"My Friend with Autism" is a wonderful educational tool for teachers, peers of autistic children, and other family members. This book is highly informative, yet simple to understand, and short enough to keep the younger readers' attention. I have bought 4 of these books for my autistic son's teachers, and plan to buy more for my extended family. I will also be using this book next fall to educate my son's first grade class at the beginning of the school year.

Thank you, Ms. Bishop, for creating a brilliant tool!

This is the best book ever for the peers of students with autism. The author recommends buying one for every student in the class, and I agree!! The teacher can easily use this book as a lesson plan for helping kids understand an autistic peer. Then, the students take it home for their parents to read, and many new doors are opened for the autistic student! This is a must read for adults and children!!

My friend with autism is an awesome guide for babysitters, parents, teachers, and anyone who comes in contact with an autistic child. I think Amazon.com's designation as a "coloring book" is confusing. I would recommend it to anyone dealing with Asperger's syndrome. A child can understand it, and an adult can understand it because of its dual purpose.

Oliver is an octopus with beautiful green eyes and a constant smile. Although he doesn't believe himself to be physically challenged, Oliver only has five arms, rather than eight arms like all the other octopuses. Oliver's High Five, a children's picture book, is the story of how he ventured out into the world and how he overcame the rejections he initially faced. Beverly Swerdlow Brown has written several children's books and numerous short stories and articles. Margot J. Ott has two previous picture books to her credit. Oliver tries to find a job, but no one wants him because he is missing three arms. Then a pet shop has a big problem with a leaking fish aquarium. Oliver uses his five arms to plug the leaks, catch the birds, and pet the dogs--all at one time! He shows everyone that being different isn't a measure of his abilities. Ronald M. Andiman, M.D. the Clinical Chief of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center wrote the foreword to the book. He says "This is a children's book that deals gently with a difficult topic. The simplicity of plot and language belie the complexity of issues relating to the physically challenged that are dealt with and hinted at in the small colorful volume. It is a book that will open up discussion, lead to further reflection and build greater understanding. It is a book for adults and children to share. Books like this help to repair the world." A copy of Oliver's High Five belongs in the library of every child, whether physically challenged or not. It's a book that teaches them how to "focus on their abilities, not their disabilities."

Sandra I. Smith Reviewer

The plight of Oliver the Octopus and his struggle to become an accepted member of the workforce in the "world above the sea" is conveyed with warmth in this beautifully written, creatively illustrated book. Oliver's perserverance, despite the rejections he receives based upon his appearance rather than his abilities, is a potent testimony to the strength of his own self-image. The ignorance of discrimination is portrayed with honesty in a contemporary setting, which makes the book mandatory reading for all grade school educators and child therapists.

This story teaches us all to never give up! Even though we face rejection and disappointments, if we continue towards our goals, we might succeed, like Oliver-the Five Armed Octopus! A wonderfully illustrated and entertaining book for the world and society we live in!

On her Guard is truly a raw and special read. The characters are real and gritty, the plot is both realistic and interesting and the heat between Nikos and Ellen and Faith and Worth are sure to keep you reading til the last page. I have to admit even though Nikos and Ellen are the main characters, Faith and Worth's story really hit home because Faith wasnt the stereotypical beauty in most romance books. She was an average woman who had a real connection with a man who shared a emotional, scary and traumatic experience with her. I enjoyed Worth because he was not only sexy, but he had real insecurities about love that all people feel when they have met someone who challenges there opinions on love. I was so in love with Faith and Worth's story that I am planning on buying their continuing story in "SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS". Not to mention the love scenes by both couples are steamy, realistic, hot and sensual. I swear you will never want the story to end. Plus there is a heartbreaking discovery that will definetely bring a tear to your eyes...this is wonderful read..you wont be disappointed.

Wow. That about sums this book up. Beverly Barton did an extrodinary job of expressing characters emotions.

Ellen Denby is the CEO of The Dundee Agency, who is called in to find a kidnapped child and her nanny. She is unaware that the father of the child, Theo Constantine, has called in his own backup.

Ellen is shocked to see Nikos, the man she had a two week fling with nearly 15 years ago. Nikos is more than shocked to find Ellen, whom he knew as Mary Ellen, the CEO of the agency. He as been undercover for the British SIS for the past 18 years, but he had never forgotten Mary Ellen, whom he fell in love with the two weeks they were together, but couldn't put her life in jepordy. If only he knew......

When I read what Ellen went through when she got back to the states after her fling, I couldn't stop crying for 10 pages. Being a mother, it was especially hard to read and I almost had to put the book down.

This is a book that takes us through the ups and downs of Ellen and Nikos' relationship, Theo and Dia, and later in the book Faith (the nannny) and Worth.

In this latest addition to her Protector Series, Beverly Barton has engaged the help of fellow author Linda Howard to brainstorm - and the central protagonist Nikos Pandarus emerges irresistibly dark, haunted and every bit an archetypal alpha male. An SIS spy for the English, he has earned the hatred from Hakeem - the honcho of the fearsome terrorism organisation Al'alim when he killed his son. Hakeem's brother Omar has commandered his son Wasim to kidnap the daughter of Theo Constantine - a influential Golnar businessman and will set her free on the condition that they release their imprisoned brothers. Theo enlists the assistance of Ellen Denby who heads the protection agency and his best friend Nikos without knowing they were erstwhile lovers. The tension between them stems from a deep hatred when their short affair compromised Ellen's life -and caused unbearable grief for the loss of a loved one which is unknown to Nikos.

With searing poignancy and complexed characters, Beverly Barton brings a resonant drama on lost innocence, guilt and remorse that pulsates with the rhythm of frenetic action. Ms. Barton's scrupulous research on espionage and military operation breathes realism into the plot without forsaking on the romance and kinship. She makes every side-character including the grieving mother Dia, comrades Sawyer and Lucie textured and relevant to the plot and even concocts a beautiful secondary romance between the nanny Faith and tough-guy ranger Worth. Yet the element that excruciatingly tugs our heartstrings is the bittersweet romance between Nikos and Ellen where it shines with compassion, smoldering passion and ultimately forgiveness. The unguarded emotions found in this elegant and simple tale makes this one of the best read I have had this year.

This book is one of the best books on the subject of coping with the adult effects of childhood sexual abuse. I would say it is a must-have for abuse survivors and their loved ones.

I bought this book as a friend of two survivors, but wound up fascinated by the clear definitions of the types of abuse. When I found these definitions, which are near the back of this little treasure of a book, I started to inventory the ways in which I had been abused by others. As I read, however, I discovered how often I have been the abuser, without realizing I was perpetrating various types of mental abuse. Seeing those definitions in black and white helped me to set boundaries to prevent others from abusing me further...and it helped me to recognize--and stop--my own abuse of them. I just backordered a copy for my local library.

Beverly Engle gave us a wonderful gift when she wrote this book. It is the first book I purchased when my sister told me that she was molested as a child. In plain and simple language, the author dispels many of the myths associated with incest and describes the various phases of recovery. I highly recommend this book to anyone with questions and concerns about childhood sexual abuse.

I have 2 copies of this book.I,ve read it over and over again.The tragedy of the North american Indian is Haunting and Beverly Bird Brings it all sadly back.It is a wonderful heartbreaking love story.Many romance authors especially that write love stories between whites and Indians can,t even compare to her development of character.The fear and rage that she describes so aptly and justifiably that the aboriginals experience hits one with the full force that we as whites deserve.I sincerely hope she will write more on the plight of the native North Americans.Incredible reading.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT! OUTSTANDING! SPECTACULAR! THERE AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS BOOK! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS BOOK TO GO BACK INTO PUBLISH SO I CAN READ IT AGAIN AND AGAIN. THIS IS A BOOK THAT ME AND MY FRIENDS WILL NEVER GET OVER THIS BOOK!

MY WHOLE FAMILY ENJOYED THE BOOK. WE all loved the way Beverly Bird wove the events of history togather wiht tis young girls life. We all highly recomend this book to others.

An honest, beautifully written account of her courageous and ongoing healing journey.
In integrating concepts of synchronicity, spirituality, and psychology with her personal story Kimball becomes the teacher and healer she most generously acknowledges with heartfelt thanks and gratitude.The telling of her story is her special gift to the world as it reminds all of us of the importance of our caring presence to each other as we struggle with life's challenges, purpose, and meaning. There is healing in connection irregardless of the physical outcome.
Her powerful story is a testament to this truth.

"Sometimes the Magic Works" is an outstanding guide on how to live a spiritual life. It's remarkably practical and beautifully written. A must read for anyone interested in trusting their inner wisdom." --Lynn Robinson, author of Compass of the Soul and Divine Intuition.

A remarkable and informational book for anyone facing a personal or medical challenge. The author's hearfelt account of her experience can help inspire and guide others on their own path.

Meet Helena Girvan, the daughter of a peer of the realm, who finds spiritual redemption in the arms of a workingman. Circa late 1800's, Helena is the spoiled but lovable daughter of a British peer of the realm whose life is nearly destroyed and then forever altered by the cataclysm of WW I.

When we first meet Helena, she is a child living an idyllic life on a large country estate. Her five siblings and she are being reared largely by a nursery staff. Her fieriness is first demonstrated by her touching and fierce loyalty to her two younger twin brothers, whom she goes to great lengths to protect against a cold and cruel governess. As she matures, she develops but two social skills: riding to the hounds and singing. Her strongest personal trait, however, is loyalty, especially to her two beloved brothers.

She falls in love from afar with a much-older, dashing military hero; but then WWI erupts and forever alters her world. Against the wishes of her parents, she breaks social barriers by becoming an Army nurse, primarily in order to show common cause with her younger twin brothers when they join the military campaigns in France.

In France, her work as a war nurse takes her into a hell worse than any of her imaginings. Her grim work brings her into contact with patients and staff of all social orders. And she finds that despite her cushy upbringing, hers is a backbone of steel.

One day she takes extreme measures to save the life of Ben Holden, a sergeant-major from Lancashire who has been wounded while serving under the command of one of her twin brothers. This chance meeting, under the horrific circumstances of trench warfare, is yet another defining moment in her young life.

Post-war, her family decimated by loss, she is forced to commit a deed of compassion with terrible emotional consequences. Only one man can help her regain her foothold on life: Ben Holden, who fights to save her life, as she had saved his.

The story of Helena and Ben's relationship in the final section of the novel is by spells tragic, touching, amusing---and by the end, entirely unforgetable.

This is a novel that grabs your attention from the onset. Its characters will live on in your memory long after you have turned the final page. And you will be haunted by the scenes from the trenches, in the "war to end all wars".

I found this book at a thrift store years ago, and have probably read it four or five times since. The characters are like old friends, extremely well-written and believable. I don't normally read many romance books, because they usually contain some weak damsel in distress type, waiting for Prince Charming to come and rescue them. But "Song of Songs" has a remarkable heroine that you cheer for till the end. I would recommend this book to anyone, but I can't bring myself to loan out my copy!

I found this book at a trash and treasure sale. I'm one of those annoying people that can't read a book unless the first line is interesting; if it isn't I won't read it.

Song of Songs drew me in and that's where I stayed until I finished the book. I read it at work in my breaks, and paid no attention to anybody; I could not put it down. I lent it to friends who could not put it down either and raved about it for months afterwards.

Very briefly: this story is set in the late 1800's in Edwardian times. It revolves around Helena whose life is easy till war breaks out. She becomes a nurse and spends a number of years tending the wounded. When peacetime comes, Helena becomes involved with a man of a lower class and marries him. The whole thing is wrong from the start, but Helena and Ben try to live together; he likes the simple things, she likes finery.

Exceptionally well written, sensual and sad - and for those of you who like long sagas, roughly 800 pages. Well worth the reading, and certainly the best four dollars I've ever spent!

This is a "must have" cookbook if you'd like to prepare authentic Native American food. The ingredients are easy to find in any well stocked grocery store, and the recipes are not difficult. No "weird" ethnic foods here- just good meals made with what's available. The historical background for the foods of different tribes is an interesting read. The photographs and drawings are absolutely beautiful- those alone are good reasons to purchase this book!

The photography is unbelievable and the recipes work! The book gives us a palatable way to enjoy the true native american way of cooking. I would highly reccomend this book to everyone that loves to experience the enjoyment of cooking new recepies and the even greater enjoyment of eating what they have re-created. A great book for all ages and ethnic backrounds. Good food and lots of it!

The explanations of the ceremonies when certain dishes were prepared and eaten gave insights into how Native Americans lived and celebrated life. I was surprised how much history was involved in the dishes I grew up eating and had assumed were of early American or European origin. History books never mention that our early indigenous people were gourmands.

This book is intended for a couple who intends to stay together.
There is space for a family tree, How they met, their first date,parties and showers, how their relationship developed, guest
list signature pages, mentioning every event up to the first
anniversary.
I got one for my daughter, and intend to get more for her friends.

I received this book as an engagement present and have been giving it to others ever since. Difficult to find in book stores. Beautiful pictures. Very well structured and organized to document special moments in your life. Haven't found another memory book which can compare to the quality of this one.

I love this book! It was so much fun for my fiance and I to fill out information about our first kiss, how we met, our engagement announcement, and family histories. The book has high quality pretty pages with pretty illustrations and places for wedding photos, guest list, and wedding details. We even stored some of our engagement cards in the book so we will always have them! Now our book remains on our coffee table for our family and friends to share with us. This book would be an excellent and cherished wedding gift!

Beverly wrote a gripping story about the patterns of abuse that can occur in a mariage and which in turn, affects the whole family. She made the characters very real and did not try to "sugar coat" the problem. This is a book that you will not be able to put down and the story will keep your interest until the last word is written. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

Not only did this book describe what it is like to live with an abusive mate, but it also gave hope that there is a way out.

I really enjoyed this book to the fullest. I checked it out from the library and was so wrapped up in it that I read it in 4 days! I am looking forward to the sequel! It is so sad that there are actually women out there in the world going through stuff like this. It makes you wonder why God would allow something like this to happen, but that shows that when things like this happen we need to trust in God and lean on him for help. God said he woldn't put on us more than we could bare. As long as we trust in him, he will see us through