Choices was a holiday gift to me in 1996 and I was surprised to discover a Southern writer who had written so many books that I'd not heard of. Then, once I read Choices, I was really amazed that I'd missed a writer of such quality with such a compelling story to tell. Because my books circulate to family and friends, this copy of Choices has been dropped in the ocean or bathtub or both and now bears a fair amount of tape.But it's battered condition shows the number of folks that have enjoyed it; each exclaims that this is such a good book.

As a Lit major I have read a lot of books that are blessed with the distinction of being "good literature." Choices is easily my favorite in my long list of quality books. Being able to follow the development of one character so intensly is sastisfying and Mary Lee Settle did a perfect job of making Melinda's life one to get involved in.

*Choices* is exquisitely written, epic in scope yet deeplypersonal. I found myself completely caught up in it.

I have read a few of the "Christmas In My Heart" Books, and I find each one worthwhile. Although the stories are very sentimental, Christmas, more than any other time of year, is a sentimental season. Probably the greatest asset of this collection (and the other volumes)is the diversity of the stories. The stories range from ones that can be shared with small children ("Small Things") to ones adults would enjoy ("Pandora's Books" in this volume and "Meditation in a Minor Key" in volume 1). While most of the stories are quite old (19th century/early 20th), there are also more recent ones ("Matthew, Mark, Luke,and John" - post Korean War). Each story is deeply moving and refocuses the reader's attention from the hassle of shopping and writing cards to the true meaning of Christmas. The stories are inspirational and heart warming.

My daughter has been going to sleep to the sound of these stories (we have all the volumes) for several years now. She listens to them year round, not just at Christmastime.

One of the reasons they last so long, is that she is usually asleep before the end of the story!

I have read several of the "Christmas In My Heart" Collections and find each worthwhile. While the stories are sentimental, they do remind the reader of the true meaning of Christmas. The stories vary in diversity, which is a great asset to this collection. Some are quite "old-fashioned" (19th century/early 20th century stories), while others are more recent. Some can be shared with small children, while others would greatly appeal to adults ("Meditation in a Minor Key" is my personal favorite). Reading this collection (or any of the other volumes)is a great way to unwind after a day spend shopping. The colleciton is a reminder of what our true focus should be on Christmas.

This book is good for people looking for an ancestor, it includes a roster of the regiment with their service records.

This well researched book provides valuable information on the 2nd Georgia Cavalry Regiment as well as other units that served under Generals Wheeler, Forrest, Wharton, and Harrison. In addition to its interesting and well researched narrative it contains an expanded roster of the regiment, a very useful bibliography, and an index. It is a welcome addition to the library of books on Confederate Cavalry in the Western Theater and an invaluable resource if you have ancestors who served in the regiment...

Cracker Cavaliers: The 2nd Georgia Cavalry Under Wheeler And Forrest is the battlefield history of the Second Georgia Confederate cavalry unit from its first engagement with Union forces in 1862 under General Nathan Bedford Forrest at Murfreesboro to its desperate and brutal battles with Union cavalry in the Carolinas during 1865. The Second Georgia fought almost constantly throughout the course of the Civil War from Perryville, Stones River, and Chickamauga to Mossy Creek, Sunshine Church, and Waynesboro. Many of these conflicts are obscure and relatively unknown to general histories of the war. John Poole has undertaken a meticulous historical research to produce this comprehensive, articulate and definitive history of the Second Georgia that will be immensely appreciated by both the academic community and the Civil War military buff.

Successful businessman Wynn Bryant is approached by his brother-in-law, the governor of Florida, to take over the position of congressman Hutchings, who has recently suffered a stroke. Wynn refuses, but quickly learns he has no choice, and the reason becomes clear...Legislation has recently put together the Jubilee Amendment which is to relieve Third World countries of their debt, and the governor was this squashed, no matter what the cost.

Jackie Havilland is working for a small detective agency when she is approached with a mysterious and unusual request...Esther Hutchings wants Jackie to find out who is behind the smear campaign of her husband, and make sure the Jubilee Amendment is passed.

As Jackie and Wynn become deeper involved in their assignments they realize there is a far reaching conspiracy, one that involves a secret project called Tsunami. Tsunami is the biggest currency scam in history, one that congressman Hutchings was investigating before his stroke. Before long Jackie and Wynn are faced with a deadly race against time with powerful forces. Forces that will kill anyone that gets in the way of their plan to reshape world economy.

'Drummer In The Dark' is a great follow-up to the best-selling 'The Great Divide.' T. Davis Bunn has switched gears, and instead of giving us another legal thriller, he has given a fast-paced political thriller laced with intrigue. The plot, while complex, is well written, and easy to follow, with plot twists at every turn, and enough shocks to keep you turning the pages.

T. Davis Bunn is quickly jumping into the forefront of thriller writers, and proving he is a skilled storyteller with a knack for churning out bestsellers.

Nick Gonnella

T. Davis Bunn can be counted on to do his research on any of his books which enables the reader to learn about an issue, while at the same time, being totally entertained. I was fascinated by the world of traders who trade millions in one day and how that affects the world's economy. It was so suspenseful, I could not put this book down. Best of all, it was tasteful. As a Christian, there was nothing about this book that offended me. In fact, just the opposite was true. I was inspired by anothers intention to make a difference.

T. Davis Bunn keeps getting better. Wow! I thought he'd found his niche with "The Great Divide" (his legal thriller), but this book of political and financial intrigue raises the standard even higher. I'm not a big stocks and funds enthusiast, but Bunn manages to create a suspenseful and well-researched plot that hooked me early on. He works in a credible idea of dealing with Third World debt that I particularly found interesting. Beyond his obvious knowledge of the subject, Bunn creates believable characters and writes with a narrative flair that I personally love. His story is complex and maybe too intertwined for some to delve into, but I couldn't get enough.

As the title of this review suggests, I did lose sleep finishing this book. But the title is stolen from Bunn's own writing. "Jackie's eyelids felt coated with shards from the hourglass of lost sleep." It's writing such as this, passionate and imaginative, that make the political and financial arena come alive. Jackie and Wynn, the two protaganists, are complex characters whom I came to care for. Although the spiritual lessons are muted and few, Bunn works in heartfelt and very real spiritual thoughts without seeming preachy.

With a recent batch of superlative novels by Christian authors("When Heaven Weeps" by Ted Dekker and "The List" by Robert Whitlow, to name a few), I must include "Drummer in the Dark" as one of my favorites.

In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson assigns his friend fellow Virginian Meriweather Lewis to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Lewis asks William Clark to co-command the daring expedition. When they complete their mission, a country is dazzled by their accomplishments and worships the courageous duo as heroes. Clark goes on to live a productive life basking in the glory of a living legend. However, Lewis goes into a state of mental decline that culminates in 1809 when he apparently committed suicide speculated by this novelization of their post expedition lives as caused by third-stage syphilis induced dementia.

ECLIPSE is a wonderful biographical fiction that uses Lewis and Clark to narrate alternate chapters as their lives following the expedition is vividly described. The novel is well written and brings a slice of a bygone era to life through an in depth psychological drama. Fans who prefer action-packed non-stop action will find the book a tad slow, but those in the audience who want to hear the rest of the story will appreciate this early nineteenth century Americana novelization.

Harriet Klausner

Eclipse - A Novel of Lewis and Clark, by Richard S. Wheeler, is a book I could not put down until I finished it. Wheeler turns the aftermath of Louis and Clark's historic trek into a gripping novel with vividly portrayed characters and an engaging plot. The title characters are far more than just historically significant. They also have flaws, rivals, financial difficulties, diseases, and other problems resulting in large part from their heroic deeds. I highly recommend this book to all readers.

The historical accuracy of ECLIPSE is a credit to the author's careful research. He ties together the known events in the life of these well-known American heroes, using his extensive knowledge of the nineteenth century. Fiction it is, but it is also very true to the known facts. The book "reads well", never boring, never dull. ECLIPSE is a fine addition to the many books about Lewis and Clark, especially as we celebrate the 200th year of their expedition to the Pacific and back.

...the better you improve your chances in having a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Isn't this just common sense? Too many people marry one another without REALLY knowing their partner. They don't ask enough questions during their first months of dating. It's just common sense to do so, but many just won't get into that area in detail. This book will help you greatly when it comes to asking the right questions. Many think that if they are in love, get along and have things in common, these are the only things that matters. Little do they realize that things can change after living together under the same roof for years on end. Asking compatibility questions is what's really needed. The only drawback to this book is that it doesn't get into the area of sex questions for men. Nearly all men think sex plays a major role in a healthy relationship, so of course they need to make sure the woman thinks the same thing. AND WILL CONTINUE TO THINK THE SAME THING FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. This book doesn't go there. Neverthelesss, it's still worth reading. Perry Rose, author of Women, Sex And Dating, For The Single Man & I Love You...Will You Marry Me?!

This book was highly recommended to me by a friend who recently got married. I decided reading a bit more about life, women, dating, and marriage couldn't hurt in my pursuit of the woman of my dreams. Before the Ring answers many questions that young adults face (teens and 20 somethings). It also provides a helpful guide of questions which are meant to be answered either alone or with your significant other. Great conversations have happened because of this book, and although I'm not any closer to getting married, I feel more secure in who I am and can therefore prepare myself to be a better husband. Great book for men or women. I also recommend Joshua Harris' book "Boy Meets Girl" if you're not sure you want to get married or you're confused.

My boyfriend and I did this book and it really helped us to know that we were a good match. We agreed on a lot of issues that we both felt would be very important to a marriage. I highly recommend this book if you think you have found the one you want to spend your life with as it gives practical questions and helps to show not just areas where you agree but also areas where you will have to discuss to see if you can live with what your future spouse will believe on certain issues.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as the author not only presents a great many recipes, but also includes a very good discussion of brewing techniques (after saying that to do so would be redundant!) I found his discussion of mashing techniques to be one of the more organized I have read in a homebrewers manual. He is also upbeat about the possibility of culturing yeasts from such Belgian beers as Orval and Chimay--this has definitely encouraged me to try to do so. Read this if you like "clone brews" and are willing to tackle the necessary mashing schedules for lagers, especially pilsners.

This book was brought to my attention by my local homebrew store. It has lots of good recipes for brand name beers - some that you even buy in the U.S. It has the recipe for one of my favorites - Paulaner Salavator. Nearly all recipes are for grain brewing but a there are some (maybe 1/3) that give sketchy info on brewing with malt extracts.

An extensive and excellent collection of recipes extrapolated from the information supplied by the breweries, not fantasy like some other clone books. Most major (and many less well known) German, Belgian, Austrian, British and Czech beers are here. The instructions are clear and concise, and are reprinted from his book "Homebrewing: A CAMRA Guide". There is a very good section on souring beers to replicate Berliner Wheats, Lambics and other soured ales. Recipes are given in metric, UK and US units. All recipes are for grain brewers, but Wheeler provides extract alternatives where possible. A must have.

If you're cooking in a cramped space (boat, travel trailer, mountain cabin or tiny kitchen) and you do not have the time, skills or inclinations [like some people] and want flexibility with menus: buy this book. Thompson & Wheeler have mastered the above and done us all a favor in passing on both their recipes and tips. You can 'create a gracious meal with a minimum of fuss' using Feasts Afloat. Not only are the menus creative and good, they are fast and I use them daily when I am on the run.

The recipes lend themselves to quick preparation. The 'Grilled Ginger Chicken' is a must try and the 'Fresh Lime Pie' was quick and great tasting. Ten Speed Press has done an great job in printing the color photos. This book has so many beautiful photos that it verges on the edge of being a 'coffee table' book, rather than a cookbook. Scores of photos illustrate in vivid color what the finished dish looks like and there are great sailing shots too. The side bars have helpful hints. The cover is made of a strong treated (water resistant) covering.

This is an excellent book for those cooking on boats, and a very good book for those cooking in small kitchen spaces. Recommended 4 1/2stars

Owning both a sailboat and motorhome, my mother who is a terrible cook (something a son should never admit) recommended Feasts Afoat. I found this book very helpful for both on the water and on the road. Most of the recipes used 6 or less ingredients and required minimal storage. Cooking is one of my hobbies, I would rate this book gourmet quality.

I have used this book for years as the "Yachting Cookbook" and been one of those who tried to locate additional copies through out-of-print searches and in obscure coastal bookstores so I could give it to friends. I was delighted to find it republished. It is a marvelous book filled with delicious ideas for meals that are uncomplicated masterpieces. My husband likes to tell people that he "single-handed" our 49' sailboat around Vancouver Island with a "splendid cook". The credit for the meals goes to this book. Incidently, if you read Wm Buckley's "Racing Through Paradise", Liz Wheeler was the cook on that voyage and many recipes that are praised in that book are included "Feasts Afloat"

I have no experience off-roading at all. I am in search of a decent off-road vehicle to access my new cottage that is in the bush. I bought this book to learn about off-roading and what to look for in a vehicle.

I does not talk about specific vehicles at all, the author tries hard to avoid that. It does mention all vehicles a bit, but never says which is better or anything like that. If at all, it's a little US biased towards US built vehicles.

It does however give good overviews of many different things like differentials, tires, wheelbases, vehicle lengths, gear you should have, lifting, etc. All in a general way.

It's a good book and I feel it was worth the money. Good luck!

I'm telling all my friends about this book. It's the most complete, in-depth book on 4-wheeling I've ever read. It's packed with so many eye-popping color photos, at times, I thought I was actually on the trail. Jim Allen's down-home style had me laughing out loud. Whether you've been 4-wheeling for years or just bought your first SUV, you won't be able to put this book down.

The 224-page book covers everthing you need to know before, during and after 4-wheeling. Topics include: attitudes and ethics, preparation, emergencies, beginner to advanced mechanics, tires, traction, vehicle modifications, tools, equipment, recovery techniques, navigation and much more. In his unique, tongue-in-cheek style, Allen talks about testosterone poisoning, Chop Suey Mud, vehicular hemorrhages, the battle for traction, what's the diff, manhandling, and the winching hall of shame. You'll learn such things as when anti-lock brakes are dangerous, what to do when a spotter holds up two clenched fists, how to safely step over a winch cable and how to avoid embarrassment by having that one piece of equipment every 4x4 should have.

Don't miss this chance to capitalize on Allen's 28 years of 4-wheeling experience. His credentials include time as off-highway-driving instructor and master technician for Land Rover as well as twenty years wrenching his own vehicles. He is an accomplished photographer and has written six books and nearly 1,500 magazine articles on 4-wheeling.

This book really tells you almost everything you need to know to go four-wheeling. Even if you've never done it before, this book will start you out easy. But the more technical information is there for more advanced drivers. It also has lots of great photos and the explanations of techniques and buildup tips are very clear, yet very detailed. This is a book that will make you ready to grab your keys and hit the trails.

With the third offering in Joan Medlicott's popular Covington series her trio of silver haired ladies have grown older but apparently not incrementally wiser. Amelia is as credulous and wide-eyed as ever, competent, blustery Hannah still says the wrong thing, and kind hearted Grace with the ever present bandanna tucked into skirt waistband toils in the kitchen. Nonetheless, their irrepressible spirits suggest that life doesn't begin at 40 but rather at 65.

Since leaving Pennsylvania for a farm in Covington, North Carolina, the adventuresome triumvirate has survived fire, a duplicitous suitor, a failed business, greedy land developers, and annual invasions of ladybugs.

It is now 1999 and the Y2K scare is approaching. But, the greatest challenges facing the ladies involve their hearts as woes beset family and friends.

Hannah's estranged daughter, Laura, has been seriously injured in a hurricane, a storm that killed the man she loved. The young woman Hannah describes as "hard to handle, rebellious," is invited to recuperate at the farm. Covered with scars, her leg in a cast, sedated for the journey, Laura arrives. She is in physical pain, and emotionally bereft.

In addition, Laura finds much at the farm irritating; "...the creak of the porch floor under the ladies' rocking chairs, the minuscule bathroom that forced her to leave the door ajar with her toes out in the hall."

Surprisingly, it is Amelia who makes the first breakthrough. Recalling the depression she felt when her husband died, she is able to establish a fragile bond with the young woman, eventually forging a friendship over bowls of coffee ice cream.

However, Amelia soon finds more to occupy her mind. Her recently found talent for photography proves to be more than a hobby when her work is selected for showing at a New York gallery.

Hannah is filled with anticipation after she is asked to be director of the Bella Maxwell Park and Preserve, gardens, hiking trails, campsites, museums, and "a living Indian village" to be established on the 700 acres of land saved from developers' strip malls.

It would seem that the ladies' lives are taking different paths as Grace receives a call from a dear friend, Brenda, who has just learned that her husband is terminally ill. As always, Grace finds a way to help.

To compound this concern, Grace is diagnosed with diabetes, a fact she resolutely denies, and she is worried about Lucy, a young friend. Officials suspect that Lucy may be an abuse victim. Grace also fears that her son, Roger, will be unfaithful to his longtime companion.

Sound like a soap opera? At times it is. Yet, it is an opera filled with sustaining values - friendship, loyalty, kindness, and love. Granted, there are times when one would like Grace's indignation to be expressed a bit more forcefully than wanting to "snatch back a bandanna" she has given or one is tempted to push Hannah into communicating with her daughter.

Yet once again Medlicott portrays Southern characters with precision and fondness, while decorating her tale with expressive descriptions of seasonal foliage. Fans will welcome From The Heart Of Covington, another year in the life of the ladies and one more reminder of all that glitters in golden years.

The three sixty-something friends (Grace Singleton, Hannah Parrish and Amelia Declose) share a farmhouse in Covington, North Carolina. The trio also once shared the belief that life is over except for waiting to die for the geriatric set. However, the farm provides a cleansing and renewal of spirit for the threesome. Amelia turns to photography and shows plenty of talent. Hannah creates a thriving greenhouse. Grace turns to cooking.

However, not all is perfect. Hannah's daughter Laura barely survived a hurricane that destroyed her boat home and left her severely injured mentally and physically. She moves in with the three elderly women while she struggles to recover. Grace learns she suffers from diabetes, but cannot yet cope with that knowledge. Amelia knows her troubles pale in comparison, but her new thirst for life is in jeopardy as she frets that no one seems to want her photos beyond her immediate friends.

Fans of the Covington novels will enjoy the third tale though in many ways it is repetitious of the previous plots in which the three women confront age with its problems by renewing their lives with so-called youthful undertakings. The story line is fun while providing the message that no one is old if their young at heart, clearly encouraging the audience to do not act as spectators as someone else's life flashes by. FROM THE HEART OF COVINGTON is a well written modern day novel that showcases Joan Medlicott's ability to dramatize people's plights while inspiring readers to live life filled with zest and to the fullest.

Harriet Klausner

The Covington Ladies and their white farmhouse are back! When I saw this newest book I was overjoyed, and stepped back into the lives of Amelia, Grace, and Hannah, without missing a beat. From the Heart of Covington opens with Grace finding Hannah in tears. Hannah's daughter, Laura, was in a hospital in Puerto Rico with severe injuries. She had been living on a houseboat with her boyfriend, and a hurricane had dashed the boat to bits on a reef. The boyfriend was dead, and Laura was emotionally devastated with no place to go to recuperate.

The ladies took Laura in and surrounded her with love and warmth, teaching a lesson of triumph over the depths of despair following the death of a loved one. From The Ladies, Laura learned how to live again, even though she felt that her life was hopeless. She even became a vital part of Covington and the beautiful gardens being built by Hannah.

When Grace discovered that she was diabetic I felt her dismay, because she is a wonderful cook on whom everyone depends for social events. Then when Amelia had a New York display of her fabulous pictures, I was overjoyed for her. The characters in this book are so real that they become like old friends and I find myself worrying about them, laughing with them and anticipating their next adventure.

***** I have such happy times reading about the ongoing lives of Amelia, Hannah, and Grace, that I absolutely hated to finish this book. Many of the scenes are so descriptive and beautiful that this book not only entertains the reader with the adventures of The Ladies, but also pleases the senses with such beautiful visual images that I often read a passage twice just to picture the scene. Joan Medlicott is masterful with her use of personification and metaphors, and I can hardly wait for the next book about The Ladies. Please let there be another, because I miss them the minute I turn the last page. *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson.