For anyone who's interested in extraterrestrials, alien abductions, government conspiracies and cover-ups, alien/human hybrids, this book is a good read. It's a book that crosses genres. Romance readers will love the intense relationships, adventure readers will love the adventure. It's not literature by any stretch of the imagination. It's entertainment. One of the best things about this book is that when you reach the end you'll find yourself asking questions such as "could this be real?" - Cord Alexander

I've never done a review before but I enjoyed Element 115 so much that I wanted to let others know that if you get this book you won't be disappointed. I was really afraid it was going to be just a woman meets handsome alien and falls in love/lust, book - but it wasn't. It hooked me quick and kept me glued to the pages. It's a great read and I highly recommend it

I loved this book! The writer breaks the rules and it works. There's something for everyone, intrigue, adventure, action, romance, sex ... it's one heck of a story. The only thing I didn't like was finishing and finding out the writer didn't have any other books available. I hope to see more in the future. The writer is a story teller in the true sense. She hooks you and keeps you going until the last word.

Despite the author being a minister and this being a "spiritual biography," there is no beating of the religious drum here (thank God, for that was my fear, inspite of the fact that I was interested and intrigued in the idea of a "spiritual biography.) Nor is there any Pollyanna-ish writing. I agree with other reviewers in that Steed makes an astounding and perfectly convincing case for Duke Ellington's spirituality and its presense in and influence on his music. Her breezy yet scholarly approach is direct and simple and this biography makes an interesting addition to the still ever growing (and glutted) literature on Ellington. Adding to the book's appeal are the several side bars--a couple involve interesting profiles, and a couple others and of particular interest, are a close look at the several films featuring Ellington and his orchestra and Ellington's role in shaping these films. The book is always engaging, well-crafted and original. "Duke Ellington: A Spiritual Biography" should find a very wide audience and is a welcome primer for those new to Ellington, and regardless of spiritual inclination.

Although the book traces all the larger well-known facts of Ellington's life (which any biography must, necessarily, do), the author offers many new and original insights, which makes this book well worth the buy and read. Duke Ellington's music and life would seem to imply that historical stylistic boundaries can be breached--that music, in effect, ought to aspire to a place beyond style, or to use the words which Duke used to describe himself-- "beyond category." Steed's treatment of Ellington as a complex--and spiritual man is compelling--and without every sounding preachy, and without romanicization, despite the author's clear sympathy with her subject. Steed's careful and extensive research and colorful storytelling result in an impressive and dynamic new side of this great man of jazz. The author's prose style is down-to-earth as she offers readers an intriguing glimpse behind Ellington's long-maintained veil of privacy and public mask. Steed does not exploit Ellington's more gossipy or sensational story (though nor does she deny it), but instead, she deftly weaves her story of Duke's spirituality into a detailed, respectful and ultimately fuller and truer portrait. Steed delivers a far more poignant account than the scores of other biographies on the Duke. I especially and highly recommend this book for new initiates to this great king of Jazz.

That's a fair question and I'm sure I'm not the first to ask it. But Steed very convincingly argues and proves that indeed there is: Ellington's spirituality and his sacred music and sacred concerts. I highly recommend this book, especially for those new to Duke Ellington but also to those interested in his later music.

i thought this book was really good! it was the first avon true romance i had read and i really enjoyed it! It all starts when Ewan finds out he has to become the Duke of Brahm of England. WHen he's there he meets his brothers fiancee Anna, and they quickly fall in love. that part was my favorite because i thought i was really well described. then Anna figures out that richard (ewan's half brother) and her mother are plotting against ewan to make richard become duke, so she warns ewan! and richard even kidnapes ewan in order to force over the dukedom. while richard has to try to force anna to marry him.
to see what happens read the book! it's soooooooo good!

This is the first book I have read in Avon True Romance, and it has made a very good impression on the series. Anna has great spunk and humor, while the Duke is a romantic and a dreamer. This is one of the best in the series, and I recommend it with five stars. Enjoy!

This was the best Avan true romance book by far. Every page had excitment and true brilliance.Anna a young girl, who is to marry a man who she does not love,but then meets his brother the DUKE a VERY handsom man who took her breath away.......Ewen(the duke)has come from scottland to clam his tittle as the duke untill annas betrothed whants the tittle himself and Anna.How far will Richerd go to get his brothers tittle as duke? And is Annas and Ewen true love going to end or last a life time?????

This was a great book! Iwould recamend it to anyone who loves romance just as much as i do.Kathreyn Smith is a true genius and i HOPE that she will write many more avan true romance stories not only for me but all the others who have loved ANNA AND THE DUKE..........................

As anyone who's seen my reviews of her other books, I am not a fan of Nadine Miller; in fact, I would never buy another book by her. But this is actually the first book of hers I read, and on the strength of that I went out and bought several others.

THIS is a great book - and I still want to know what's happened to Miller since she wrote it!

Jared, the Duke, has decided that it's time to marry, and so he's asked his elderly female relations to gather together several possible brides for him (shades of Emma Jensen's Best Laid Plans here). One of the possibles has brought with her a cousin/companion, Emily - a slightly overweight, plain little mouse of a woman, and certainly not someone who would be thought to attract a Duke; only she doesn't meet the Duke. She meets someone who calls himself Jared, and who seems to be an ordinary local farmer - but who, judging by his strong resemblance to the Duke, must be a half-brother. Emily has absolutely no doubt that he is not the Duke, however - he couldn't be. He's charming and rogueish and fun to be with, while the Duke is top-lofty and disapproving.

An entertaining and occasionally heart-wrenching story follows, in which the Duke gets himself more and more deeply entangled in a mess entirely of his own making.

There are also some great secondary characters here, including Jared's heir and his secretary, Edgar Rankin - I would have liked a book with Edgar as the hero, since there was clearly a story here, strongly hinted at in conversations between Jared and Edgar. Those two had a 'past,' and I wanted to know more.

Highly recommended, even if I can't recommend any of Miller's subsequent books!

I laughed out loud when reading this book. For me, that is the greatest compliment. The duke has a dilemma. Should he marry the woman he loves or should he marry the woman who is "right" for him? Of course, he chooses true love over societal dictates. The minor characters make this book ever so more enjoyable, especially the duke's secretary, his cousin, and of course his dotty old aunts. The characters push the plot forward with outrageous humor. I've read this book several times and I laugh every time.

I absolutely adored this book. It's well written, with characters that are three-dimensional and very likable. There is a lot of warm, wonderful humor that makes this book a true joy to read.

After finishing The Duke's Wager, I read a few other things and then returned to this 2-in-1 Layton volume to read Lord of Dishonour. I can't decide which book I preferred - both are so splendidly written with beautifully crafted prose and intricate stories. However, like the Duke's Wager, Lord of Dishonour is character-driven and the author is outstanding at giving us men and women who are believeable whilst being both difficult and loveable. The conflict in the story is really quite fundamental - are we what we make of ourselves in life or are we purely the result of how others see us, forever quantified by social strictures?

In this book, we have two people from less than "traditional" or "acceptable" backgrounds. The hero, Viscount ("Vice Count") North, and the heroine, Lady Amanda Amberley, come from that risque sector of Regency life made up of "legitimate" illegitimates, the product of husbands and wives going their separate ways following the birth of an unquestionable and unimpeachable heir. Lack of divorce meant that social leaders like the Duke of Devonshire and Lady Harley (The Harleian Miscellaney) got away with it but this book examines the effect on the innocent results - the offspring.

Viscount North is a many layered character, a man of immense talent, charm and innate goodwill who is close to squandering it all for what are, in the end, really quite honourable reasons. Lady Amanda is a young woman who feels she has been driven to the edges of acceptability and is so desperate for the veneer of respectability that she looks for love in the wrong places and very nearly misses out on the opportunity for a relationship of courage, honour, loyalty, love and mutual understanding. How these two overcome their personal circumstances makes for a rewarding story.

Only one criticism - it is not and never has been the case under English law that an adoptee can inherit a title; they can inherit unentailed lands and income but never a title which must descend through direct bloodlines. This error is unfortunate because the story is predicated on bending the rules but I forgive the author - she is such a delight to read that I overlooked it. Besides, no doubt more than a few aristocrats did get away with a scenario much like this book!

I've only just finished the first book in this 2 volume edition -"The Duke's Wager". I was deeply moved by this story - it was not the usual Regency novel - it was dark, deep and difficult - sometimes almost painful to read. Others have summarised the plot (and the very few faults which appear) and pointed out the main area of conflict betwen two seemingly similar but ultimately different men.

From the start I was attracted to the "Black Duke". Very recently I read an outstanding new biography published in the UK of the 2nd Earl of Rochester by Cephas Goldsworthy ("The Satyr"). Lord Rochester is best known as a Restoration Poet and is given a bit of coverage to high school students. However, what your teacher never told you was that he was not only a poet but a rake, debauchee (possibly bi-sexual), pornographer in chief to Charles II, sufferer of syphillis and a man bent on self-destruction who was redeemed on his deathbed (I think) by his love of life, the arts, women and the passions of friendship. The character of the Duke of Torquay in many facets of his personality, attitudes and experiences put me in mind of Rochester. However, Torquay is able to redeem himself before sinking into the abyss of total despair, self-loathing and possibly, even, a prolonged and ugly death from venereal disease. How he does this is the core of the novel. That the heroine was able to allow and encourage him to do it made me admire her when at first I despaired of her good qualities.

I have found a copy of "The Disdainful Marquis" and will now read that to see if the Marquis of Bessacarr is able to put his experiences in this story to his advantage.

A well written, passionate, deep and unusual story. I am so glad I read it - thank you, Edith Layton!

is coming your way from me. I could rave on and on, especially about the first book (which reminds me in some ways of another favorite, Balogh's THE PLUMED BONNET) but I will leave you to read the detailed and fine reviews by others before me.

If you love Regencies, and adore books with very strong character-driven stories (without any external fripperies such as spies, insane or villainous relatives, and the like), you will love both stories. I particularly recommend the first THE DUKE'S WAGER, where I started rooting for the less prepossessing candidate at some point in the story. Without any spoilers, let me just say I was so relieved when Regina made her choice. She didn't do badly for herself socially, but I think it was the better choice - both for her as a person (as she says at the end) and for the man involved.

A little note - if you ever wondered about the sexual peccadilloes and orgies in the Regency period, read the first and last scenes, at least. Quite eye-opening, I assure you.

I am a huge fan and relative of Herb's writings. He has a true gift for the written word and I have enjoyed all of his books. Herb, my prayers and thoughts are with you during these very trying times. I am thinking of you incessantly and the entire family prays for you daily. Godspeed.

Critics complain that he was a Johnny-One Note who played the same person over & over, & wasn't very good at it. I say this is Baloney.

The annecdotes & observations of the people who lived & worked with him that are found in this book show that he was able to do so much, physically, & emotionally with the characters he played.

You come away with a better sense of why you cheered, laughed, & cried under the spell of his performances. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the actions of his character, you still cared for him & cared about what happened to him

His friends, family, & co-workers loved & admired him & it shows very clearly in this wonderful book.

Sure, he drank, & smoked, & was a staunch anti-commie, but he was also a loyal, funny, kind & gentle family man who worked hard to perfect his craft & cared about his co-workers.

Read this book & understand.

"Duke We're Glad We Knew You" is an exellent book. People such as Harry Carey Jr., Ben Johnson, Lee Aaker, John Wayne's stepsister, and many more write of when they knew Duke.The foreward is written by Ronald Regan who knew Wayne personally. Author, Herb Fagen. interviewed many of them personally. The book has stories about how Wayne first got started in acting, his childhood,his marriages, his movies, and his death. I have really enjoyed this book.

Split Verse is the finest collection of serious poetry I've seen in a long time. The layout of the book is clean and each section contains poetry on a different aspect of the subject, allowing the reader to choose what they'd like to see and the sequence. When reading a book on a topic that is none too happy, it's a pleasure to be able to move around the subject, yet still get the feeling of a unified theme at work. It's also especially exciting to see new work from New York writers like David Mark Speer, whose piece, "At Least Half the Man My Father Was," is probably the most heartfelt, wry and touching poem in the book. Overall, the editors did a great job and I can't wait to see what's next. If you're interested in serious literature about a sometimes tragic yet fully human topic, Split Verse is the book for you.

Often "theme" anthologies end up too small in their focus and their reach. While SPLIT VERSE certainly concentrates on divorce, the poems are true to any experience of loss, devastation or betrayal. William Duke's erotic masterpiece "The Best Sex" bites you with its final judgement. Nita Penfold's recurring narrator reminds you of a favorite wise aunt, long since recovered from a bad choice. These poets aren't bitter but one can tell they spent some time there. SPLIT VERSE will surprise you every time you open it. Enjoy!

Separation and divorce are things that touch everyone and need to be talked about. Whether you are a child of divorced parents, or simply suffering from a break-up, even if you are happy and in love these poems cover the full spectrum of emotions involved. Each section speaks to a particular place in your soul and yet inspires you to remember the strength of the whole. At once funny and clever, or wry and difficult, they are beautifully written and collected. You will be glad you picked it up.

This beautiful picture book biography recounts the life and career of jazz musician, Edward Kennedy Ellington -- better known to all as the Duke.

When the Duke's parents enrolled him in piano lessons for the very first time, he flat out did not want to go. At that time he had visions of playing baseball; but his parents insisted that he learn to play the piano. The music lessons were slow and not a lot of fun. It wasn't long before he quit taking lessons altogether and kissed the piano goodbye. Little did he know then that the melodious rhythms of Ragtime would draw him back to this instrument again and lead to his success as a great musician, composer, and orchestra leader!

Andrea Davis Pinkney does an outstanding job sharing the Duke's story with young readers. Her husband, Brian Pinkney, matches her wonderful text with vibrate illustrations, which translate the Duke's music into a series of bold colored spirals, waves, curls, and swirls that literally leap off of the pages of the book! Without a doubt, this husband and wife collaboration will guide readers in appreciating the rhythm and beat of the Duke's life and music. This book is truly a musician's delight!

I just finished reading the Pinkney's "Duke Ellington" to a first grade class in our predominantly white rural school northeast of Seattle. Being trained as a musician, but now working as a librarian, I loved the way this text really swings. When I noticed much of the slang was going over the heads of the children, I'd ask them if they knew what certain words meant. Interestingly, the one African-American girl in the class was hip to most of the jive.

Sure some of the terminology went right past these kids, but they got into the groove, which is carried along soulfully by the vibrant illustrations. Like another reviewer here, when I was done reading this to the kids, I wanted to hear "Take the 'A' Train." Fortunately I had a CD of "Duke Ellington's 16 Most Requested Songs" sitting in my library, so I popped it in, and these kids were a-hoppin' and a-boppin'.

I think next time, I'll play the CD first. Hopefully, I'll be able to settle 'em down afterwards to hear this jazzy biography.

"Duke Ellington" is a biography of the legendary composer. The book is directed towards younger readers. Andrea Davis Pinkney's text is well complemented by the rich, colorful illustrations by her husband and collaborator, Brian Pinkney.

The book begins with Ellington's childhood, and describes his early interest in music and the beginning of his career. The Pinkneys portray his triumph at the Cotton Club, his musical partnership with Billy Strayhorn, and other aspects of his life and career. The book concludes with the triumphant premiere of Ellington's great composition "Black, Brown, and Beige" at Carnegie Hall in New York.

One of the aspects of the book that I like best is Andrea Pinkney's use of hip slang that recalls the era being portrayed. Example: "Yeah, those solos were kickin'. Hot-buttered bop, with lots of sassy-cool tones." And Brian Pinkney's illustrations combine vibrant color with an appealing "antiqued" look. Overall, an excellent educational book for young readers.

I write in response to the guy who felt "totally ripped off" by the chapter in this book on dealing with irrational attacks.

I can't tell whether he's baiting the author to see if he'll follow his own directions, or if he's simply throwing a childish tantrum that illustrates the excessive and irrational attacks people often have to suffer. Either way, he obviously didn't get it, and although he calls himself a "fairly nice, sensitive, compassionate person," his letter makes that difficult to believe. Perhaps if he had read the whole book and used the practical exercises, he would have seen how helpful this book could be.

This book opened my eyes to a lot of important insights into how my "niceness" has undercut my integrity and effectiveness as a person. I'm impressed with the substance and clarity with which it's written, and especially the fact that I couldn't find any "psychobabble." I'm also impressed with the balance of theorhetical understanding and practical information. It's been of tremendous help to me. I cannot recommend it too highly.

I was recently interviewing for a job and was called in for EIGHT interviews. The stress was on! Duke helped me to see the big picture, to focus on what I wanted and needed, and not be bogged down with needless baggage that some of us "nice" people carry with us.

This book has helped me with personal relationships at home and with friends, has refocused my attention to my communication methods so that I use clear and succinct wording, and it has helped me see that nice guys can finish first.

Thanks, Duke. The book is great

Always being "nice" looks so good from the outside, but oh, the pain that is there inside. Duke Robinson's touching book guides you through simple, yet challanging steps to relieve that pain forever.

My first intention was to read this book as a self-help guide in learnng how to deal with my mistakes. I found my "niceness" in many chapters and immediately began trying some of the suggested changes. They do work and I feel better!

Being a believer that continuing education is a lifelong process, I want to share this book with others. Using the author's study guide, I plan to introduce "Good Intentions" to an adult study group at my church.

In Chapter 6 of his book "Good Intentions," author Duke Robinson explains why 'telling little lit' is one of "The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People," even though we all know that it is often much more difficult to tell the truth. With this in mind, I cannot describe my experiences of reading it three times and listening to the tape twice as 'enjoyable.' Reading this book and absorbing its wisdom is hard work. It should not be read from cover to cover in one sitting. It is much better to read it one chapter at ta time, with a few days - or a week - in between to mull over, discuss, and argue with its startling assertions long enough to understand how true they are and wonder: "Why didn't I think of that long ago?" Like much hard work, however, there is a rich payoff, as we begin to understand ourselves and our relationships to our fellows more clearly. Duke Robinson has made a remarkable contribution to human relations. I urge you to read it. Slowly. Recently Liberal Arts Graduate. (After 55 years at Penn State)

In her first title for Avon Books, Julianne MacLean explores England of the late nineteenth century, when aristocrats were compelled to wed American heiresses to fill their rapidly depleted coffers. When Sophia Wilson entered the "marriage mart" in England, her mother expected her to acquire a husband with a title, while she wished to marry for love.

Though initially attracted to James Langdon, the Duke of Wentworth, Sophia is warned away from his dark brooding looks by a fellow American heiress who previously landed an earl. While the budding romance between James and Sophia begins as physical attraction, they each appeal to the other as their friendship develops, something that is often omitted in many historicals. Though James desires Sophia, his determination not to let his passions rule his life like his father's cause him to proceed with extreme caution towards his wife after they are wed.

Predictably, strife ensues when James keeps Sophia at a distance, and she is determined to show her love to him despite his aloofness. But their formality towards one another exudes just enough romantic tension as to propel the story line, not overtake it. Readers can eagerly look forward to the next installment in this series with Sophia's younger sister, Clara, being the next American heiress heroine.

I am so excited...I loved her western ADAM'S PROMISE and now she has written a wonderful Victorian.
I would compare her westerns to Cheryl St. John and Carolyn Davidson.
Her Victorican book to Julia London, Nicole Jordan, & Adele Ashworth.

Sophia is an American heiress, her mother wants her to have a London season and puts her into the Marriage Market. Sophia is determined to pick her husband, not for his title but because they are in love. One look across a crowded ballroom at the duke and Sophia heart pounds, when their eyes meet she knows she has found her soul mate.
When James, the duke finds out the amount of Sophia dowry he knows he must have her. It wouldn't be a hardship because Sophia is beautiful, intelligent, and wonderful companion. But James fears his dark side will smother out Sophia light, still he proposes and she accepts.
After the honeymoon Sophia and James travel to his castle in northern England but James isn't the same man she met, fell in love with and married when they arrive, his demons had been waiting for them.

Do miss this book and if you haven't read ADAM'S PROMISE added it to the wish list.

I am so excited...I loved her western ADAM'S PROMISE and now she has written a wonderful Victorian.
I would compare her westerns to Cheryl St. John and Carolyn Davidson.
Her Victorican book to Julia London, Nicole Jordan, & Adele Ashworth.

Sophia is an American heiress, her mother wants her to have a London season and puts her into the Marriage Market. Sophia is determined to pick her husband, not for his title but because they are in love. One look across a crowded ballroom at the duke and Sophia heart pounds, when their eyes meet she knows she has found her soul mate.
When James, the duke finds out the amount of Sophia dowry he knows he must have her. It wouldn't be a hardship because Sophia is beautiful, intelligent, and wonderful companion. But James fears his dark side will smother out Sophia light, still he proposes and she accepts.
After the honeymoon Sophia and James travel to his castle in northern England but James isn't the same man she met, fell in love with and married when they arrive, his demons had been waiting for them.

I am looking forward to Lily's story!