Drawing on vast resources contained in the United States and Spain, this work covers the rich and long early history of the region now known as Texas. Spain controlled this land for over three centuries, before losing it to Americans who moved in to start a new life in the West. Spanish conquistadors, as well as their successes and defeats, make for a fascinating read all by themselves. The book documents their struggles with the French to the east (Louisiana), and how even the early empires feared the newly independent colonies of Great Britain, the United States. The research that went into this book was complete...and it shows. Those interested in the early history of the New World and of Texas are not likely to find a better resource anywhere.

A Spirit of Iron and the first two books in the series were my top favorite books as a little girl. I loved to imagine myself as Mina, riding her horse across the prarie to save her friend. This is an excellent book for children who want to learn about what pioneer life was like. I highly recommend this book and the series!

Edward Swift is one of my favorite authors. This book made me laugh out loud and then weep for joy in knowing that a great author like him is writing and living in our midst. Has Oprah heard about this guy? His book, "My Grandfather's Finger" captured my heart and imagination a few years ago and since then I have read all of his books that I can find in print. Such a gift he has for capturing the souls of human beings on paper. Thank you Edward Swift for touching me in a way that no other author has been able to.

This is a real eye-opener. Who would think it could possibly happen to the same person twice. Should be requred reading for every woman. It certainly says a lot for her that she could find it in her heart to forgive. What is the title of the movie? I don't think one was made, but should have been.

Best cookbook ever and I have an extensive collection. Have worn out two and now seeking my third copy.

This book really is a most for anyone interested in mental health, both students and practitioners.

Wealthy, twelve-year-old Maggie lives in a large house in Galveston, Texas, with her parents in 1900. Lately, Maggie has felt ignored by her parents. The attention her father gives to Felipe, an orphan boy who does chores for the family, makes her believe he would prefer a son. Now that her mother is pregnant, she fears the new baby will take her place in her parents' hearts. When her father takes her mother to the doctor in Houston, Maggie is left alone with the elderly, sickly housekeeper and the grumpy cook. While though the town had expected a hurricane, it never expected the terrible storm that would hit. Even though she resents him, with the storm raging and the waters rising, Maggie may have to turn to Felipe for help if she is going to survive. I reccomend this book to young readers who like historical disaster stories.

I originally stumbled across this book when I typed 'Eason' in the computer at our local library while randomly searching for books. When I read the description I knew that these were my relatives. My family is from all over Texas from before it was a part of the US. This part of the family is from East Texas. My Grandpa Eason last lived in Thicket, TX.
I give this a 5 star rating, not because I'm a relative, but because it is rich with the history and language I know from when I lived near Houston 30+ years ago.

Healing hearts is what it takes to get Darcy Hart and Jackson McMahan past the tragedies in their lives. When these two first meet the sparks fly! But Jackson must rely upon Darcy for veterinarian help with a horse he has stolen from a neighbor.....a selfless cause that gets them on their way to healing. Also meet the other McMahan brothers; Clint whose story it to be told in 'Midnight Faith' coming out in Oct. 2002 and Monte's story to come later.

'Street People,' comprising Paul Perry's award-winning short stories in an arresting collection, is a poignant look at folks whose homes are wherever they are. The stories are not maudlin or oversympathetic, nor are they unnecessarily aesthetic. They are simply presented. And they are teeming with life. People blessed with four walls and a roof, count your blessings. Perry brings to absolute life the stark, matter of fact existences of the homeless, the wanderer, the seeker, the down-and-out. He's a good writer and his subject matter is compelling, but most of all, he's a great storyteller. From the homeless pair whose frustration is laid bare when their dead acquaintance's body lies ignored by the side of the highway for days, to the prostitute who carries her pimp's baby, to the simple act of sheltering in an abandoned automobile on a cold night, these stories touched a deep chord in me. I deeply appreciated that Perry gives these folks, through 'Street People,' credible and legitimate voice. Three cheers for Pocol Press of Virginia, which has begun to anthologize the work of some very talented emerging writers. Support this press and pick up Paul Perry's book -- you'll be pleased on a number of levels that you did.