This was my first exposure to a book by this author, and I was very pleased. The story covers a period of time interesting to me and in an area near my home. The heroes are good people with normal character flaws, and the villians are the kind of people you can easily hate. The story is tied in to real times and real events. The author is obviously very familiar with the Cheyenne Indians and the frontier during the latter 1800's. A spellbinding book.

In 1879, Brad Randall, the Commissioner for Indian Affairs feels ineffectual in his post because he knows how the Indians are being treated and is in no position to help them. When he finds out his wife is cheating on him with his assistant, he leaves her and journeys out west, hoping to help the Native-Americans. He also wants to find Eden Murdoch who he has not seen or heard from in ten years to tell her the son she thought died is very much alive.

When the two ex-lovers meet, Eden is in jail protecting the fact that the Indians are no longer allowed near Solomon Spring, a sacred site to many tribes. He gets her out of jail and takes her to see her son who is not pleased to see her because her husband, Lawrence Murdoch has found him first and fed him lies about her. When Lawrence is found dead, Brad confesses to his murder but the only one who doesn't believe him is Eden who intends to find the real killer before her lover hangs.

SOLOMON SPRING is a great work of historical fiction and an equally good historical mystery. Through the characters eyes we are able to see the plight of the Indians and their courage in the face of adversity. The romance between the two protagonists is quite good but takes a back seat to the who-done it. Michelle Black is a talented writer who will appeal to readers of mystery, romance and history.

Harriet Klausner

"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." This is the diary of a young man who is compelled to learn that the preceeding is an "old lie," and who survives the lesson while serving in the blood and excrement of WWI.

Grim diary of a 19 year old lieutenant in the British army in 1917. Details dull and often grueling routine of the trench soldier. A few hellish moments- a rat chewing on a German corpse, Lt.Vaughn's sharing a shellhole with a rotting corpse for a half-day, Vaughn dropping his well-earned steak in three feet of trench mud, nervous men revealing that they felt a little "windy". Well-worth reading.

This is the third book in the series about Trace McCall, known by the Indians as Mountain Hawk. Trace had a son by a Shoshoni young woman about twelve years ago. He is unaware of the boy whose name is White Eagle. After White Eagle's tribe is wipped out by the Sioux he looks for Trace. White Eagle has vowed to kill Booth Dalton, the white man who was with the Sioux when his mother was killed. White Eagle is captured by Booth Dalton and Trace McCall is after them. The book will hold your attention. If you like books about mountain men and Indians of that time you will enjoy this. I think this is the best one of the three in the series. If you can read them in order it will be best.

Charles G. West brings to life the type of real people that made our history. From the realationships with each other to the tension that comes with being in a tight spot at the wrong time.
It sometimes makes me wonder what kind of a person I would make in similar situations. Or how our fore-fathers handled life as it was dealt them on a daily basis in similar times.

As in this series of the Mountian Hawk I look forward to reading more about the man and where he came from. Which is why I searched for and look forward to reading the preseding books.

Except for a brief prelude set in 1599, the events in this book take place during the summer and fall of 1628 in what is now Arizona. The Spanish have come to Oraibi, a Hopi village atop a mesa. Their contingent is small: a captain seeking the fabled riches of the area, a small number of soldiers, and a Franciscan priest intent on saving the savages' souls. Their arrival sets into motion not only a clash of Spanish and Hopi cultures, but also an encounter between Hopi and Navajo traditions. Morning Butterfly is a young Hopi woman who knows some Spanish, and is drafted to serve as translator for the newcomers. Cougar is a Navajo from a nearby settlement who arrives to steal the soldiers' horses. Cougar understands the Hopi language, making communication possible between these two communities. While both the Hopi and the Navajo lament the intrusion of the soldiers and the priest, they react in very different ways. The Hopi are known as the Peaceful Ones. They attempt to live with the invaders, and even, reluctantly, help him to build his church. Fray Angelico believes he may be making headway in converting the Hopi, since some submit to baptism, but it is clear to readers that the baptisms and sermons are not turning them from the own beliefs. The Navajo live as raiders, and are proud of their ability as warriors; their reaction to the Spanish is very different. A sense of tradition and place permeates this book. Words from legends, songs, and chants are woven throughout the story. Readers also learn of the two groups' beliefs through the explanations Morning Butterfly and Cougar give each other about their people. Fray Angelico and the captain represent two very different, but equally disruptive, Western attitudes: one missionary, the other exploitative of the people and land. The land is sacred to both the Hopi and Navajo, and their strong relationships with it become clear in this book. Tony Hillerman's novels have introduced me to the place and some of the beliefs in this book, but the time period is new to me. The book seems very well researched, though not intrusively so. Soul of the Sacred Earth is a compelling read. I was desperate to see the Spanish leave, so that the Hopi and Navajo societies wouldn't be further disrupted, but feared being too hopeful, knowing how history has turned out.

Trudi Jacobson, for the Historical Novels Review

Early in the seventeenth century, Spaniard Fray Angelico wants to bring the word of God to the natives living throughout the New Mexico Territory. To his shock, the Hopi ignore his plea to save these savages from the devil. Though disappointed by their rejection of his deepest beliefs, Fray tries to protect his "wards" from the greedy rulers of New Spain, especially Captain de Leiva who sees the native wealth as a means of restoring honor to his family name.

Though somewhat successful in defeating the Hopi, de Leiva finds the Navajo willing to battle back, led by Cougar. When Cougar meets the Hopi's Morning Butterfly they fall in love with one another. However, even a foreign invader who destroys everything sacred may not be enough to bind the tribes and unite the star-crossed lovers.

Vella Munn is one of the great writers of historical fiction. Her tales always make the era she writes about seem as if events are unfolding in actual time. Her latest treasure, SOUL OF THE SACRED EARTH, is a superb tale that showcases the Spanish intrusion into the lives of the Hopi and Navajo people. A bit of romance softens the impact of a tale in which tragedy seems to be the only path for all the prime players.

In the Foreword, Roland Huntford describes Amundsen's narrative as "all that Scott's is not". How right he is! This a very large book, but nonetheless an easy read. Amundsen relates a fascinating tale of fortune, misfortune, hardship, and ultimately - success. The narrative is detailed, but not overly so. In many places, a dose of humor is weaved in. Complete with numerous photos, maps, and scientific data, this book should be considered one of the great narratives of exploration. The great moral lesson of this tale is that preparedness ultimately leads to success. Is it any wonder that Roald Amundsen and his comrades won the race to the South Pole?

Recent years have seen a re-examination of the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration. Roland Huntford in his excellent books "The Last Place on Earth" and "Shackleton" helped to debunk the myth of the glorious failure (Scott the Martyr) as an example to follow.

The greatest tale of this age was surrounded by no great tales of hardship, no honeyed or sanitised versions of the deed. In this book we hear in the words of the greatest exponent of the art of polar travel, the story of that rarest of plans - the perfectly executed coup.

For a coup it was. When Amundsen turned from the North Pole to the South after the question of "the great nail" had been settled by Cook & Peary, his decision was treated in many sectors (most notably an unbalanced and jingoistic British Press) as underhanded and double dealing. Amundens account of the reasoning behind it makes clear that any deceit was necessary to ensure no forestalling of his plans by others - not only Scott. To ensure the future of his extended plan (the drift across the Arctic which was eventually carried out in the "Maud") he knew the Press Barons would need an exclusive and juicy story. The South Pole would give him this currency.

The book is written in an honest and clean style - an extension of the Man and his nature. The hardships faced are almost disguised by the simple tale of their telling. To strike up an unknown glacier and forge his way over virgin ground on the way to the polar plateau and the Pole itself displays fortitude and grit we can only marvel at in todays world. But his description of the task is hidden behind a work-a-day narrative. To truly appreciate the splendour of the achievement is difficult in our modern era.

One cannot help but admire the total outcome of the plan. There are few tales in history and few great men who can truly say they accomplished exactly what they set out to do in the manner in which they planned. Those who can are Masters of their field. Amundsen is such a man - and master.

A feature of this book is the credit given by Amundsen to those who went with him. Where others claimed responsibility for the great deeds of their men, Amundsen retreats to the background and gives the credit to those who did the act. Natural humility is a trait of the Norwegian nature and Amundsen shows this in the writing of the book. There is no playing to the crowd but deeds are allowed to speak for themselves.

To appreciate the tale, read the book and marvel.

Spango is a great Western story in the tradition of Lamour and Grey. The very interesting story line is enhanced by the knowledge that everything is based on research of real historical places and related to real historical people. If you like Westerns, you will love this story. If you are associated with Arizona in any way, this is a must read!

This is another great book by Mr. Jones. It has a great story line. You never know whats going to happen next. You feel and become part of the book the more you read on. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down until I read the whole thing.

This is a history of the Third Armored Division's participation in the war against the forces of Nazi Germany in Europe. It is very good and contains all the ingredients, pictures, text, maps and tatical maps, to make it a must for military history buffs. It was originally published and issued, after the war ended, to all veterans. I can attest to it's accuracy. I am a veteran of the Division. I am seeking one of the original editions published in 1945.

An outstanding publication summarizing much of what was published in the 1945 3rd Armored Division, "Spearhead in the West." See maps, personal photos from France, the Bulge, Cologne, all the way up to the present day memorials in Belgium. The 3rd Armored's role in Desert Storm is also summarized at the end of the book. I especially admire the "then and now" photos along with stories from WWII veterans who served proudly. This book salutes my grandfather and all of the brave men of the 3rd who helped bring down Nazi Germany. GREAT PUBLICATION!!

This is the second book by this master storyteller that features the adventures of U. S. Marshal Oscar Schiller. The story is set during the early 1900's in the Oklahoma Indian Territory and Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is replete with the author's vivid characters and graphic situations. Jones also sprinkles much colorful history throughout the story and this adds to the reader's enjoyment. His imperfect principal character and the period chosen for the plot have a close similarity to the PINKERTON EYE. The only negative factor in the book is that it's editor repeatedly substituted "Marshall" for the correct form, "Marshal." The author, Douglas Jones, died during production of the book and probably was not involved in reading proofs. I enjoyed every page of this book and enthusiastically recommend it to others.

What a masterpiece! This book is truly magnificent. Someday critics will review this historical fiction and recognize it for the great literature that it is. The audio version with Ed Sala's narration is perfection itself. Please read or listen to the audio version of this book. Great writers like this must be appreciated.

Georgina Witherspoon is a beautiful young woman bored with her society-dictated life and her supposed fiancee. She wants adventure and when a letter comes from her aunt in the New Mexico Territory, Georgina can't wait to go. It seems her aunt is distraught over her mother who is seeing a ghost. She begs Georgina's mother and father for help. Georgina talks him into letting her go. Upon her arrival, she is met by the handsome town sheriff, Ash Barrett. While they are getting into the wagon, a shootout occurs on the streets. Georgina wants to see, but is rather upset when Ash pushes her down under the seat and tells her to stay there. Angry over missing the excitement, she gives Ash a dressing down for his actions.

Ash Barrett can't believe this blue blood being angry over him saving her life. In fact, Ash thinks she reminds him of his ex-wife. She changed after their marriage and didn't want to live out in the wilderness with him. Even though he swears he never wants to see her again he finds himself over at her home with her aunt and grandmother all the time. He can't explain his attraction to her but neither can he deny it either.

Georgina is angered over Ash's treatment of her, but she can't deny how her heart races everytime she sets eyes on him. Though they both try to fight the attraction they feel toward each other, it burns hotter and brighter each time they are together.

SPIRIT OF LOVE is a warm, wonderful and tantalizing tale of love between two people who are totally opposites, but find they are perfect together. In addition to the two lead characters, the secondary characters add a bit of spice with a crotchety old grandmother and a roguish ghost. Ms. Wilson has written yet another great romance with all the elements to create a best-selling romance.

Reviewed by Robin Peek 3/17/99 for Under the Covers

Yearning for adventure, Georgina Witherspoon leaps at the opportunity to help care for her Grandmother Murphy who claims the ghost of her former lover haunts her. The long trip from New York to Picacho Wells passes in a flurry and in high excitement she steps from the train, expecting Aunt Vernice to greet her. The rustic town is everything Georgina read about in the dime novel: crude, dusty, and populated with men who could easily pass for genuine desperadoes. When Sheriff Ash Barrett announces he will escort her to the home of her Grandmother and Aunt, Georgina feels her heart flutter. Handsome, tall, and dangerous looking, Ash Barrett epitomizes the rugged cowboy, and within the space of a few moments confirms all her suspicions when he thwarts a bank robbery and apprehends the robbers.

A widower, Ash Barrett has not intentions of wedding another "Lady." His heart and mind may concur but his body screams otherwise. Georgina Witherspoon's rounded curves fuel his fantasies, tossing kerosene onto the fires of passion until he can't think straight. He must have her or die from self-immolation.

Excellence comes in many guises but is easy to recognize, and Rachel Wilson gifts readers with a package bound in humor, wrapped in romance, and tied with love to present an offering of sublime excellence. Larger then life characters, that slid easily into the heart, people the pages and turn a plot crafted and tuned to the pitch of splendor. Laughter adds spice to passions that threaten to erupt in every paragraph, and the ghost lends a mischief note of decent to exacerbate any given situation. If I had to limit my review to only one word, that word would be delightful.

Spirit of the West is a fantastic cookbook, chock full of great Ranch-Style recipes and home-style food. It is the IACP Cookbook Award Winner, and once I opened it, I could tell why! Its filled with some great recipes, tantalizing photos and accompanying stories.

My particular favorites are Quichelna Cattle Company's Rum ribs,Abuelita's Chicken Soup,Flour Tortillas, Way Station Pot Roast with Dumplings. I'm looking forward to trying the biscuit on a stick and Mrs. Swan's White Cake! YUM.

Fans of cookbooks and western cuisine are sure to appreciate this cookbook. The photos are huge, tasteful, and numerous, and the recipes offer a delightful mix of western and Mexican inspired food. Just reading this cookbook makes me hungry. =-)

Give your kitchen a shot of true blue ranch cooking with this wonderful book. This extraordinary informative and practical book will win new friends among cooks everywhere, whether experienced or new to the kitchen. Spirit of the West cooking is to be valued chiefly for its "heirloom" dishes. Treasured heirlooms that come down to us from a day when hard physical labor and a need for thrift made chuck-wagon cooks provide satisfying, hearty, filling meals. Rich simmered soups; old fashioned pot roast with dumplings, hot puddings and wonderful baking recipes will take you on a nostalgic trip to the days when homemade breads were a part of everyday life. The Spirit of the West cookbook has the best of the old recipes, easy to prepare with step-by-step instructions attuned to yesteryear's simpler, more informal approach to mealtime. Once you have tried just a few of the recipes, you will understand why generation after generation of good cooks has shared with confidence and assurance their best cooking. Use the full-color photographs for inspiration; then turn your kitchen into the most welcome place in your neck of the woods.