What a fun and funny novel. Filled with wonderfully quirky small-town characters...I really loved the "singing sheriff" as well as the wonderful romance. I hope more is on the way!

"Drive Time" is a short, spritely novel that reflects the roller coaster world of small town radio. The reason this book was totally absorbing for me to read is that, like the author, my husband and I have extensive experience with this side of the broadcasting business...and in the same time period. The characters are not charicatures, but real people with wonderful quirks and a broad range of emotions and behaviors. We have known adventures and people just like these! The story doesn't bog down with heavy insider technical lingo which helps every reader follow the story and yet learn some of the nuances of the business and the leaps and bounds of technical changes that have came along as the story unfolds. My only disappointment with the novel is that it could have been even more descriptive and longer. Perhaps the author will bring us "Drive On" as a sequel that will be as poignant and hillarious.

Petrina Aubol's "Drive Time" has it all. This book is interesting, funny, adventurous, and romantic. The quick witted charcters help move the story along as the strong-willed Marissa fights for her independence. In her struggles, Marissa finds her true love who helps her through it all and eventually ushers in her ultimate triumph. A great lesson is given at the ending, as Marissa gives in to the desires of her audience.

I feel most fortunate to have read such an amazing novel. I also feel sorry for anyone who passes up the opportunity to read such an hysterical yet deeply moving story about a woman who reaches for more and has a good time doing it.

This is the FIRST Western Maryland Railway book to own...it is a great introduction to the WM and really continues to provide the definitive story of the Western Maryland. I own the first edition (now out of print) and the newer edition which was updated in the 1990's. Despite having B&W photos (remember it is an older book), this remains my favorite work on the WM. You can read it many times over and never tire of it. Also a companion book, I recommend purchasing "Western Maryland Railway in the Diesel Era." Diesel Era has more detailed discussion of WM operations and features the highest quality photographs of WM that I know of. Between the two, you'll become an expert on the Western Maryland---a true legend of the American railroading industry.

Well written; the book includes many, many different and beautiful WM photos. A good reference as well as a joy to just read and enjoy the pictures. Even the beautiful dust cover pic (a WM steam train passing Confluence station on a lonely winter day against dark blue skies) makes you feel the rumble of the train against the winter silence. Includes additional material beyond 1st edition, this edition covering the WM saga up to 1992. I recommend this book as part of a West Virginia Railroading / Western Maryland Railway reference library. ISBN 0-9620844-4-1 (previously ISBN 0-8310-7139-7)

Conquering the Appalachians is an important piece of American railroad history. This book documents railway construction in the Appalachian Mountains in the early years of the twentieth century. The construction of tunnels and trestles is described in detail and enhanced by crystal clear black and white photos from the collection of William Cary Hattan, the civil engineer who actually built large portions of the Clinchfield and Western Maryland Railways. Well written and researched by Hattan's daughter, Mary Hattan Bogart, this book would be an important addition to any library of railroad books. It belongs in the reference departments of every public library within the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Future generations need access to what Hattan and his men accomplished in those states with dynamite, carts, mules, pick axes, shovels and sheer muscle. Many of their trestles and tunnels still exist, unused for their original purpose, but monuments to determination and grit. I've seen two of the trestles, one in Pennington Gap, Virginia and another nearby. They are awe inspiring for anyone who has read this book.

Together with "Fireballs and Black Diamonds," this book should be in the collection of every Western Maryland Railway fan. Illustrated with the highest quality color photographs of WM that you will ever find, this book sets THE STANDARD in analysis and discussion of the WM as an operating railroad. I own TWO copies of this book because one is completely falling apart from years of using it as a reference guide. I have learned more about the Western Maryland from this book than from any other single source. If you can locate it, buy it! Don't worry about the cost, because you will read and review this book so many times that you could not possibly pay too much.

Well researched book including numerous B&W (75%) and color (25%) pics of WM diesels throughout the diesel era at WM and afterwards. The back cover is more beautiful than the front cover. I keep a copy as part of my Western Maryland Railway (& Railroad) collection. Includes WM diesel roster with Chessie and CSXT renumbering, ALCOs, Baldwins, EMDs, GEs and homebuilts, route maps and more. ISBN 1-883089-24-7

This book list every type of diesel locomotive that was owned and used by the Western Maryland railway, with photo's and drawings. Just some the the information supplied in the book is date purchased, quantity purchased, road numbers and disposition. The book also covers the prime movers from the various manufacturers and M.U operations. Chapter 12 is very helpful for tracing ex WM power by unit number, and in my opinion chapters 13 goes above and beyond as far as painting and lettering with actual painting diagrams. Chapter 14 has color examples of the different units used by the Western Maryland Railway. All in all this is a very well done book on the Western Maryland Diesel locomotives and A must for all Western Maryland models, and railfans alike.

It is the best book on the Western Maryland's Diesel locos that I have read. I also had the pleasure meeting both authors down at Cumberland, Md. during Railfest' 97.

Sweetland's Western Maryland In Color is another poor quality overpriced photo album. It has virtually no structure and is simply a collection of old photos of the WM in color. Additionally, many of the photographs have very poor composition. Too much of the typical "wedge shot" for roster recording. While I have found some use for the book as a color guide, it doesn't even compare to "Fireballs & Black Diamonds" by Cook and Zimmermann or "Western Maryland Railway in the Diesel Era." Both of those works set THE STANDARD for books on the Western Maryland Railway. If you don't own BOTH of these books, then save your money and purchase them instead of Sweetland's photo album!!! Since it does have some historic value, I will give Sweetland three stars, however, it is a true shame that too many publishers want to make easy money by throwing together a group of photos and printing them on glossy paper with little or no thought about context or quality and then stick a [price] price tag on the cover...

The WM in color is a great look at the Western Maryland during the steam to diesel transition of the 50's and 60s. Most areas of the road are covered and the reproduction is up to normal Morning Sun standards. A must for Western Maryland Railway fans!