To put it quite simply, after reading four of Jeanette Baker's books in the last couple years, I am hooked. IRISH LADY was the first of several of her older books that I have read and it is as compelling, if not more so, that her current contemporaries. IRISH LADY, with a bit of the paranormal mixed in, is two stories in one. The first, a story set in the 20th C. amidst Northern Ireland's "Troubles" and the second set in 16th C.Ireland around the time of the "Flight of the Earls" but also dealing with the Irish political scene and the long fight with the British. There is plenty of romance in both stories as well and although there are painful scenes, the story is ultimately one of good triumphing and of love nearly conquering all. Those familiar with Irish History will enjoy seeing it come to life via Baker's words. Those unfamiliar will still be taken in by Baker's marvelous storytelling abilities. I can't recommend this book enough and know of no better proof of this than to say I am glad I already have the rest of her books and am now reading her book NELL (winner of the 2000 Rita for best paranormal romance).

AS lover of anything Irish, and a recent visitor to Northern Ireland, I couldn't help but find myself back there again, seeing it thru the eyes of the characters of this book. The author has done a wonderful job of making the recent & far past history of this very historical part of the world come alive, and combining it with a very touching love story. thanks for the good read!

After reading IRISH LADY in one sitting, I sat down and read it again. This beautifully crafted work is much too special to be thought of as simply another romance novel. This story of Meghann, who escapes from her Belfast past to become a successful London attorney, and Michael, a former IRA soldier is both intense and ethereal. Both Meghann and Michael must come to terms with the past while securing their future together. Through the wisdom of Nuala O'Donnell, a 16th c. ancestor, Meghann reconciles herself to her heritage, her convictions, and her heart.

If you are unfamiliar with Irish nationalism, one read of this book will well acquaint you with it. You'll finally understand what Bono was saying when U2 recorded "Sunday, Bloody Sunday". Though Ms. Baker does take liberties with the history of the 16th c. (which she admits in her notes), her insight into modern Irish nationalist politics is right on target.

IRISH LADY is a truly wonderful book with realistic and vivid characters, a smart plot, and crisp writing. This is a keeper.

Since there are several synopsis already listed, I'll just say, Laura Baker gives a true feeling of the southwest, and I compare her favorably with Tony Hillerman. Her descriptions are eloquent and I look forward to reading more of her books. Having recently moved from New Mexico to the midwest, reading Legend made me homesick.

Ainii and Jackson are all too human in their dreams and fears. All too human in their desires. But within them lies the power to face the beast and find the balance. Laura Baker does a superb job blending mysticism and romance into a stunning story of good versus evil . . . of love. This is the first of her books that I've read, but it certainly won't be the last. I just ordered Stargazer!

I guessed quickly who was the Yenaldlooshi, but still I was surprised by the reality. I almost cried when the Yenaldlooshi was killed, for I did not want him to die. Even though he was responsable for a series of brutal murders. He was only human, battling a great evil. That is essentially what this book is about, the battle between good and evil. Jackson Walker, who's own mysterious past leads back to the reservation and Ainnii's father, has no belief in the supernatural, until he is forced to face its reality. I couldn't leave the book until I had read all the way through and even now, my mind shifts through the hidden facets of the story and in my heart, there is a deep saddness for the Yenaldlooshi, the true victim in the novel.

Very informative. A must have if you are planning a trip and are not familiar with Jamaican culture.

I have used four different guidebooks in two trips to Jamaica in the past two years. This Lonely Planet guide is clearly the most thorough and comprehensive (although the others are more than adequate). I can't think of anything of significance that was left out, and I've been studying the island for 30 years now. That said, it's probably far more than most tourists to Jamaica will need or want. The vast majority go to major resorts for fun in the sun. If that is your intent, then this book will be very helpful to you in planning your trip--choosing a place to go, places to eat and stay, and things to do-but so will the other guides. This is, however, the guide par excellence for those who want to know as much as possible about Jamaica, its people and culture, and who will be traveling around the island, perhaps to areas remote from the tourist industry, for an extended period of time. It will be invaluable for anyone who is moving to Jamaica and working there-such as missionaries, teachers, embassy staff, and Peace Corps volunteers.

The guide starts with an excellent 66 page overview of the island that you should read before you go. It also has a great 47 page history of popular music. And lots of beautiful color photographs. Followed by detailed information on where to go, where to stay, and what to do in every area of the country. Along with priceless sage advice on the local culture. The author really knows his way around the country and the people. It can be a tricky place to be, and most tourists don't venture far from the resort areas, so if you are going cross-country on your own then you should definitely read what he has to say.

Because it is so comprehensive and informative, I can also recommend this guide as a beginning reference on Jamaica. I don't know any other book where you can learn so much about the country between two covers.

You can rely on this guide totally. And, by the way, it's a tough book too, with a stitched spine to keep it together, so it won't fall apart before your next trip to Jamaica.

This is the guidebook that answers all of the questions you might have about this beautiful country. I was able to enjoy 2 wonderful weeks in Negril, and planned most of my activities, hotel accomodations, restaurant visits, entertainment, and transportation using this book. What I appreciate most about Lonely Planet books is that they give information on all of the towns in a given country - not just the big resort places. The ratings of hotels and restaurants was very accurate, as were the maps. They tell you the good, the bad and the ugly in realistic terms that make getting around a breeze. This book is a must if you are planning to travel to Jamaica!!

I first read Baring-Gould's biography back in 1975, and it was my first REAL exposure to The Game -- the treatment of Sherlock Holmes as a living person and the art of speculating about The Master's life from the clues dropped by Watson in the original stories. I'm delighted that this book is still available.

Baring-Gould presents as good a chronology of the Doyle tales as anyone, and he "fills in the blanks" delightfully. (Imagine Holmes fighting a prehistoric bird in hand-to-talon combat on the deck of a freighter! It's true!!)

Baring-Gould obviously had a damn good time writing this extraordinary, and definitive, biography of Sherlock. And if you've already devoured the original 60 stories, dive into this book. Then set it alongside your copies of the Doyle books. It deserves a place there.

Baring-Gould is the greatest chronicler of the Holmesian canon. His annotated version is a must for every enthusiast. Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street is the biography of the man, put together from the many stories. "It was the year in which Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden...."."Unaccountably, the Almanac fails to list perhaps the most memorable event of that same memorable year. It was the birth, in the early hours of the morning of Friday, January 6, of a third and last son to Siger and Violet Holmes, at the farmstead of Mycroft in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England, a district famous for its horse-breeding stables and its wind-swept--"wuthering" - heights." You will read about the birth of the man, his family, his brother, etc. You will enter with him into his friendship with Watson (also Watson's youth) and their adventures. Please bring this book back in print. It is a must.

W.S. Baring-Gould's classic biography of Holmes is brilliant from start to finish. Arguably the greatest Sherlockian scholar ever, Baring-Gould assembles the details of Holmes's life from isolated references in the canonical stories and indulges himself in some inferential reasoning as to some of the missing information: he contends, for example, that a certain well-known U.S. consulting detective is actually the child of Holmes and Irene Adler. (Some of his speculations on other matters have been borne out by the discovery of a lost manuscript published by Nicholas Meyer under the title _The Seven Per Cent Solution_.)

Readers of this work will also want to find a copy of Baring-Gould's masterly _The Annotated Sherlock Holmes_ if possible. These kids writing Holmes pastiches today just don't know what the hell they're doing :-).

I have no children of my own but have been a nanny for 6 years. Of all the stories I've read . . . this is by far the best! I give it to every person I know with children! Thank you for such a wonderful story, such beautiful artwork and such wonderful sounds!

This is a true picture book-as the pictures tell the story beyond the words. The illustrations go the distance for story time reading, as well as working for up close inspection (be sure to look for that unconcerned snail on every page!). I just never tire of this book and its illustrations, and I have been a fan of it for six years. The illustration of carp, tiger, and jungle folliage provide visual saturation satisfaction. The simple repetitious rhymes are fun to say, they roll off the lips in a way not always found in rhyming text, with wonderful repeating sounds. The story message is sweet, loud and clear, yet subtle at the same time. Thank you for this gem, Mr. Baker!

A gentle reminder that we are not all so different after all.

My two young boys love this book - just as they love The Magic Fan by the same author. It's one of their favorite bedtime stories.

The illustrations feature some of the most beautiful colors and overall design. My kids really like the way the artwork goes all the way to the edge of the page.

We'll probably buy everything else by this author.

Great variety - especially in the art styles, tone and energy - will keep you looking forward to each story. The stories themselves are very interesting. Whether it's epic battle, insightful character work, humorous genre pieces, or even abstracted explorations, these artists did a wonderful job. I can't wait for the sequel!

A fun book. Lots of sillyness, a little romance, a little drama, all from a fan based perspective.
The high point was the film noir/50's sci-fi murder mystery, "Hazzard Von Braun, Astronaut Detective". Purposfully campy, definitely fun.
It's a thick book and a good read. Highly recommended!

I really liked this book. It was a chance for me to see more than one aspect of anime. It also gave me a taste of what each of the artists can do. I look forward to seeing more from each artist. I gave the book to friends and family to read and they too seem to have enjoyed it. Most of them didn't know what anime was, so this was a great introduction for them.

Currently I am a student teacher, and I used the Magic Fan as one of my selections to discuss multi-culturalism in my class. The Magic Fan is a wonderful example of how different people within a village can help each other while still continue to follow their dreams. Yoshi's discovery that the magic for his great works came from within and children should look and trust what they see within themselves. My class was rivited to the reading and had some very interesting discussions about other projects Yoshi might have attempted. This is a wonderful book for any child's home library!

I'm a firm believer in the power of The Magic Fan. I'm sure you will also be after only one reading. This book holds a powerful lesson behind it's beautiful art -- that of self-discovery, independence, and character. I highly recommend this book to parents, adults, and kids of any age!

This beautifully illustrated Japanese fable by Keith Baker has long been one of my favorite children's books. I am a music teacher of young children and at the end of their first grade classes with me, we turn "The Magic Fan" into a musical movie, complete with costumes, children playing instruments copying Japanese instruments, dancing girls, script, Yoshi, singing of "Sakura" (a Japanese folksong) and even the great tsunami. I have written to Keith Baker many times telling him how great this book is and how much not only my students love it, but how much they learn from it. I believe they could help Mr. Baker write a sequel to this.
Lynne Cox

When I was in Havana (3/2001) I brought a stack of guide books to help me navigate around Cuba (and especially Havana). The top award goes to the prolific author Christopher Baker, who wrote "Havana Handbook" and "Cuba" (both are published by Avalon Travel).

In Havana Handbook Christopher Baker gives you a solid introduction to Havana and Cuba, a good, but basic, general travel information section. His two books have the best accommodations, restaurants and sights-to-see reviews and recommendations available today. He also provides excellent tables & lists of pertinent subjects, good black & white photos, scores of side bar topics that are full of informative caveats, and the beginning of web site and Internet addresses.

The only improvement I can recommend to Avalon Travel and Christopher Baker (are you listening?) would be more, much more, email addresses (especially for the hotels) additional online sources and additional maps (i.e., Baker recommends three great walking tours through Havana and these need maps). However, I have reviewed other Moon Handbooks and the Havana Handbook's maps and scattered inclusions of online resources are a real improvement over other Moon Handbooks.

So, if you are going to visit JUST Havana, and you don't want to cart around Christopher Baker's definitive, 827 page "Cuba" (Highly Recommended - see review), then this 368-page guidebook is very good and reliable choice. BUT, for three dollars more I would buy Christopher Baker's "Cuba". Regardless Christopher Baker has written a tour guide unmatched by any other Cuba guide book. Recommended

I spent a month in Cuba guided by this book. Not only does it have great information for the essential activities like eating and sleeping, but it has an incredible amount of information about the country. If you find yourself without a book to read while traveling, Chris' guide book is great for educational reading material - packed with historical and cultural reading. At first I scoffed at his tendency to flowery writing - "with water as warm as bedtime milk" but after growing accostomed to his style we began to think of Chris as our travel buddy and the other travel books brought by my travel partners were soon buried deep in backpacks - Chris' book was the only one we needed.

I have been all over Cuba, and Baker was an excellent guide. No other book goes into the detail for off the beaten track travel.

This book was reality check for myself. Although I grew up in the church I never thanked God for all that he has done in my life. I can appreciate and can relate to some of the pain this woman went through. I don't think I could have written about my life for people to read and comment on. This was a brave step toward healing. God played a role in the writting of this book and Sister Baker has overcome a lot and the fact that she is willing to share her story with the world makes it even better. I'm going to share this book with a few other people because it has given me some things to think about. I wish that she would write something more about "Praying the Knuckleheads out of your life" because that hit home for me. God bless her and I hope to read more of her writing in the future.

Book of encouragement! It makes you self-evaluate yourself.
We have one time or another gone through the PAIN and but what sweet relief to know that GOD is still in our corner. Recommend this book to those who need a SWEET DELIVERANCE! Thank-you Ms. Baker for sharing your experience(s) with us in order to help others!

A must read for Christian prayer warriors. Tina Baker invites those who pray to get in touch with a greater depth of relationship with God by acknowledging pain and allowing God's amazing Grace to sustain us and empower us to be stronger witnesses. She writes an invitation for all to get serious about the efficacy of prayer. Awesome!

A nice alternate translation, with updated, but not necessarily "Modern" english.

Thanks be to the Lord God for a second English translation Bible with the Textus Receptus-based New Testament.

Together with Mr J.P. Green's LITV, it has formed "the tripartite" for this reviewer, viz. KJV-LITV-YLT.

Feedback:
Has unusual binding for such a thick 'book'- looks dangerously weak.
It being paperback may well limit its robustness.
The font size is small, tough on the eyes truly.

not withstanding the its physical form, precious 66 books to possess & read.

may the authorized publisher see this review and give us a bigger font and leather bound version very soon.

The Hebrews had a dynamic way of saying things. They would speak of past circumstances in the present tense to pull you into the middle of it, to let you experience it. They would use the past tense to show that future things will definitely come to pass, thus assuring that God's promises are a sure thing. Also, there are many times when modern translations hide the actual meaning of the Hebrew by converting a present-tense verb into the future tense, thus veiling the fact that the verse is speaking of what should be a present, everyday experience rather than one waiting to happen. Good examples would be Psalm 1 where the last verse is usually translated "shall perish" wheras the Hebrew tense says "has perished" showing the definiteness that the ungodly will definitely perish; in other words, the Hebrew says that it's as good as done. Also, verse 3 ususally reads "whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper." But the actual Hebrew tenses agree with New Testament teaching, for it truly says "whose leaf also does not wither, and whatever he does propers." That's right: It's not simply a promise for the future, but a promise for the present everyday life of God's people. And there's more than that. Other translations of the Old Testament reset the tenses of the Hebrew verbs based on a fallicy that the Hebrew letter Waw or Vav had a converting power over the tense. But no language of that time including Hebrew showed any such conversive grammar. And the translators have broken their own rule about the Waw conversive uncountable times. If you want to read the Old Testament in the dynamic presentation of actual Hebrew tenses, this is the only Bible that stays true to it. And don't worry about knowing how the Hebrew tenses work. Young explains it pretty simply in the front of the Bible and also gives more details for the "intellectual." If you read this translation in the Old Testament, you won't read the Old Testament the same way again.

Contrary to the Amazon note on this book, the book is not out of print.