this introduction, Key's text needs explaining, however with Spier's finely detailed illustrations, this task is much easier. Children love to examine the intricacies and they usually come up with some excellent comments and questions. On the page featuring Arlington National Cemetery, they ask about who died in battle, why some of the grave markers are stars instead of crosses, and why the flag is flying at half-mast.

Our copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nearly worn out from heavy use. That should say something about the popularity of this excellent patriotic book.

our four-year-old claims this is his FAVORITE book. Perhaps it is because his mother chokes up and tears drop to her cheeks as she reads this book. We have found that this is an excellent read-aloud and has stretched our four-year-old's language skills in many ways. As if The Star Spangled Banner weren't moving enough, the arrangement of pictures flows along with the words of the song to create an image of heroics and bravery. In addition, little incidentals like soldiers feeding their horses and wet clothes hanging to dry aboard ship cause us to remember that these were real people fighting. Peter Spier mixes history with the present as he causes us to remember what these men were fighting for. We see schools and businesses, Arlington Cemetery and the Statue of Liberty, cities and rural farms, synagogues and churches, Amish buggies and a Friends Meeting House all as evidence of our cultural diversity. We also see that the fight continues as we witness a renovation project and scientists working in a lab. The first, second and fourth verses are illustrated. The pictures help the capable parent define words such as "conceals" and "discloses." In addition, the artwork contains so much information and story that conversation just develops as the book is read. There is an oustanding collection of Flags of America and a thorough history of the War of 1812. The words to all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner and the music by J Stafford Smith follow. Peter Spier is becoming our hero as the author of our favorite children's books.

I first became acquainted and fell in love with the work of F.Scott Fitzgerald when I read a hardback copy of The Great Gatsby in my early 20s. Since then, I have read Tender Is The Night and This Side of Paradise, so when I discovered this collection of stories by my literary hero, I floated up to the cieling. My favorites include The Diamond As Big As The Ritz and Bernice Bobs Her Hair, and anyone who has not already been introduced to Fitzgerald, either in English class at school or while browsing in a local bookstore, it's not too late to change your mind, and it is my sincere hope that you will love this man's work as much as I do!

I was delighted to find out that not only were F. Scott Fitzgerald's short stories being narrated on audio cassette, but that one of the performers was none other than Robert Sean Leonard. Scottie is by far one of my favorite American authors. It takes an incredible talent to condemn the life you live in your literature, and when I think how he strived for excellence but fell victim to society, I can't help but pity him. His writing is so delicious to read as well. He has such wonderful similies and metaphors, and is so descriptive I can taste the wine, feel the rain and see the stars. The Jazz Age is one of my favorite time periods and F. Scott Fitzgerald captures it perfectly. You see the glittering side but then the glitter gets tarnished as it must. What is even better about this audio is that one of the narrators is none other than my favorite actor, Robert Sean Leonard (better known as Neal in Dead Poets Society and Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing among other films). His voice is wonderful to listen to, even if you're not a fan of his acting. It's perfectly clear and flowing and it reminds you of listening to your parents reading you a bedtime story. The tape itself leaves you feeling as if you've been on an emotional rollercoaster. There's a nice beginning, then it peaks with conflict, the resolution, and then the end finishes as calmly as it started. Yet you've gained something from it. Fitzgerald has some incredibly phenomenal themes in his work. The odd part is that I usually don't like getting audio books, but I certainly reccomend this audio of The Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald" It's worth every penny.

Surely an icon in the annals of American literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald produced a body of work which epitomized the Roaring Twenties. It has been said that his dominant influences were "aspiration, literature, Princeton, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, and alcohol." Nonetheless, his writing possesses an urgency, a bite, unrivaled by his peers.

Collected in this superb audio are nine of his early stories performed by accomplished actors. Broadway/film actress Blythe Danner reads "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," a narrative inspired by a lengthy letter Fitzgerald wrote to his younger sister, Annabel, in which he offered advice on how she could become popular with boys.

"The Jelly-Bean," read by Dylan Baker, takes place in Georgia. Fitzgerald credits his wife for her expertise in helping him write a portion of this tale involving crap shooting, saying "as a Southern girl" she was an expert at this endeavor.

The talented Peter Gallagher reads "Head and Shoulders," the first of Fitzgerald's story to appear in The Saturday Evening Post.

Also found in the collection are "The Diamond As Big As The Ritz," "Dalyrimple Goes Wrong," "The Ice Palace," "Benediction," "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button," and "May Day."

This is an exemplary combination of memorable prose and oral presentation, a remarkable listening experience.