Humanoids? Extraterrestrials? If you are interested in science fiction, this book is great. But if you are interested in the fulfillment of Judeo-Christian prophecy, you would be well-advised to look in the "Our Customers' Advice" section above, and read the book the is recommended there. It is truly great and reveals the meaning of real prophecy.

On the back cover of the Omegy Conspiracy, Isaac Newton is quoted predicting that biblical literalists would now be claiming they know the true meaning of prophecy. He was right about that. But as for the "end times" nonsense, Newton was just as wrong about that as the literalists are. And Thomas and Hutchings, while no doubt well-meaning, also guessed wrong, even though their take is quite different.

The truth is that when enough people get the message from the Spirit of Truth (which Jesus said would come to guide us unto all truth and show us things to come), our world will begin to be transformed. Bad leadership will fall from power. Myths will be shattered. False beliefs will be dispelled. Conflicts will be resolved. Divisions will be mended. The people will be empowered by the truth, and realizing that we are all equal joint heirs to God's new "kingdom" to come, we will begin to create a "new world" here on earth. That's what real prophecy foretells, and I pray that more people will get the message so we can start progressing toward a positive future, rather than being afraid of it.

I must tell you that I read this book almost ten years ago. I loved it then as I do now and find that it is even more relevant as the years pass. After reading the book, I called Reverend Thomas and chatted with him. I wanted to get him booked on Maury, Oprah or Montel and no one was interested. It goes to show that no one really wants to hear the truth. The book is fascinating, thoroughly.

I.E.D. Thomas does a great job of tying together the Evidence for UFOs and Extra terrestrials with the Biblical evidence; And proposes a very interesting theory that the ancient Nephilim of Genises chapter 6 are our Modern ET'S. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in UFO's.

This is the 12th book that I've read in this series. I'm reading them in order, but I read a couple of the later ones before going back to start from the beginning. Like all the others, this one is nicely written. Peters' command of the English language is impressive. Her ability to portray life in 12th century England is also impressive. These stories are good period pieces. I have enjoyed all of the episodes I've read so far.

On the other hand, this particular installment is not the most mysterious of Brother cadfael's mysteries that I have read. It is clear from early on who the ordinary ruffians are. It is also clear who is troubled and has questionable motives. It only remains to clarify the relationship between two troubled young men to sort out the mystery. Further, the mystery doesn't have much immediacy for the reader, having taken place a considerable distance away and before the story opens. This story is also a bit "gushier" than most. The romantic angle is played up with a bit too much intensity and there is a "miraculous" healing during the story that fills a whole chapter and does little to further the plot.

I enjoyed this book. It was a pleasant and easy read. But, as a mystery, it was only mediocre. If you are a Cadfael fan, enjoy. But, if you're looking for a real whodunit, look elsewhere.

If you're interested in an audio edition, check that you're getting the unabridged recording narrated by Stephen Thorne.
Ideally, read all the preceding books in the series, in order, before reading this one. At a minimum, first read #1 (A Morbid Taste for Bones, the story of how the monastery came to have St. Winifred as its patroness) and The Virgin in the Ice, to avoid the biggest spoilers.

This June of 1141, the feast of the translation of St. Winifred dawns upon a time when the civil war between the Empress Maud and King Stephen for the throne of England may finally draw to a close: Stephen was captured at the battle of Lincoln, and even now Maud is negotiating with the city of London for her entry into Westminster for her coronation. The papal legate, Bishop Henry of Blois, brother to Stephen, has called a legatine council (including Abbot Radulfus from Shrewsbury) and is working on turning his allegiance to the empress, for the sake of peace. Hugh, sheriff of Shropshire for Stephen, broods on ways and means of getting a man into Bristol to free Stephen, and prays for a miracle, while using his friend Brother Cadfael as a sounding board.

Cadfael, too, is praying for a miracle - any miracle - at this feast of St. Winifred. Not from a desire for the abbey's glory, or from any faltering of his own faith, but as a sign that the saint took no offense from the events of _A Morbid Taste for Bones_, when he accompanied a delegation from the abbey to the saint's grave in Wales to bring back her mortal remains as holy relics. (Since that was before Hugh's arrival in Shrewsbury, Cadfael summarizes the story for him, so it's possible to follow the plot of _Pilgrim_ without reading _Bones_. But be warned that Cadfael reveals the ending of _Bones_ to Hugh.)

Abbot Radulfus returns in time for the festival, bearing word of a cowardly murder at the legatine council. The attempted murder of the envoy of Stephen's queen failed, but Ranulf Bossard, the brave man of the empress' party who foiled the attempt, was himself cut down in the street.

All the brothers are busily preparing for the huge influx of pilgrims at this time of year, many of whom are ill and seeking miraculous healing. Brother Cadfael, as herbalist, sees some of the more noteworthy cases: Rhun, a devout half-Welsh boy with a twisted leg that might respond to treatment; his sister, Melangell; a young Welsh clark, Ciaran, traveling barefoot and wearing a large iron cross, on his way to Wales to die; Matthew, Ciaran's faithful shadow. There are less savory characters, as well, petty (and not so petty) career criminals who prey on the credulous and the frail. (Credulous, as in, people who trust a stranger's dice.) Some may even have fled from a city too hot to hold them.

Into this festival atmosphere rides a young envoy of the empress' party, on a twofold mission: to sound out Hugh on the question of his fealty, and to seek Bossard's young heir, who disappeared in this direction after his lord's death. But even if he is among the pilgrims, how can he be identified by those who have never seen him? And was he involved in Bossard's death?

It is A.D. 1141, A year that brings a tide of pilgrims to the Addey.

This is the tenth mystery in the series. You may want to start from the first to let the interacting mysteries reveal themselves in chronological order. This is the second one for me after "The Morbid Taste for Bones." I do have to warn you that the synopsis to "A Morbid Taste for Bones" and "Virgin in the Ice" is played out again somewhat in the first two chapters of this book.

What can not be portrayed in the short Cadfael movies and would make marvelous reading on its own is the inter action between the forces and reasons behind the vacillating positions of Empress Maud and King Stephen. This is also a crucial part of the story; as the loyalties and logistics play a major part in the mystery and people's lives.

I will not compare and contrast the people in the story or the differences in the film adaptation as the fun is finding out for your self, all the actions and interaction of people. I will say that none of this would have been possible with out the grace of St. Winifred.

I really enjoyed The Opening By Susannah Ellis Wilds. The story line was one that got me hooked really early on as I know I could easily have been one of the characters in the book.

The Opening has a dual meaning - the reader first learns that the novel is about a fun prediction written about a group of friends during their pre-teen years and hidden away until accidentally discovered many years later. The group has lost touch and the writer of the note, Lucy decides it is high time for a reunion. The book floats between each girl's life - then and now.

While the revelations made when the girls finally unite are not that out of the ordinary nor surprising it is the sweet journey that brings us to the gathering. Each woman's life will touch the reader in a multitude of ways. Whether it reminds the reader of themselves or friends they have known at different stages of their life The Opening will certainly tug the heart strings and make you want to pick up the phone to find long lost friends.

As another Southern gal, Susannah's story of girl-chums brought back numerous memories of promises made, false expectations, and dreams of another life. Thoroughly enjoyed her tale and style. And LOVED the names of the girls! Very timely read for us "Boomers", no matter what part of the country holds our heart.

This is a throughly enjoyable book - in particular the software chapters, which may have something to do with the fact that I too am a early retiree from the software business. It brings back good memories to this Yankee girl of serious conversations with "my girlfriends" and predictions of our futures. I heard Susannah Wilds speak at a writers group in Charlotte NC, and am looking forward to the next book. I have suggested to several of my friends that they will love this book. Captures the growing up memories for all of us from the 50's and 60's and mwill make us want to start over in many cases

I have read better book of the advantures of Mk&A

first I tought this was the best book but it was the first adventure book that I readed :-)

The book is good and there is logical on the end of the book so 4 stars for me

This book kept me in so much suspence. When Mary-Kate and Ashley go to a ski-lodge for a vacation they find a coca trail on the floor. Then they always see a woman whispering in her phone. Then one day the ski lift stops in midair...

I just read this book, and it is sooooo good. I gave it five stars, because every clue they found, made you think really hard. I always felt like I was right there. This book kept me in a lot of suspense. I was always excited to get back to reading it. I always wondered what would happen next. This is the BEST book I have ever read!

Ellis Peters' "The Leper of St. Giles" starts off as, and continues to be, more of a pure love story than any of its predecessors. Since it is a Cadfael story, murder and mystery do indeed rear their ugly heads. Once more, Cadfael is called (with the support of his nifty new abbot) to do more than mix herbs.

Cadfael's former apprentice Brother Mark has left the nest as the story begins. One of the great joys in this book is to see the continued growth of Mark as a minister. In fact it is Mark, more so than Cadfael, who finds himself in the center of the action in "The Leper of Saint Giles."

This is a story that has a lot to do with the meaning of identity and the impact of deception. The basic plot revolves around a lowly squire who loves a wealthy heiress. The problem is, the heiress' wretched relations are intent on marrying her off for financial gain. From this rather nasty situation springs murder and false accusation. It is the job of Cadfael and Mark to make things right.

The more I read of Ellis Peters, the more I admire her work. She had a unique literary voice. So much wisdom is imparted in each story. This is doubly true in "The Leper of St. Giles." The reader is left questioning the actions of Cadfael and pondering the meaning of Justice.

While I am left with many questions and I missed Cadfael's old buddy Hugh, I found this book to be one of the more satisfying Cadfael stories. I highly recommend "The Leper of St. Giles."

In many ways this is a classic in the Cadfael series. I say that in the sense that this book puts forth most of the best elements that are found (more or less) in every book in this series.

There is the sense of place. In this case, the book lets the reader into the world of the lepers. Set aside by humanity, the leper colony of St. Giles proves a multi-dimensional world with an integral role in the plot.

There is romance. As in most of the books in this series, Cadfael lends a sympathetic ear to a smitten pair. In this case, their obstacles are many and it's a fun read as things are unraveled.

And then there is Cadfael seeing what others miss. It is Cadfael that notices a twig of a rare flower near the dead body. Likewise, Cadfael sees some bruising on the body that could only be caused by a certain ring. And more than once, Cadfael simply applies his experiences to discern what human nature is most likely to do.

My gripes with the book are worth a point off. Foremost, the author seems to have forgotten rule number one of detection (surely as applicable then as now) - who would benefit financially from the death? I also missed Hugh's presence. And a most minor quandry -- were they really able to tell time to the point of distinguishing between 6:15 and 6:20 back then???

Bottom-line: a very solid and pleasant read for fans of historical mysteries. Reading of earlier books in the series would be helpful but isn't necessary.

The Leper of Saint Giles the fifth book in Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, exemplifies everything which is laudable in her series. Peters' shines in creating characters who we love, and excels in the ability to set the stage in the medieval world. Balancing mystery with romance is never an easy matter and Ellis Peters has created an entire series where this is her forte. In addition this series does not cling to the traditional sense of justice found in many other mysteries.

Brother Cadfael is at his best. He is both a spiritual being and a worldly one. He is as comfortable in the church as he is talking with a knights mistress. Cadfael has an innate ability to sense what is good in true in a person and works actively to support those with just causes. In the instance of this novel it is a young squire, Joss and a wealthy heiress Iveta. Iveta is a pawn of her aunt and uncle who plan to marry her to an aging knight and divide her land between them. Joss loves Iveta and plans on finding away to protect her. when a murder halts the marriage, Joss is the first suspect.

The setting is once again the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury, but this time it also includes the leper colony of Saint Giles. the reader is introduced to some of the horrors and indignities which the lepers lived through. Brother Mark works among them and recognizes the dignity of the human spirit.

I suggest this book as reading for those who love medieval mysteries.

After the stellar "Planetary, Book I" I had high hopes for this hard to find follow-up. It does not quite deliver the punch of the first, but it serves admirably to set up book 3. It starts off with a dissapointing story, but gets better with each chapter and finishes quite strong. Ellis continues to recast familiar comics lore in his "X-Files on steroids" world of Planetary (in Book 2 he tackles Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the origin of Superman, Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D., giant ants from the sci-fi flick "Them", and cameos of characters who resemble Swamp Thing, Cyclops, the Impossible Man, Medusa, C3PO and others in Chapt. 1).

If you liked the first, its worth getting a hold of this one and by all means get in line for the 3rd book!
Also recommended: Kurt Busiek's "Astro City " series.

As the comic book series collected here has been plagued by interminable delays trade hardcover and paperback collections are likely the best way to follow the story of Elijah Snow as je seeks to recover his lost memories, and solve the mystery of the incredibly wealthy organization that sends him, the seemingly indestructible Jakita Wagner, and the annoying Drummer, on thier amazing missions.

In this volume we finally discover the identity of the mysterious Fourth Man, who bankrolls the efforts of the Planetary Foundation, in it's quest to discover "the secret history" of the planet, and the true agenda of the organization. By the end of this volume, the battle lines are drawn, and we wait with baited breath for the final battle to come.

I just wish it would get here. It's been nearly a year since the last issue collected here was published and since then only two new installments of the story have seen the light of day. Intriguing stories, great art, but a drag to wait for,....

I have often been asked by many of my friends about why a man of my age would even bother to spend time reading a comic book. Usually, my response is to lend them a copy of something by Warren Ellis.

In my opinion, this book and the one that precedes it are great examples of the very best that western adventure comics have to offer. Ellis skilfully constructs a hidden history and slowly draws the reader along, often leaving us gasping for more. He satisfies the comic lover with his exploration of some of the genre stereotypes, while, At the same time, giving us a great thriller/mystery that the not-so-comic-versed can also enjoy.

All this and great art too. Cassaday really adds immeasurably to the words on the page.

This is a strong piece of work that you should really look into.

I was bored one day and did not have a good book to read. I discovered a site called www.Bookface.com and saw this book in the romance section. I had never read any medieval romances before so I was a bit wary but to my surprise I really enjoyed it. Now I know why so many authors write about this era. It is the stuff of fairy tales with romance, mystery, suspense, and best of all humor. I was introduced to historical romances by Georgette Heyer who started this whole genre and am always searching for other such authors. I really loved this book and immediately started reading the next book I could find from Christina Dodd. I also recommend reading Judith McNaught.

My first book by this author and I picked it up on a whim. Boy am I glad I did! Unbelievably awesome is all I can say to describe this heartfelt book filled with adventure and pure heart-stopping romance, the kind that makes your toes curl and sigh...

~Lady Edlyn is a skilled herbalist fallen from grace and is forced to accept what little charity she can get from the generous abby that has taken her in. She goes into her place that she finds solice in, her herbal 'kitchen', and is shocked when a man holds a dagger to her throat demanding she tend to a fallen knight he has hidden in her room!

Edlyn is in for a surprise when she discovers who the wounded knight is, her long ago love she has not seen in years! She saves his life but now the warrior wants to 'save' her. Save her from a life of charity and drugery, but she will not hear of it!

Hugh de Florisoun hasn't forgotten the love Edlyn bore him so long ago nor has he forgotten how he loved her from afar. How had she been reduced to this life? A Lady? A noblewoman of high breeding? The answer comes to him and he knows he must hide a deep secret that will turn her against him forever. For he had something to do with her misery...will his love render past mistakes and past grudges absent or will it make them worse?

Filled with battles and knights and the politics of war in Medieval England-1265, this touching story of treason, lies, deception and love is just what makes it a classic now on my keeper shelf. Hugh is a true knight in shining armor and the things he does for Edlyn will make you sigh and your heart to skip a beat...he must heal her broken heart and replace her fear and hatred of men with his undying love...true chivalry.

Completely unbelieveable and a sure keeper! I loved this book as much as Judith McNaught's tale "Kingdom of Dreams", and I never thought any book written in this time period would turn my head exceptionally as that one did, but I stand corrected. "A Knight to Remember" is fantastic and Hugh is definately going to make you remember him long after the book is closed...

Tracy Talley~@

I am almost never disappointed in a story by Christina Dodd and A Knight To Remember is no exception. The hero is pigheaded and chauvinistic, but in an endearing lovable way. The heroine is very typical of Christina Dodd's heroines. Intelligent, stubborn, practical and strong.

After being thrown from her home with her two children thanks to her deceased husbands treasonous activities, Lady Edlyn makes her was as an herbalist with a convent. Her world is thrown into chaos when a man holds a knife at her throat demanding she help his injured lord. That injured lord turns out to be a childhood companion she was in love with, Hugh. She saves his life, and in return he forces marriage on her so he can take care of her and her children.

Edlyn is furious at him declaring her fate for her. She has reservations about him because he is a warrior living a life filled with danger, and she keeps a distance from because of this. A Knight To Remember is a wonderful story, and it accurately describes how difficult it was for women during this time in history.

Rebekah's Big Dreams

This book was about a Jewish family, The Levinsky's, who are escaping Russia to start a new, fresh start in America. They get to sail on a big ship, but their grandfather does not get to stay because he does not pass inspections. They must leave with out him. Rebekah gives the rest of the money to him so he can save up to come back to America later. When, they get to America , it is not the dream they were expecting. Rebekah wants to go to school, but she has to stay home to make a living for her family. She waits and whines for what seems like forever so read this book to see what happens. I thought this was a good book because it shows that even if you are poor you can still have dreams.

This was a really good book! It tells about how jewish, scottish, and all other types of peoples come i mean came from other countries to America. A girl named Rebeka Levinsky is the main character in the book. Her family is all admited to the United States except her grandfather who later dies in Russia. She meats new people and finally gets the education she has wnated for so long. Over all i give it 5 stars(like 4.6 or somethin like that). Sorry for all the typoes, I am tryin to work on my typin for school. Odoyle Rules! my email is tylermains_17@hotmail.com if u got any questions.

What a realistic beautiful portrayal of life 100 years ago! The struggle of the immigrants to make it in the States is realistically portrayed. I actually felt like I was there in that awful-smelling steerage hold & the scariness of the storm. I thought it was interesting & neat that three girls from three different countries & religions form a strong bond. Ellis Island was really accurate too; I especially loved the scene where the immigrants see Ms. Liberty (I personally think she's the most beautiful statue in the world!). But what was really true-to-life was the struggle once the Levinskys get to the States & the portrayal of the sweatshop they're forced to work in seven days a week. The descriptions were so vivid that I could actually feel the heat & grime of the garment sweatshop as well as visualize the rampant poverty & noisiness of the Lower East Side of New York. It made me think of how we've come a long ways since, but still have a ways to go. A great historical read for history buffs!

You don't have to get all of Albert Ellis's books like I tried to. Well, I bought three at once and it seems to me, they are pretty much all the same. It's helpful if you want to read more about cognitive behaviorial theraphy but I have found that the best book on this is David Burns' "Feeling Good" which is really worth it weight in gold. Sorry Dr. Ellis, your books are fine but not as good as Burns' book, I have found.

After reading Burns' if you want to read more, go ahead and buy one of Ellis's books and if you like it, read more, but again, Ellis's books seem all pretty similar to me. If you read the bibliography of Ellis's books, he has written dozens which focus on everything from sexual disfucntions to relationship problems, so, be choosy about books of his you buy, but again, if you want to not be miserable but feel good (at least a whole lot better), the FIRST if not the ONLY book is David Burns' "Feeling Good." (SEE MY REVIEW)

We all tend to carry in our heads some false messages which are self-defeating. By changing these tapes and getting rid of irrational thoughts we can then live happier and more successful lives, according to Ellis.

The theory of Rational Emotive Therapy is really quite simple. So is its practice. RET cuts right to the heart of the problem.Anyone giving RET a try as described in this book will probably reap distinct benefits with virtually no risk and little effort compared with other more time-consuming therapies.

Of my greatest irrational beliefs, the worst was that I was that my life had a greater meaning for this world than anyone else's. After suffering from a panic/anxiety disorder for several years, I was given this book by my therapist. I had partially convinced myself that the philosophical foundation for it was entirely too simple. Don't we all beleive that? "My case is a special one.", No My panic attacks aren't because of that, you're not understanding me." , "No one will ever understand why I feel this way." These are exactly the kinds of irrational beliefs that this book can put an end to. It's been in my possession for two weeks, and in that time I have had peace and clarity and a sense of mastery over my anxiety I have never had before. You're not different. You're not being singled out by God. Your belief that you are is the kind of irrational thinking that means you're right for this book. You're a human. Anxiety is part of life. Learn to cope with it rationally.

Did you ever wonder just how the soldier, Crusader, and lover of the pleasures of life became the Benedictine monk known as Brother Cadfael? In this wonderful collection of short stories, you will discover the answer to your question. (In fact, the spiritual journey of the good brother will not be totally alien to those in the 21st century who find themselves searching for fulfillment in a materialistic world. But I digress.)

Although not as deep or complex as the full-length novels, "A Rare Benedictine" will serve as a welcome addition for those already addicted to Brother Cadfael.

Four Stars.

In 1120, Cadfael saw "A Light on the Road to Woodstock". Roger Mauduit's father deeded a manor to the abbey of Shrewsbury, which granted it back to him as a life tenant. The old man and Abbot Fulchered trusted one another, and were careless with the charter's actual wording. Now that both principals and all the witnesses have passed away, Roger has brought suit against the abbey that the tenancy is hereditary, and should remain with him, so Mauduit and the abbey's representative, Prior Heribert, are bringing the case before King Henry at Woodstock. Prior Heribert is armed with the abbey's correspondence with old man Mauduit as proof of intent.

Unfortunately, Mauduit knows his only hope is to keep Heribert from appearing in court, so the King will find for Mauduit in default. When 'footpads in the forest' kidnap Heribert, Cadfael (a Welsh armsman temporarily in Mauduit's employ) becomes suspicious. (This story also describes the first few stones that grew into the avalanche of the civil war between the Empress Maud (the King's daughter) and King Stephen.)

"The Price of Light" In 1135, Hamo FitzHamon, a harsh, self-indulgent lord of 2 manors, takes thought for his soul, when his sixtieth year greets him with a mild seizure. On the theory that the prayers of the brothers carry more weight with Heaven than those of ordinary recipients of charity, he has arrived at Shrewsbury for Christmas with his young wife, to conclude a charter arranging payment for the lighting of Mary's altar, and to gift the altar with 2 exquisite silver candlesticks (despite the custodian's opinion that the value of the candlesticks would be better sent to the almoner in this harsh winter). When the candlesticks disappear from the altar, half-blind Brother Jordan, who knows the value of light better than anyone, says that he has witnessed a miracle, of which he may not speak for 3 days.

"Eye Witness" A few days before the abbey's annual rents fall due, poor Brother Ambrose has fallen ill, and the abbey has had to hire a lay clerk to handle the paperwork. Master William, the abbey's steward, takes Ambrose's illness as almost a personal insult, but he's a complaining sort of man, whose worst cross to bear is his wild, continually-in-debt son. The day that Master William collects the rents, Madog of the Dead Boat fishes him out of the river - knocked out from behind, robbed, and thrown into the river for dead, but rescued just short of drowning. Cadfael, knowing that the church attic overlooks the scene of the attack, persuades old Rhodri the beggar (who sleeps up there) to help him bait a trap for the thief.

I spoke with a woman recently who visited Shrewsbury, England and toured the 'Brother Cadfael' sites. The tour guide mentioned that one of the most common questions she gets is 'Where is Brother Cadfael buried?' The answer of course is in Ellis Peters' novels. A combination of murder mystery, Benedictine spirituality, and English 12th century life-history-culture make Peters' novels my favorite series of the many English mystery writers. For other titles on Benedictine spirituality in the daily life of 21st century non-monastics look at these books:

The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home, by David Robinson (NY: Crossroad, 2000); Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today, Joan Chittister (OSB).