A couple of items worth noting:

1) There's no "golf in the kingdom"-like mysticism found here like in so many paens to the sport these days. You get the sense right away that Feherty will have none of that [stuff].

2) This book may set the record for the most varied and colorful euphemisms describing the male genitalia.

3) This book may set the record for the most varied and colorful euphemisms describing flatulence and excrement.

4) This book - despite its sophomoric and crude humor - is amazingly literate and quite politically correct (wait'll you get a load of Uncle Dickie's posse).

5) This book is more non-golf than golf. Hats off to the author for showing he can be humorous regardless of the subject.

...and you've gotta love any writer that steals a joke from Billy Connolly & then footnotes the guy when he uses it. Great touch.

I'm the author of THE GREEN and THE FOURSOME, written under the pseudonym "Troon McAllister." It's not often that I get jealous of someone else's writing, but David Feherty has a touch and a voice that is to die for. Never mind the "professional" reviewer who completely misperceives the point of this book (they would call LORD OF THE RINGS "implausible"), silliness is the whole bloody point. NASTY ROUGH is pure whimsy of the best sort, with some parts so hysterically funny it would be just as well you didn't read it with other people in the vicinity.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Sir John, of "Northumberland Dreaming" is a knight in the 1100's, living in Northern England. He lives his life, managing his property and caring for his people and family. The depth of detail as well as his obvious love and caring shines through with each page. Sir John, has a voice that is charming and engaging. His spiritality, his caring and sensitivity, these are all things that draw you in and make you like Sir John. Sitting and reading his book, because it is his book, made me feel as though I were sitting at the feet of some older relative who was telling about "how things were when..." You know him at the end of the book.

Mary Mercker, the author, is actually a descendent of Sir John, but does believe she was him in a past life. She is not merely telling oft told family tales. Missouri born and raised, Mary Mercker went to England and found the ruins and proof of the places that she could see in her head with Sir John's eyes. Included in the book are photos of the present day ruins of the buildings and places that Sir John actually lived in and saw in his daily life. Mary Mercker has written a very important book, not only because it is a wonderful story, but it is a tool to teach about the past. History is not boring if you know those who make it on a personal basis, which you will.

The only warning I would give is this; if you are looking for a quick superficial,New Age read, this is not it. If you love biographies and are interested in an authoritative look at a true life in the Middle Ages, then this book is perfect.

Drogo Ives is more interested in the stars and planets than everyday life, that is until he spies upon a pretty peasant girl who reminds him of moonbeams. The devilishly handsome lord finds himself entranced with the lady who claims she's a witch. With his thoughts turning towards having a family of his own, Drogo soon realizes that Ninian has cast a spell on his heart that can't be broken. A prolific author who is known for her contemporary and historical romances, Patricia Rice makes another stop in the realm of the magical and fantastical with her new novel, "Merely Magic." Rice sprinkles a generous dose of humor throughout her charming story of love and enchantment.

Sharon Galligar Chance - Times Record News

I love the magical theme of MERELY MAGIC. Ninian Malcolm Siddons is a witch with the art of healing those in the village of Wystan beneath the Castle belonging to Earl Drogo Ives, newely returned to the area. Lord Ives doesn't realize all the local folklore about the Malcolm witches and Ives devils. All the Ives' are dark, handsome and extremely virile and always sire males. The Malcolm witches are all women, fair of face with golden locks and they always birth females. They have a bad history that Drogo knows nothing about between the families. It's rumored if the two families intermarry the town will be destroyed. Guess what happens? You'll love the chaos!

There is so much love, magic, and crazy family situations to sort out that I know you are going to love being a part of this magical novel of two extraordinary people who through the magic of love and working together make this an unforgettable story to cherish. I'm hoping to hear more of the Malcolms and Ives' in the future. They are unbelievably fascinating characters that I know Ms. Rice can bring to life with verve.

There are plenty of twists and mayhem in this story, including some personal conflicts which may raise a few eyebrows, but the story seems to lack a "pulse". It is interesting, believable and very well written, but not very exciting. Although this book did not quite tickle my fancy, I would definitely read another Roy Lewis novel without hesitation. His writing is flawless, and he places fascinating characters in unique plots.

Set in northern England, Wolfcleugh Woods and the adjacent bog are a mysterious and colorful locale for the latest in the series that features archaeologist Arnold Landon. He and colleague Portia Tyrrell are assigned to evaluate the archeological significance of an area described in the prologue as shrouded in fear and superstition. The land is the center of a local controversy created by a group of greedy and callous developers eager to build a road to their latest luxury resort, tastelessly named Shangri-La. The landowner is playing reluctant host to a group of enthusiastic and ingenuous environmentalists who are determined to prevent the ruination of the forest. Equally adamant is the archeological team who have recently uncovered a well-preserved centuries-old "bog body" and want to continue undisturbed with their digging and research. The machinations of the developers, the politicians, and the Department of Museums and Antiquities who employ Landon are described in venomous detail, and all of the peripheral players live up to maximal stereotypes. Local policeman also live up to expectations, which includes the soon-to-be-retired but experienced DCI Culpeper pitted against the overly-educated wiseacre young colleagues and an intrusive and condescending superior officer. Violence predictably erupts as the land-related disagreements between the antagonists escalate. When other human remains are turned up and Landon himself stumbles upon a body of quite recent origin, both he and Culpeper must change their perspectives and concentrate on discovering the murderer.

Lewis has once again created a nicely suspenseful mystery with multi-dimensional lead characters in a colorful setting - an overall good read.

So, was it fate or coincidence that their paths should cross again in such dramatic circumstances?

It turns out that Danny is very keen to talk to Tom about the crime he was charged and convicted for. He blames Tom for convincing the jury of his guilt. The rest of the book then deals with the circumstances leading up to the murder, what Danny was like as a child and how he dealt with his childhood incarceration.

Ultimately, the truth about the murder is revealed. However, the journey towards this destination is not a particularly eventful one. Apart from Danny's admissions towards the end of the book, there was not a lot that grabbed my attention.

Tom Seymour is the psychologist, recently separated from his wife, who rescues Danny Miller, a notorious child-killer, after he tries to commit suicide by jumping into a river. As their relationship begins to develop and Danny takes Tom further into his confidence, it is apparent that there is something dangerous at work within Miller's mind. When Seymour gave evidence at
Danny's trial he declared him highly disturbed but years later he begins to question this decision, realising there is a fine line
between calculating genius and outright madness.

As Tom becomes further entwined into the 'confessional' Danny is determined to give him the local news agencies are informed
that a child-murderer is living in the local area. With the media creating an intense witch-hunt and vigilantes prowling the streets,Miller must flee but Seymour is left with a decision that could affect far more than his professional status.

A simply sensational novel, Border Crossing captures the scenes of fear, anger and bewilderment immaculately, maintaining a
breath-taking tempo and capturing the reader's attention, refusing to release it before the final page is turned.

After being discharged from the hospital, Matt meets Liz and knows he is in love with her. Liz goes home to end her engagement to a big bully who tries to rape her. Only her brother stops him from succeeding. Liz and Matt see each other and confess their love for one another. Though his parents and gran adore her, the path to happiness is wrought with troubles caused by other males demanding that Liz be theirs despite her own desire for Matt.

The concept of a nurse falling in love with her patient suffering from several combat related injuries including blindness seems very interesting on the surface. Additionally, the legendary Catherine Cookson affectionately and vividly describes 1946 England. However, much of the conflict in the plot of A HOUSE DIVIDED comes from external sources, making the story line appear contrived rather than free flowing. No internal conflict between the lead couple exists in this tale, leading to the belief that this could have been a classic, but ultimately falls a bit short.

Harriet Klausner

This story follows two powerful men, Edward and John. Their friendship and their downfall. The story is historical fiction taking place after the death of Henry VIII. The stories can get very violent and painful, but a reflection of the times. This book will lead me to know more about this era and peoples.