I have been waiting every since Mrs. Jackson had mentioned Trevor and Corinthians to read their story and I wasn't disappointed. The book was filled with action and romance. I love the storyline and the reference to characters in the previous novels. This book is must read.

I really think Brenda out did herself with this one! "Fire and Desire" has to be the best romance novel I have every read, and I have read a lot. Trevor and Corinthians are my ideal couple. They try their hardest to fight their feelings for one another to the very end until their love over shadow's everything else. I will not tell you the story but I will tell you that I did not put the book down after I picked it up, but that's all of Brenda Jackson's books. I may be very bias because I am a fan of Mrs. Jackson, but this book is a must read. I have already reread it about eight times! Go ahead and order it now!

As I began reading the prologue, I knew that I was going to like this book for me. I love the places it took me and the anticipation of how two people like Corinthians and Trevor would ever get it together and keep it together. They were both such head strong people who would have to find out the hard way that it was all about their hearts not their head that would bring them together forever. I kept prolonging my reading the book in its entirety because whenever I wanted to get away from my current surroundings I'd just read a little bit and go there with them for a little while wishing it were me as well. Brenda Jackson you truly have a talent for writing and giving some of us women an opportunity to dream and hope our day will come.

This little book and CD are inspirational, deeply touching and heart-warming. They will reach out to your soul, your spirit and bring out the best in you. The song is no stranger to music lovers; it captivates and is so true to life, it leaves the reader with the feeling the song must have been written just for them. The book contains some beautiful photos and a poignant message. This would make a perfect, all-occasion gift for that very special person in your life - lover, family, friend, or yourself. Be good to you and pamper yourself, you deserve it! It is a memorable treasure that can be kept and cherished for many years to come, and I do, indeed... "hope you dance."

This is a powerful yet small 68 page book that can truly inspire and reach the heart of a person. It can actually speak volumes to a person you care about while you yourself are inspired as well! I venture to say it may even help heal a wounded soul. Who of us has not been let down, betrayed, even deeply hurt at some point in our lifetime?

Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers along with the song lyrics (and CD!) of Lee Ann Womack's *I Hope You Dance* have put together a great package of an inspirational optimistic look at life. Such as asking "What is hope?" Then expounding on what hope means such as: to want, to desire, to expect what is envisioned may indeed happen, to hang on, hold out just a little while longer?..still they cover more thoughts then ask: "Can you have hope without faith and humility and wonder?" adding "What would you be without hope growing deep in your bones, thriving in every inch of you?" They share a truth: "Nothing." Then on the next page asking "What does it take to hope?" At the bottom the answer in capitals "EVERYTHING"

It is this simple yet to the core style that makes this book powerful! The song lyrics are incorporated with the additional writing and it hits home on life, our childhood wonder, love, hurt, caring, taking that 'one more chance' when you want to give up. This song/lyrics/book was brought to my attention by a friend I had not seen in several years. Finding me wounded, feeling betrayed and withdrawn he saw not only a heart broken but spirit crushed. He actually asked me if I still dance as much as I used to...when I replied I no longer dance nor care to, he played this song for me...*time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along*

This book goes the distance. (pg. 45. "Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter" 46. "There are too many people too angry at a world that isn't in the least bit angry at them") If you know someone that needs a lift or you simply want to let them know you are always there for them, you care...no matter WHAT, this is the book! If YOU need some encouragement yourself, this book can inspire you! If nothing else you can search your own soul. For me not only the love I feel from it being given to me but for all the pieces of myself I was able to pick up and put back together, it is priceless! Like the author I agree "I liked being five" and if given the chance..I hope others wounded will dance once again too! Don't miss this book, its precious, powerful, priceless!

This song sung by Lee Ann Womack is set to a book & CD with lyrics & additional inspirational texts & photographs. This is my first review of a book inspired by a song & I recommend it to anybody wanting the perfect gift.

I Hope You Dance is filled with words of wonder & thoughtful photos. The song touched my heart when I first heard it, reminding me how much I liked to dance - when I'm glad as much as when I sorry. For both youngsters & oldsters & everybody in between, I Hope You Dance, is a soulful song, kindly given & beautifully presented.

Promise me you'll give I Hope You Dance a chance - it's a perfect gift for graduation, for somebody about to set out for fields afar, for anybody who loves to love for in the giving, you will have song, love & laughter in your heart. Do check out my full review.

An absolutly great read. I've been a horseman for 27 years and have to say that I have never found a better,more common sense approach to horsemanship. We always have something new to learn when it comes to our horses and Mark give us a lot to think about. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves their horse.

I have long been a fan of natural horsemanship, and have read John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Monty Roberts. I learned a lot from each, but always felt that something was missing. Enter Mark Rashid. Rather than profess that we should be alphas (harsh, dominating leaders), he argues for a passive leadership where respect is gained from consistency and kindness, and so true partnership becomes possible. This book is wonderful to read for pleasure (I devoured it in 2 days), and also has very practical insights into common problems. My relationship with my horses is already the better for it. So much for the other books on my shelf--I won't be referring back to them again!

"A Good Horse Is Never a Bad Color" is like a manual put into story form. In my opinion this makes it entertaining, and you can retain the information easily. The methods Mark uses are not through force or fear but rather through a way
that allows the horses to respond positively with their own free will.

James Robertson has written an extensively researched life of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, acknowledged as one of the finest military tacticians of the Civil War on either side. He covers Jackson's ancestry, childhood, West Point career, early military service during the Mexican War and afterwards, his tenure at the Virginia Military Institute, his family life, and his Civil War service in the Shenandoah Valley, the Seven Day's Campaign, and in Northern Virginia/Antietam. He includes a short epilogue which discusses the conclusion of the War after Jackson's death at Chancellorsville, his legacy, and the subsequent lives of his family and fellow Confederates after the surrender at Appomattox.

Throughout the book, Robertson devotes much attention to Jackson's strong Christian faith both in his beliefs and in his actions. Some other reviewers have found fault with this emphasis but given the predominance of his faith in his daily life, Jackson's religious beliefs could no more be ignored than could an author ignore anti-semitism in a life of Hitler. Jackson's faith was not an ASPECT of his life, in many ways it WAS his life and everything else he did was incidental to his faith.

Contrary to some others, I don't think Robertson has glorified Jackson at all. Although a pious man and a military genius, all of Jackson's many shortcomings as a man and as a commander are brought out in the book. Jackson was a hypochondriac, a contentious subordinate, an incredibly boring and ineffective teacher and a man who saw everything in stark black and white. As a commander, he was hard on his men, compulsively secretive about his plans and movements even with those subordinates who needed to know and a harsh and unsympathetic taskmaster who constantly quarreled with and berated his staff. On at least one occasion, he had EVERY ONE of his major subordinates under arrest for one or another offense in his command. Although harsh with his underlings, he was popular among his men and in the Confederacy because of his victories, his acceptance of hardship along with his men and his single minded determination to drive the Yankee invaders out of the South.

"Old Jack holds himself as the god of war, giving short, sharp commands distinctly, rapidly and decisively, without consultation or explanation, and disregarding suggestions and remonstrances. Being himself absolutely fearless...he goes ahead on his own hook, asking no advice and resenting interference. He places no value on human life, caring for nothing so much as fighting, unless it be praying. Illness, wounds and all disabilities he defines as inefficiency and indications of a lack of patriotism. Suffering from insomnia, he often uses his men as a sedative, and when he can't sleep calls them up, marches them for a few miles; then marches them back. He never praises his men for gallantry, because it is their duty to be gallant and they do not deserve credit for doing their duty." Genl Alexander Lawton (c20,n120)

"He is the idol of the people and is the object of greater enthusiasm than any other military chieftain of our day... notwithstanding the fact that he marches his troops faster and longer, fights them harder, and takes less care of them than any other officer in the service...This indifference to the comfort of his men is only apparent, however--not real. No man possesses a kinder heart or larger humanity; but when he has something to do, he is so earnest, so ardent and energetic that he loses sight of everything but the work before him." quote in Southern paper. (c22,n64)

James I. Robertson, Jr.'s biography of Stonewall Jackson will long stand as the definitive summary of the life of this extraordinary military commander. Exhaustively researched and gracefully written, Robertson's biography portrays Jackson as he was - a deeply religious Sunday school teacher in Lexington, Va., a loving and devoted husband and father, and a stern and feared commander in battle. Based almost entirely on primary sources, Stonewall Jackson challenges many of the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded the general. This book also represents the culmination of Robertson's long and distinguished career as one of this country's finest Civil War historians. Without question it is his finest effort and the best biography of Jackson ever written

Author Robertson is not only a great historian, he is also an incredibly good wordsmith. Seldom in an historical biography have I seen such excellent writing combined with such in-depth and (relatively) unbiased research. This book is jammed with detailed information about Jackson: socially awkward, agonzingly shy and diffident, odedient to orders to the point of insanity, absurdly religious.Yet, this is my "take" on the book. The author never literally comes out and states this. He presents information. It is up to the reader to form his/her own opinions......After 40 plus years of studying Civil War history, I am long past hero worship. I never saw Jackson or Lee or any other general as a god - and I do not now. I don't believe that was the author's purpose. I believe his pupose was to present all the facts he could about Jackson in an organized and entertaining fashion. That the author is also a great writer makes this work all the more enjoyable. .......This is probably the BEST biography I have ever read, both in terms of scholarship and the quality of the writing. My only regret was that I did not get to read the many items that were left out of this already lengthy book by the authors and editors. I was not quite ready for Jackson to go.

Brenda Jackson must dream in color. This book is a must read. I simply did not want to put it down. It is in paperback and the price is low, but the quality of her story telling skills is priceless. I was transported to a time in my own life by being able to relate to her very vivid way of setting the stage. Ms. Jackson has an excellent eye for details and illustrations. I felt as if I were there with the Bennett family.

I personally enjoy a book with characters that I can relate to. I think most readers will be able to put himself in the shoes of either Taye, Michael, Alexia, Raejean, Idella or Poppa Ethan...OR know someone else who fits their shoes. Ms. Jackson really knows how to turn up the heat on the steamy love scenes. She knows TRUE PASSION and ROMANCE.

Can you imagine a family reunion where the relatives have not all been together in fifteen years? Well that within itself makes for a lot of adventure. All families have secrets, rivalries, love/hate relationships, success, failure, tears, laughter, faith and hope. The Bennetts are no different as you will see once you purchase this awesome book. It is an easy read. You will laugh and cry. But most of all you will never forget this incredible family. This book also makes for some lively book club discussion.

Brenda Streater Jackson is famous for the sizzling tales of a well known family and the friends that surround them. She seemed to pour love, adoration, and respect into this family. Now here she comes with her debut Mainstream book A FAMILY REUNION. They call the book mainstream, but I really didn't seem to see a big difference except this book was longer. Ms. Jackson just continues to prove to the world that she is a wonderful writer. She tells a story so true to life that we can't help but relate with her characters and put actual faces to them. This book drew me in and I didn't want to put the book down until I was done. I started reading this book with the expectation that it was going to be a good book. Why? Because it is written by Brenda Jackson of course.
A FAMILY REUNION is a not a tale, but reality. It speaks on families and how the people in them relate to each other. While reading, I couldn't help but reflect on situations within my own family. The way the grandfather knew the children so well. The four cousins who are the focus of this story remind me so much of myself and several of my own cousins. Rae'jean, Taye, Alexia and Michael were all wonderful characters. Grandpa Ethan was the bomb! He reminded me of my own grandfather. I loved the way Alexia gave her grandparents the praise they deserved when she won her award. They were the driving force for her to keep singing. I no longer have any grandparents, I lost my last grandmother in March of this year. I will never forget all those lessons taught to me by her and my other grandparents. I also believe that scripture that states "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

If you have not purchased this book, please do so, you will not be disappointed. I am not sure what my favorite Brenda Jackson book is because I love them all. I will say: Eternally Yours, Cupids Bow (A Valentine Kiss Anthology) are right at the top.
Great Job Ms. Brenda!!!

This is Brenda Jackson's debut book to mainstream fiction. She follows behind some of the great romance writers, such as Donna Hill and Francis Ray who have embarked on the arena of mainstream fiction.
Brenda seems to have choosen something that is quite fitting for her, and that is a book about "Family". Yes, this debut book called A Family Reunion revolves around The Bennett Family. I think most of us who have ever attended a family reunion or more or less apart of a family period will be able to relate to this book. You know in any given family there always seems to be secrets and revelations that occur during family crises. Well this book does not fall short of that, it has all those components and even a few surprises and moments of tears too!
In any book you read there are major characters to a story, well this one is no different: There's Poppa Ethan, the grandfather, and four cousins who of course grew up together, Taye, Michael, Alexia and Rae'jean. Now there are many supporting characters that add to this story which of course makes it an outstanding book to read.
After many years from Grandma Bennett passing, Poppa Ethan wants to have this family reunion, which he allows his cousin to plan and get it all together. Now, Poppa Ethan is close to 90 years old but his memory is definetly in tack and he is not short on his stern words either!! What I found so enjoying about this book, I could relate to it and actually recognized some of my own family members. So is this a book you can relate to? Yes. Is this a book that is an easy read that will keep you up all night? Yes. Do I recommend this a book to read? Yes!!! Does it have sizzling love scenes? Oh, my, my...yes it does!!!
Now, some may think that it is quite a transition for an author who has written 8 romance novels and single stories for 3 novellas. No, it seems it has not been a hard task for Brenda Jackson. Actually she seems to demonstrate in her writing of this book that she is able to be like a master chef. She has managed to mix and blend both fiction and romance in this debut book and come out with a tasty treat. Oh yeah, to Brenda Jackson's most loyal followers of her romance books, she has not disappointed you by no means. This book, although it is her first women's fiction has all the components of sizzling love scenes. Actually I think they are hotter in this book than her romance books. Now figure that one out??
Again, to my namesake and friend...you done good girl! And by the way, I am very proud of you!! All of us here in Florida are very proud of you!!
For those who are being introduced to Brenda Jackson for the very first time, please check out her other published work, I think you'll be hooked just like the rest of her loyal readers and friends.
Her other published books: Tonight and Forever, Cupid's Bow, Whispered Promises, Eternally Yours, One Special Moment, Fire and Desire, Truly Everlasting from the anthology Something To Celebrate, Secret Love, True Love, Surrender, and Welcome To Leo's

Qwilleran, the middle-aged editor, is assigned to a new upscale decorating magazine called "Gracious Abodes" in this 2nd in the series of "Cat Who" books. Qwilleran relunctantly takes his new assignment and struggles to make it a success. Unfortuately, he stumbles into several crime scenes that are linked to the magazine's publication and they threaten his job security. He does not give up, but tries to solve the murders. With the assistance of his Siamese cat Koko, he is able to piece together the puzzle to solve the mystery!

Great light-reading book for mystery and cat lovers. Koko comes to life on the pages and you can't put it down!

This is the second book in "The Cat Who..." Series. The relationship between Koko and Qwilleran is more friendly and more familiar than that in the first book where they first met ("The Cat Who Could Read Backwards"). You'll see that if you read this series in sequence. This second book also describes how Yum Yum, the second Siamese is adopted as a new member of the family. I recommend you to read this series in sequence.

I still don't think it is very good as a whodunit. But it's a LOVELY tale which makes me strongly feel to meet Koko and Qwilleran again and again. As far as I feel so, I'll read this series furthermore. And I'm looking forward to what role Yum Yum will play.

This is an overall good book, but I like the 1st one better, but that's just because I am interested in art. This is the book in which Yum Yum joined them, who was owned by the family in which the house was robbed. Who robbed the house? Well, you'll just have to find out for yourself. In this mystery, Koko devoloped a habit of eating furniture and Qwill's ties, and helps Qwill find whodunit by clawing clues in the dictionary. Yes, it's true Qwill has to write a magazine on interior decorating, which is not my favourite subject, yet that only, to me, makes the story more interesting. Buy this now, but only if you read the 1st book before.

Millennium, schmillennium, Secret Love is the big reason to ring in 2000! All of you long-time Brenda Jackson fans know exactly what I mean--this is the one we have been waiting for, the whole story behind the romance and marriage of Diamond Swain, sought after Hollywood goddess, and Jake Madaris, the wealthy cattle-ranching member of the estimable Madaris family.

If you are among the few who have never read any of Ms Jackson's scintillating romances, you are in for a treat. Ms Jackson writes wonderfully--her books are full of humor, romance, suspense and a strong love of family. Her characters are memorable and endearing and since her stories are interconnected, you get to visit a bit with favorites from past novels. In Jake and Diamond's case, we have been wondering over the course of several books just how this couple got together and why their love was so secret. And believe me, it was worth the wait!

Sexy, sweet, passionate and exciting, this book is one that you will read in one sitting. I have to confess that Jacob is my favorite of the Madaris men, although they are all so wonderful it's like saying I like blue M&M's better than the rest...I love all those men and the fabulous women they wed. And you will too, if you don't already. Don't keep Secret Love a secret--read it and get the word out that 2000 is off to a sizzling start!

Brenda Jackson is definitely one of the best writers of our time. She first peaked my interest with her book "Family Reunion".
But sisters, "Secret Love" was great. The story of Jake Madaris and Diamond Swain was very endearing. It took two people who had been burned very badly in previous relationships and taught them to love again. It also gives you a glimpse of the love that flows through the Madaris clan. After reading "Secret Love" you too will believe that there is a such thing as a second chance at love. Once you read one Brenda Jackson novel....you're hooked!

Brenda Jackson is definitely one of my favorite authors. In "Secret Love," Ms. Jackson has continued the saga which began in "Tonight and Forever," the story of Justin and Lorren Madaris. "Secret Love" is the story of Justin's uncle, Jake Madaris and movie actress, Diamond Swain. Their love has been a secret for almost two years, but now their love has become public.

"Secret Love" is Jake's and Diamond's story, but Ms. Jackson has also kept the readers informed about the other Madaris' clan and their friends we met in previous books.

Diamond is just as Jake describes her -- his Diamond and she is a real jewel. Diamond has not let stardom cloud her mind. She is down to earth, caring, and considerate. She really loves Jake, who returns the affection.

"Secret Love" is another winner! Loved it and I am sure those who have not read it, will enjoy it too! Go get your copy now!!

I might as well have read the back of a baseball card as have read the book, for all the insight into Jackson's personality it gave me. This book simply read like an extended sports column; I suppose that is all well and good if sports columns are all you ever read, but I expect more from a biography than a collection of blow-by-blow accounts of the games Jackson played in. The man, after all, spent 13 of his 62 years playing in the big leagues. There is scant discussion of his later years. Does Frommer suppose that the reader is not interested in how Jackson came to terms with his status as a disgraced former big-league ballplayer? One is left with the impression that Frommer did not even attempt to scratch the surface when dealing with Jackson's later years.

Couple this with Frommer's clumsy writing style, lack of citations, and bizarre style of quotation, and one is left with a book that was not worth the time spent reading it. I was left with no greater insight into Jackson the man than before I first picked up the book.

"He was the greatest ball player ever from South Carolina. His lifetime batting average was .356, topped only by Ty Cobb and Rogers Honrsby.But Shoeless Joe had to leave the game in disgrace, one of the members of the "Black Sox" accused of throwing the 1919 World Series. Author Frommer argues that Jackson got a raw deal and deserves reinstatement and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. Frommer's book is something of a biography and partly the story of baseball in the first two decades of this century. He sees Jackson as symbolizing the game's more innocent era, and he calls Jackson a 'folk hero, the representative of a collective nostalgic yearning for an agrarian past.'"

"A tremendous account. . . I must refer anyone who has any interest in the Black Sox Scandal to Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball. There is a shiny gold sticker on the jacket of Frommer's book, by the way, announcing that it contains "Never before published -- Joe Jackson's complete Grand Jury Testimony." . . .The testimony is worth reading. Frommer quotes Joe Jackson: "I never said anything about it [the plot to throw the Series] until the night before the Series started. I went to see Mr Comiskey and begged him to take me out of the lineup .... If there was something going on I knew the bench was the safest place, but he wouldn't listen to me...." I would love to fill about ten pages with excerpts from Shoeless Joe and Ragtime Baseball, but will not. Get the book. It's a fascinating and fast read.

LADIES, SISTERS, GIRLFRIENDS - where do I begin. In my review for 'Eternally Yours', I stated that I'd let you know (to all those willing to read my reviews) how this book compared to the compelling, page-turning love story of Clayton & Syneda. Well - let's just say that, Sterling & Colby had it going on, too. Their love came about in a strange way, and it was an unexpected surprise for the both of them. Although, I can't truly say that it's better than the previous books, Brenda Jackson has a way of making her books find a special place in your heart for each one - what one may lack, the other will more than likely take up for. Please read this latest novel by the Queen - there's mentioning of Kyle & Kimara, as well as Clayton and others from 'Eternally Yours'. Before I go, I must mention that Colby was one tough cookie, girlfriend didn't take anything from Mr. Big Movie Star, and the way she compared him to Denzil, was fantastic. ---- You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a challenge for Colby Wingate to accept the proposition of this superstar actor Sterling Hamilton.

Have his child and after leave it to him.

But she has an another idea justified by the love she feels for this man. She gives him all she can give with heart and passion. Then, he has a new glance over women and particularly over mothers. So, it was so emotional to read the way she turned this wild man in a man full of tenderness and compassion that I thought that it will be wonderful if it was a true to life story.

This story deals with importance of family and respect for LOVE.

I appreciated very much this book and the author has a great talent. Thanks Mrs. Jackson.

PS. However, as French, I hope to improve a bit my english in reading much more books like this...

A beautifully written love story by Mrs. Jackson!! Colby and Sterling made an awesome couple together. Colby finally tore down Sterling's resistance and he fell in love with her. I've read almost all of Mrs. Jackson's novels and I've enjoyed all of them. Unit next time, Keep up the good work!!!