Beverly J. Scott has written an exciting, "nail-biting" suspenseful mystery that will keep the reader on the edge of his seat. Skillfully, the narrative moves along with identifiable and realistic characters and authentic dialog. A poetic and sensitive narrative gives readers relief in-between the ever grim developments within the plot. And just when the reader is ready to breathe a sigh of relief, there is an unsuspected twist to boggle his thinking. Righteous Revenge is a great read and a real page-turner. Mystery lovers, don't miss this one! Beverly J. Scott is a new mystery writer emerging on the scene and sure to find great success in her first book, Righteous Revenge.

Evelyn Horan-author, children's historical fiction-Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl Book One. (See more about me).

Don't judge this book by it's cover. I was pleasently suprized by this book. After the first few words I was drawn into this mystery. I had to force myself to put it down, to attend to the other things in my life. I look forward to the next book by Beverly Scott. I know it will be a big success.

"Righteous Revenge" by Beverly J. Scott is, without a doubt, one of the best mysteries I've read to date. The plot is full of suspense, with just the right amount of romance. There are twists and turns throughout the book which leave the reader constantly guessing as to who the killer actually is.

Ms. Scott's writing style approaches the poetic with wonderfully crafted descriptive and words that flow smoothly and gracefully. The inspirational cast to the book enhances the story line of this contemporary novel. The characters seem real and pull the reader into their fictional lives. The very end is mystifying and left me thinking about the book long afterward.

This is a book I had trouble tearing myself away from. An exceptional novel by this first-time author and I eagerly anticipate her next one. With writing of this quality, I predict Ms. Scott will be on the best-seller list before long.

BEVERLY JENKINS IS THE GREATEST. I HAVE ACQUIRED A LOT OF HISTORY & KNOWLEDGE, IN ADDITION I WAS ABLE TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL RESEARCH DUE TO THE BOOKS I READ BY HER. THE ROMANCE IS DONE IN A FASHION THAT EVERY WOMAN (BLACK ESPECIALLY) WOULD LOVE TO BE TREATED & SOME IS TREATED. MS. JENKINS HAS THE TALENT TO WRITE A BOOK THAT MAKES A WOMAN APPRECIATE WHO/WHERE/WHEN SHE CAME. WITH MY HUSBAND HAVING PRIOR MILITARY EXPERIENCE, I HAVE THROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BUFFALO SOLDIER SERIES. I AM WAITING FOR 8/98 RELEASE. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OTHER FRIEND & FAMILY INTO READING HER BOOKS. WITH THIS ADDITIONAL CONVERSATIONAL PIECE & WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE HISTORY AS WELL AS THE ROMANCE IN THE BOOK. AGAIN, IF YOU WANT GOOD, INTERESTING, EDUCATIONAL AND STIMULATING READING, GO TO THE STORE & REQUEST HER BOOKS. THANKS FOR THE EDUCATION.

If only this was true!!! NightSong is the second book i read by Beverly Jenkins. I was not disappointed. The "schoolmarm" and the Sergeant, battled not only each other's wits but overwhelming social injustices and emotional baggages from their past. Although the erotic scenes between the two were quite racy, a thread of tenderness grew between them to become the golden cord that binds their lives with a "grand passion". Chase's dogged determination to salvage Cara's reputation as she teetered on the brink of death is wonderfully rewarded by the fulfillment of dreams he never thought would be his own. I loved the historical accounting of the Buffalo Soldiers, as I am a military and black history buff. Beverly Jenkins is so thorough, and her attention to details keeps the pages turning.

Regardless of your race, if you like romance novels, you'll love Beverly Jenkins...I was introduced to Beverly Jenkins in 1996! I'd purchased Vivid and Night Song together because of the beautiful people on the cover. But, I was reluctant to dive in because I wasn't sure what to expect. Well after reading those 2 back to back, I was hooked. Every trip to the book store since, leads me to the romance section in search of a new Beverly Jenkins release. Since that time in 1996, I've purchased and read Indigo, Topaz and Through The Storm...Beverly Jenkins is the queen of historical black romance! I can't wait to get my hands on her latest, "The Taming Of Jesse Rose" *****(5 stars!)

This was delightful reading. I enjoyed reading about the origins of a wonderful children's author. I found that this read like fiction, holding my interest throughout. I went right from this book to Cleary's follow-up memoir, My Own Two Feet.

Like the other reviewers here, I was addicted to the books of Beverly Cleary when I was child. Mrs. Cleary's books provided me endless hours of enjoyment, and I still remember laughing out loud at the adventures and misadventures of her characters. Eventually, I grew up and Mrs. Cleary's books became just fond remembrances of my childhood.

Remembrances are what they remained until I re-read "Otis Spofford" a couple weeks ago. Despite my age, I still found myself laughing out loud while I read it. It was that experience that led me to read "A Girl from Yamhill." I wanted to find out more about the woman whose mere name on a book ensured to me as a child a wonderful reading experience.

What a terrific autobiography! I read it in one day. I loved the simple, but honest writing style that can also be found in her fictional books. I also recognized many of the experiences of her girlhood that eventually ended up among the adventures of her fictional characters: tin cans and twine, misinterpreting the words to national anthem, the boys chewing garlic, and the green paint for Christmas. However, what struck me as the best part of "A Girl from Yamhill" was how ordinary Beverly Bunn was as a girl. She wasn't poor or rich. She got good grades; but occassionally they slipped. She wasn't in the popular cliques; but she wasn't an outcast. She never got into any major trouble; but she wasn't a saint. Yes, her mother was emotionally detached and controlling; but she wasn't abusive or meanspirited. Teenaged Beverly spends alot of time worrying about her clothes and boys just like any other teenage girl. I was amazed how much I enjoyed reading about the life of an average, ordinary girl. Of course, that girl did have one major talent- she could write, and that talent is what makes "A Girl from Yamhill" such a joy- Beverly Cleary is a fantastic writer. She brings everything so vividly to life, and provides the reader not only insight into her own character, but also gives a glimpse of what life was really like in the Oregon of the 1920's and 30's. A great, great book!

I grew up in the 1970's reading Beverly Cleary cover to cover and voraciously! I LIVED to get another Beverly Cleary book. I am now an 8th grade Reading teacher, and kids still love her books to pieces (sometimes literally). A student of mine who is researching Cleary for her author research project showed me this book. I read it in its entirety in 24 hours. I literally could not put it down. I recognized many episodes in her life that showed up in her books. I was surprised to find out she was an only child. For some reason, I always thought she had an older sister like Beezus! Beverly Cleary is the greatest!

Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is an excellent resource that all employers should read to better understand the needs of their employees. The way people work is changing constantly and employers need to realize that each of their employees need to be stimulated and encouraged to do their best.

Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans organize this book in an easy to read fashion. Yet the writing is not dry at all. The exasmple are explained with many real world examples and even in a fun friendly manner. Kaye and Evans encourage bosses to communicate effectively with their workers. They stress the importance of having retention meetings and getting feedback from key employees. Also important is creating a professional but fun work environment. Overtime may be necessary to complete key projects. But reward employees with a festive meal or a sporting actiity. It never hurts to mentor these key employees and to get to know their personal lives a little without infringing on their space.

Also key to this book is an outline illustrating how the loss of one critical employee effected the attitude of a particular department and even the company as a whole. This recessionary economy will soon lift and many employers need to realize that layoffs and rigid policies will only restrict organizational growth. An excellent resource on many levels.

Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is one of those books you want to give to every manager, supervisor, executive who has ever let a talented employee walk out the door, in turn causing them thousands of dollars to replace. Dr. Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans have made this book full of easy to use activities and useful To-do lists that are critical tools for ANYONE who has employees that they would hate to lose. I found the book extremely easy to read, and the 26 chapters fun to go through. The book is designed so that you can take and apply one chapter (or retention strategy) at a time, instead of being overwhelmed by trying to apply them all at once. A lot of the strategies in the book are common sense, but I know that managers still don't apply them when an employee is about to walk out the door. I would hope that ALL managers, supervisors, executives, etc. would apply just ONE strategy. I think they would be amazed and surprised at the effectiveness this one attempt would have on changing the employee's mind to stay. I highly recommend this book for all organizations, and for all levels within the organization. It truly is the best book I have read on retention strategies, and the authors make the book so applicable to the challenges faced in today's tight labor market!

Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is a wonderful resource for any manager looking to retain valuable talent. Because the book is organized into topic areas that span an array of pertinent retention issues, one can easily jump around to those topics that are most relevant to them. Each chapter contains constructive and concrete suggestions, along with insightful quotes from employees who have dealt with decisions to stay or leave an organization. Also, the many opportunities for self-assessment are extremely helpful. It would be impossible to walk away from this book without any new ideas for retaining employees that are vital to your organization. The authors have successfully translated a compendium of research into practical, how-to explanations of what motivates people to stay in a job and what managers can do to influence this outcome. This combination of knowledge and advice create an experience of worthwhile reading and exploration.

The Mouse And The Motorcycle is a book based on love and trust shown between a boy and a mouse. This mouse was not an ordinary mouse but was portrayed as one that could actually speak, and ride a motorcycle. Ralph who was the mouse and Keith who was the boy, really became good friends. The two really shared a lot, and really hated to part, when Keith's family had to leave the motel.

The book is about a mouse named Ralph, who finds a toy car- motorcycle. He tries to drive it, but he drives it right into the trash can! He is lucky when Keith, the boy who moved in and who is the owner of the toy car, comes and rescues him.

To Ralph's surprise, Keith is lonely and wants to be Ralph's friend. One night, when Keith is asleep, Ralph sneaks out of the room with the motorcycle. Ralph gets in trouble when the mean, old cat finds him and goes after him. But, Ralph gets lucky, and , of course, like usual, Keith comes to the rescue.

This is a great book about a curious mouse who likes lots of fun. I found this book much more interesting than most, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I give it 2 1/2 thumbs up--way up! It is fun and interesting. If you like action and adventure, then you would just love this book. I know I do!

I believe that Beverly Cleary is the world's most important children's author. Even adults will read and enjoy Beverly Cleary's books. my personal favorite is The Mouse and the Motorcycle. It is about a mouse named Ralph. Ralph is a regular speed demon. He has a love for the thrill of speed. The Mouse and the Motorcycle teaches the values of keeping promises and honesty. Ralph is always breaking promises. Everytime he does, something happens that causes a big problem. The book teaches respect. When Ralph ignores his mother, something happens like falling in a wastepaper basket. In the story's conclusion, Ralph realizes all he wants is to be a respectable mouse. The Mouse and the Motorcycle is enjoyable for all audiences. Its fun and exciting plot makes it a good read-aloud story. A good example of this can be found on page 23. "There it was at the end-the motorcycle! Ralph stared at it and then walked over and kicked a tire. Close up the motorcycle looked even better than he expected. it was new and shiny with a good pair of tires. Ralph walked all the way around it, examining the pair of chromium mufflers and the engine and the hand clutch. It even had a little license plate so it would be legal to ride it. "Boy!" Ralph said to himself, his whiskers quivering with excitement. "Boy, oh Boy!"." Every boy and girl of any age would love this story! Comparing Beverly Cleary's books, I have discovered they should be rated first. The majority of children's books are aimed mainly to young girls while Beverly Cleary's books are enjoyed by girls and boys. Beverly Cleary's books promote good values unlike books such as Sideways Storys from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. The children in these stories do not respect their elders. Beverly Cleary's beleivable characters make her silly plots seem real. Louis Sachar's characters are not believable which make the plot just plain weird. The Mouse and the Motorcycle should be considered a children's classic.

I am a huge fan of Beverly Jenkins' work. I've read "Night Song" and "Vivid." I could hardly wait to read the next great work she created. "Indigo" was everything I expected. I remembered being introduced to Galen and Hester in "Vivid." The story is rich, lush and romantic. I love how Jenkins presents African-Americans in a positive light. Hester is intelligent, strong, witty and classy. Galen is charming, beguliing, sensitive, romantic and incredibly sexy. You will be swept away in a world of romance, intrigue and lavishness. There are sweet moments as well as a few laughs. I must admit, I like "Vivid" more so than this novel. However, "Indigo" is an excellent book. Not only are Jenkins books entertaining, but informative. Throughout all three of her novels, interesting and historically accurate facts are interwoven into the plot. I suggest "Indigo" to ANY woman who wants to read quality romance novels and not only finish the book with a sense of being entertained, but enlightened.

I have read all of Beverly Jenkins' novels and Indigo is the best novel she has written. All of her books have been enjoyable and educational without feeling like you are in a history class. In Indigo, Ms. Jenkins provides the reader with the ultimate fantasy...Galen is Hester's prince charming. He truly LOVES her. The book takes place during the period in our history of slavery. Ms. Jenkins provides information that some readers may not know about the trials and dangers of the underground railroad. So, Ms. Jenkins is able to entertwine history and romance in a most delightful way! Indigo is more proof that as Ms. Jenkins has said, "What some African-Americans know about their history is that we were slaves and then there was Martin Luther King, Jr." African-Americans have a lot of history that exist between those two time periods and a lot of romance as well. Beverly Jenkins' ability to formulate an excellant historical romance novel dealing with African-American issues is fantastic!

You will enjoy this book...the ultimate fantasy of love...a Prince Charming.

This book is the most beautifully written romantic love story I have ever read. From the characters (Galen and La Petite Indigo), to the storyline and setting, this books was "TOPS". The story had me hooked from the very beginning. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The love that was expressed had me wishing that I could find my own "Black Daniel". He fell in love with the beautiful Indigo and was determined to show her and everyone else how much she meant to him. I loved this story so much I've read it about 4-5 times. Ms. Jenkins really does a wonderful job when it comes to researching her books. I have read all of her books and she has done a terrific job on every one of them. My other favorite is "Topaz". This was another beautiful love story. I can hardly wait for her next book to come out even before I've finished reading the current one. Beverly Jenkins books are a "must read".

Beverly Cleary is the master of creating timeless characters and Ramona Quimby is a timeless character. I read this book when I was a little girl, I fell in love with it, and now I am reading it to my 4 year old son, who begs for a new chapter every night.

Ramona isn't really a pest, but just a curious child, but that leads to all kinds of trouble as she starts kindergarten. Because of her new found troubles she almost decides she doesn't want to be there anymore.

Beverly Cleary really knows how to realate to children. It is simply no wonder that she has surpassed at least two generations with her work as an uncomparable author. She makes you laugh and feel all at the same time.

Ramona Quimby is a timeless character. I read this book when I was a kid (too many years ago to mention) and this has to be one of my all time favorites.

Beverly Cleary is an author who really knows what kids are like. Now that I am a kindergarten teacher, I see a room full of Ramonas most every day and each character in this book, from Susan with the "boinggg" curls, to Davy, to Howie, and, of course, Ramona herself, are real!

This is a book that I pull out and read again from time to time when I need a laugh! I would highly recommend it to readers of all ages!

Beverly Cleary has presented us with a delightful, funny story about a naughty young girl named Ramona Quimby and her experiences in kindergarten. This book was first read to us by our third grade teacher, after which I read it and other books by Cleary. It reminds me so vividly about the sweet innocence of being a child and the many challenges and expectations presented by the dynamic world of adults.(p)

I think this book would be enjoyed by anyone wanting a good laugh and a healthy reminder that we were all once kids. Ramona Quimby might be fictional, but her life can be an accurate portrayal of any middle class subarbanite in the United States.

Beverly Cleary wrote some of the funniest books ever written for children with her Henry Huggins/Ramona series. However, her Newbery honor winner "Ramona and Her Father" marks the beginning of Mrs. Cleary's decision to include more serious situations into the lives of her characters to go along with their comic adventures. This book revolves around the very unfunny and realistic situation of Ramona's father losing his job. (Undoubtedly, Mrs. Cleary drew upon her own childhood memories of her father's unemployment during the Depression to tell this story.)

Ramona's life is turned upside down by her father's unemployment. Her father is cranky and depressed, her mother tired from overwork, and older sister Beezus, the funloving tomboy of the Henry Huggins books, is now a temperamental teenager. The book chronicles Ramona's attempts to deal with this difficult situation, and results are touching and very often hilarious. Despite its serious subject matter, the book still retains Mrs. Cleary's comic touch. This is one very funny book! The chapter about Ramona's hope of becoming a TV commericial actor, which she believes will end her family's problems, is one of the funniest Mrs. Cleary ever wrote. If I had to pick one book from the entire Henry Huggins/Ramona series "Ramona and Her Father" would be the one. Ramona's experiences with a difficult family situation are told with humor and candor.

Here is a review from Danny, one of my third grade students:

In this book you'll meet Ramona, Beezus her big sister, her mother, her father, and Picky-picky the family cat. Ramona is a second grader who is full of joy, until her father loses his job then all of her family is miserable. Beezus starts getting a little grouchy, her mother starts getting worried, Picky-picky won't eat his [food], and her father starts smoking! Will Ramona's father ever get a job? Should Ramona help her father get a job or should she help her family be happy and jolly? You'll just have to read it and I'm telling you it is fabulous!

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary

Have you ever thought your father cared about you a lot? Well in Ramona and Her Father, her father loses his job, and starts smoking! Ramona's family is acting mad. But Ramona's father is acting nice to her, most of the time. Find out what happens in Ramona and Her Father.

I liked this book a lot, because Ramona went through all the trouble just to make her family happy.

I think Beverly Cleary wanted to share that even though you are upset with your family you still love them. I think the author wanted to teach us that no family is perfect.

I finishd the Shunning yesterday and today I am going out to buy the next 2 books, The Confession and The Reckoning. The details of the stories are great and so understanding. I live near Lancaster, Pa and so many times I have wondered what life was like to live the Amish ways. I always thought it would be nice to live the simple ways not realizing what those ways really were. I admire the families that can live so strictly and feel so happy. I feel for Katie and the dilema she is going through and I also feel for her parents. They are almost like my friends or family. Thank you Mrs. Lewis.

I am an avid reader and lover of Amish history. These 2 passions drew me to a display containing "The Shunning" when we were traveling and stopped to eat at a little restaurant-gift shop. I just had to get up from my meal and take a look at the book. I was so interested I had to read it. The characters were exciting people, individual in spite of being identical! Katie especially intrigued me! She was so fiesty, so different, opinionated, yet family oriented. How could she expect to be happy at any one place when the whole world called to her? I felt empathy for Katie's Amish parents because having a daughter like her surely was a test in their community! Yet, I felt Katie's pain...her uncertainty...her desires...what part in her longterm future would Mary play? How could Katie endure without Dan, her soul mate? How could she marry a man she did not love? Why must she be forced to live without the beautiful, soothing music she adored? Was it sin, or simply protocol? It was easy to keep switching my loyalty from one group to the other...they all had some good ideas. I thought I understood Katie and her inquisitive nature, yet I wanted to scold her for being ungrateful and even spiteful to her parents at times. I seemed to have love-hate for one person, then another! I think this author, Bev Lewis, surely must have an interesting life....how else could she think of so many wonderfully surprising events? For a book that led one to think it was going to be about a fairly dull family, living in a fairly dull town, with fairly dull ideals, there certainly was a trememdous amount of excitement nontheless! People DID have feelings, they DID experience emotions, and Katie Lapp was determined to live them in addition to just feeling them! There are issues here that are presented so well, love and marriage, family life, faith, obedience to parents, loyalty, adoption, trust, life and death, grief and mourning, traditions, ways of life...and all of these are wrapped around one tiny, pink satin baby gown! When I saw I was on the last page, I was stricken....NO, THIS CANNOT BE ENDING...there is so much I do not know yet! What will happen to..what if...when will...why didn't....maybe they...if only.... I did not rest a moment until book number 2 was in my hands! I so fully appreciate the author's portrayal of the love of God, His plan of salvation and especially the individuality of each person in spite of their surroundings! Thanks, Bev!

I really just enjoyed this book.My heart really went out to Katie as well as her family and close friends.I have learned so much about the"Amish"way of life through reading this book.I checked this book out from my local, public libary and have already purchased "The Confession and The Reckoning."The Shunning" is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it to anyone.Can't wait to read the other 2 books.

Poor Beezus. This story is mainly focused about her, and how her little sister, Ramona is always messing everything up for her. Beverly Cleary does a wonderful job of describing how horrible little sisters can be. Beezus feels like a terrible person because there are times when she doesn't love Ramona, but is reassured when she finds out that sisters don't have to love each other all the time. This book is a great read for children (especially those with siblings.)

9-year old Beezus has a big problem- her little sister. She knows a lot of people with four-year old sisters, but none of them are nearly as much trouble as Ramona. She is always being an annoyance. She constantly wants her favorite book read to her, and Beezus gets stuck reading it to her. She rides her tricycle around the house and crashes into the table where Beezus and Henry are playing checkers. Then she gets into trouble and sent to her room, then decides to punish Henry's dog Ribsy by locking him in the bathroom. She ruins Beezus's birthday cake- twice!

Beezus decides she does not love her little sister. Not one bit. What kind of awful person doesn't love her own sister? She knows that sisters should get along, like her mother and Aunt Beatrice. But then she learns that all sisters fight and do not always love each other- even her mother and Aunt Beatrice.

Even though this book is at a quite easy reading level, I would recommend it even to adults because it is a humorous but wise book- Cleary knew how four-year old sisters thought when she wrote this.

I read this in 3rd grade and I thought Ramona was a wonderfulbrat and I could identify with Beezus cause I had a sister who wasRamona's age at the time and sure got on my nerves. I remember taking this book out to recess with me cause it was so good I couldn't put it down. Then my bookmark fell out and two boys from class grabbed it and started tossing it back and forth like Yard Ape did with Ramona's eraser in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. (My teacher had read us that book and that's obviously where they picked that up!) But paper doesn't toss as well as rubber...of course I yelled "Give me my bookmarker, you yucky yardapes!" The playground lady came over and made them stop and then she said I should put the book away and go play. That was when I got to the part about Beezus's cake in the oven and I was in suspense wondering what would happen next. END