This is a beautiful book which, like, most of Rumer Goddens stories, works for adults as well as kids. Virtually everything I know about Japan and its way of life, I learned from this story at the age of about 8. A young girl struggles to fit in with a new family and country but finds peace when she helps two tiny dolls create an authentic Japanese house to find their own peace in. It is heartbreakingly touching and non-patronising in style, unbelievably evocative of Japanese culture and rituals with great attention to detail. Like Godden's other stories, it poignantly deals with the harsh realities of being a misfit and the pain that comes when needs and meanings are misunderstood but celebrates the liberating joy of friendship. I LOVED THIS BOOK and desperately want a replacement copy!!

I remember this book fondly from my childhood, and am surprised that it is out of print, as most of Rumer Godden's classics are newly available. This story features two Japanese dolls and a young girl, displaced herself, who struggles to create an environment in which they will feel at home. It contains a wealth of information on Japanese culture and customs, as well as Godden's usual insight into human nature. I found the sequel, Little Plum, in paperback at a book sale, and would love to be able to share both with my daughter.

One of the most prized "childhood favourites" in my library along with Little Plum, the follow-up novel to Miss Happiness and Miss Flower. In fact, I'm a fan of all of Godden's works, from her children's books to her adult titles such as Black Narcissus.

I "discovered" Miss Happiness and Miss Flower a couple of years after my family relocated from tropical Queensland - with its memories of mangoes, mosquito nets and frangipani (plumaria) flowers - to Sydney, a temperate climate city with cold winters.

In those days (mid-1960s)when families and cultures migrated a lot less than they do now, migrants from even just another state - let alone another country! - felt homesick and alienated. But even today in the age of the internet, transplanted girls still miss their old home, its sights, sounds, tastes and friends...and would enjoy this gentle book.

Naturally, I related to the novel's heroine Nona, a book-loving young girl uprooted from her home in tropical India and sent to live in England. I also connected to the empathy she develops with Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, two Japanese dolls who are also feeling out of place and homesick for the familiar.

Fortunately I didn't have a selfish (and insecure) cousin Belinda - as Nona does - to make my life even more miserable. But like Nona, I did eventually make friends and begin to feel at home...

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE BOOK FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN OUR CHURCH. WE ARE USING THE SPECIFIC DEVOTION ON DISCIPLESHIP FOR NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION.

REV. MINH-HANH NGUYEN REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LEISURE WORLD SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA

This is an excellent book for several reasons. First, it is a wonderful collection of 52 different devotional Christian writers from the second century to today. Second, for anyone interested in developing spiritual disciplines the exercises at the end of each chapter are excellent launching pads. Additionally, the book gives succinct biogaphical information about each writer, lending some insight into the readings themselves. And finally, each chapter ends with a brief review of and information on the availability of that writer's works.

This is a compilation of spiritual food from some of the devotional masters of the past 2000 years. These are men and women who walked with God, whose meditations probed with awe the depths of God. Foster has collected some of the best of these meditations and organized them. This is a book that can be read and reread. It will be a treasure for years.

Merry Whiteford has eclipsed all her fine work with this magnificently told tale of Star - a young woman plagued by misfortune with an uncanny clarity and capacity to look and see beyond - with remarkable understanding, a lack of critical judgement and ability to move through the world with a sense of purpose that cannot be derailed, despite wrenching circumstances.

If you're tired of the *feel good* novel with trite, simplistic endings - this is the book for you and will undoubtedly leave the astute reader - like this one - hoping for more about Star. If Wishes Were Horses this writer would be rightfully acclaimed & celebrated for her exquisite talent and ability.

Thank you, Merry Whiteford, for a wonderful novel and reading experience. This hungry reader wants more ...

I am on a high that is a blend of many deep emotions having just finished Merry Whiteford's third book, IF WISHES WERE HORSES.
I.W.W.H. is a smasher: difficult to put down for a start and plain impossible for the last two thirds. Terrific foundations are laid and then built on until a new structure, solid, original, and satisfying. The more specific Mildred and Star and Pig become the more their essences twang and resonate with my own. They are wonderful creations. Mildred is supreme, one of the finest pieces of sculpture created by pen that I have come across.
I was charmed by the sure yet so delicate artistry in the crescendoing creation of Mildred until I no longer wished her to walk into the room; she arrived here, vividly present. Star's coming to see Mildred as exactly who she is, - and who Mildred is, is plenty, and indeed enough - saves Star and allows her to grow up. By transcending Mildred's self deceptions Star becomes herself and being now separate from Mildred it is easy to love her.
Thank you, Ms Whiteford. NEXT PLEASE!

If Wishes Were Horses is an absolutely beautiful story of difficult, sometimes tragic, relationships -- and the grace that can come from them. The central character copes with unspeakable loss, yet her toughness and street smarts are not what allows her to triumph in the end, as is so often the case in a coming of age novel; instead, the author deftly and magically creates a young woman whose sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity of spirit win us over. Merry Whiteford does not stick to cliches and worn notions about good parenting and healthy human development--she is willing to explore the gray areas of relationships that make life rich, complex, and real. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the lessons within it.

My sister and I have loved this book since we we were children. Some 30 years ago. Now my daughter age 12 and I read it every summer. It is one of the best books written

The phrasing and descriptions may be from another era, but the charm remains forever! The idea that children and adults can work together with respect and politeness is, I fear, completely foreign to today's society. It has become an "us" vs. "them" proposition. Won't you do your children a favor and read this book, or another of Goudge's, aloud to them one night?

I have yet to find any "contemporary" books that can compare to the innocent spirit and adventure of this, and other, Elizabeth Goudge books. It is a tragedy that they are so difficult to find today--I had to do an inter-library loan to get a copy to read.

Delightful escape from the brutal reality of our lifestyle of today, do yourself a favor and try to track down a copy. It will lift your spirits and make your day brighter every time you read it.

I have been reading and re-reading this book for some 20 years now. Every time I read it I find it more mystical and enthralling. I look forward to reading it to my children and watching them get the same joy I experience every time I pick up this book. I would love to find a hardcover copy of this if anyone knows of one available as my paperback is becoming more and more used looking

This is the best lesbian erotica I have read. The stories are sensual, sweet, erotic, and very very hot! I read Nicole Foster's "Electric" erotic book first, and was very disappointed, but decided to give her one more chance with this book--and I am so glad I did! The S/M stuff made me a little nervous, but every story was well written and very sensual. This is one to read alone, all snuggled up under the covers. I was so disappointed when I reached the end--the stories were that good! The authors do a wonderful job of totally transporting the reader into the story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes well written, very sexy stories!

The stories in this book really transport you. It is very sweet but at the same time Very Hot!! I tried reading it little by little to enjoy it more but it was hard to put the book down. Deliciously written.

Incredibly well written. This book reflects the deep passion we all feel when we meet that "someone special". From "Eva" to "High School Sweetheart", the stories brought happiness, insight, sadness and laughter!! To all contributors to this book: WELL DONE!

Dear Reader,

If you are in hopes of obtaining TREACHEROUS information concerning the SECOND BOX SET OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, I advise you to simply turn your computer OFF right this moment to save yourself from the despair and hopelessness that resides within these books...

With All Due Respect,

Lemony Snicket

On a literal note: Hi. I am a 13 year old child and in the 7th grade. I am advanced for my age, so I will try to put this review in simpler terms. The second box set installment of the 'Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket are full of excitement, adventure, and, as the series' name says, FULL of unfortunate events. Yet, these unfortunate events that occur in the lives of three orphans named the BAUDELAIRES, are actually what gives children of all ages that connection and literary comfort when reading these books. This box set contains 3 of what I personally think, are some of the BEST in the series. These 3 in the series set the 3 Baudelaire orphans on their means to escape from an EVIL villian named Count Olaf, and their adventures and discoveries while at a new guardian each time. The 6th book in the series, "The Ersatz Elevator", starts the frantic search for the Baudelaire orphans companions, the Quagmire triplets( Duncan and Isadora, although their 3rd sibling died in a fire, just as the Baudelaire parents did.....THAT is a connection...), and also starts the endeavor to discover the meaning of three mysterious letters: V.F.D., that were SHOUTED by one of the Quagmire orphans as they were being taken away...

Having read ALMOST all of the books released so far, I thorougly ENJOY this series. I find myself at times in which I COULD NOT put these books down. WHAT is the meaning of V.F.D, you might ask? WHERE are Duncan and Isadora Quagmire?? CAN Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire find the innermost secrets to the fire that started their series of unfortunate events??? You must read this series to find out those secrets!! Fiirst, begin with the first 3 in the series, the progress towards the rest in order. Or, I might recommend that you look into the purchasing of "A Library of Unfortunate Events"( also on Amazon.com), in which are the first 9 in the series. (There are ONLY 9 out to date. There will be TWO released a year, ending with a total of 13 in the series.) ENJOY your new adventure into the lives of the Baudelaires, and into the mysterious world that IS: Lemony Snicket.

I've read Books 1 and 3,and I love the series!!! I'm 22, but enjoy a bit of juvenile fiction after final exams:-) His writing style is addictive-simple but not dumbed down for kids-somewhat sophisticated. The stories are not over the top with magic or witch craft. These are real things that could happen, and have happened in many peoples lives. Even with all the unfortunate events, it's not depressing... There's suspense and excitement to get caught up in , too. You start to root for the main characters even though we know things won't ever be perfect for them. I like the time period and the artwork, as well. I am going to collect the series for my future children to read! C... The author reads the story which enhances the feel of the series!

I have read the first 6 books of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events." I am absolutely addicted to reading these books. I just finished reading the 6th book, the Ersatz Elevator and I read it in less than a day! These books take readers into another world... Snickets writing ability puts the reader in a Baudelaire trance. These books are really good, and I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Someone is after Honey Malone. She has no idea who would want her dead, but her pursuer has even tried to force her car off the road. Sawyer Hudson is fascinated by the beautiful woman who almost runs him down with her car. Honey is daunted by the gorgeous physician, but his house full of relatives, including a teenaged son, and three strapping brothers, almost bowl her over. Sawyer's reaction to her is just as strong.

Sawyer and his family spare no effort in protecting Honey, but Honey is falling in love with Sawyer. The trouble is Sawyer seems to come not only with a family, but with a lot of baggage. Even though he tells honey he can't love her, she can see in his eyes that he may not know it, but he does love her.

Lori Foster sizzles and satisfies with Sawyer, the first book of the Buckhorn Brothers series. A fitting beginning for what promises to be an excellent series. by Rickey Mallory

I almost didn't buy this book decause the cover was so off-putting (pity the model and the clearly "starving" artist). But, my enjoyment of Lori Foster pushed me past the superficial and I loved it! Foster introduces the heroine, Honey, with the right amount of pathetic vulnerability while instilling the hero, Sawyer, with the strength and protectiveness we love to fall in love with. But as Honey heals physically, her character toughens to a delightfully strong female who is more than capable of handling 4 stong, overprotective men. Foster's romance is wickedly HOT and delicious! I fell in love with Sawyer and can't wait to do the same with Morgan, and the rest. If this series continues on the same formula, it will rank right up on top with Nora Robert's McKade Brothers! Just rip the cover off before you begin...

I just loved SAWYER. It is a wonderful blend of family, fun, and sex!

Sawyer saves Honey Malone when her car crashes into his lake. He is the only doctor in the small town of Buckhorn, so he takes her to his home (AKA office) to recuperate. The attraction between Sawyer and Honey is instant and intense. Nobody writes sexual tension like Lori Foster. Whew!

For me, the best thing about this book was the entire cast of characters. Sawyer lives in a huge house with his 15 year-old son and his three fabulous brothers. Casey, his son, is a future heartbreaker. Morgan, the sheriff, is a huge, sexy, bad-tempered sheriff with a heart of gold. His story is next and I can't wait! Jordan is the quiet, intense, sexy animal lover. And Gabe is the youngest brother: a lazy, sexy, heartthrob handyman with too many women that he knows what to do with. They are all gorgeous, sexy, wonderful...mother hens. They gather around the injured, lost Honey Malone and 'adopt' her. Watching them do it makes you laugh and sigh.

This is going to be a wonderful series. The brothers are sexy as heck, but honorable and family-oriented too. I can't wait to get my hands on them...er...the books!

"Treat Her Right" continues where Foster's previous release, "Caught in the Act," left off-and this time, it's Zack Grange's turn in the hot seat. A widower with a young daughter, Zack has decided that it's time to Look to the future and remarriage. He knows exactly what type of woman he wants for a wife and mother and it's not his new next door neighbor Wynn Lane.

Outspoken, physical and eye-to-eye tall as Zack, Wynn finds her new neighbor to be a man worth getting to know better and his little girl adorable. Unfortunately, although little Dani feels the same way about Wynn, Zack does not. Or so he thinks. The sparks fly as Zack and Wynn first fight their attraction to each other, then succumb to the inevitable.

Lori Foster continues her tradition of giving romance readers everything they could possibly want: sympathetic characters, great dialogue, steamy love scenes and the easy camaraderie of a closely bonded group of men that only she can deliver. The fun continues in her next book, "Mr. November," in which the 3rd member of the group, Josh Marshall takes his turn in the game of love.

Lori Foster's TREAT HER RIGHT is the second book in the "Men to the Rescue" series from Harlequin's Temptation line, starting with CAUGHT IN THE ACT, and finishing up with MR. NOVEMBER, due out on shelves next month.

Zack Grange is a single father to a precocious little girl named Dani, who describes her father as "A Hero". A fitting title; since Zack happens to be a paramedic, and though it can be trying profession (life or death in fact), he's a man who loves his job. He takes it, his life, and his responsibility as a parent very seriously.

Enter Wynn Lane, the new face in the neighborhood who moves into the house behind Zack.

Wynn is loud, boisterous, carefree, and...big! Not big as in heavy or overweight, but solid, and big boned. Wynn doesn't have a dainty bone in her body, but her heart is sweet, and her interaction with his daughter gives him worry. The two are wonderful together, and Zack feels himself being drawn in despite his determined resistance.

You see, Zack has been looking to marry again, but Wynn is so far from the woman he envisioned to fill the roll of wife, and mother.

Zack begins to see, however that his attempts to banish her from his mind become increasingly more difficult with every saucy turn of her head, or each glimpse of the skimpy shorts she favors when doing yard work, or spotting her napping in the hammock she's set in her backyard.

Secondary characters add to the laughter and they lend a quirky aside to the serious relationship that is developing between the two. Though Zack keeps repeating to himself that it's only physical, his heart has other ideas. And Wynn, with her wild hair, and past bad experience with love, fears Zack will never see her as anything other than a friend, and an occasional late-night playmate.

We first met Mick as a cop in CAUGHT IN THE ACT, and Josh is a fireman who shares a stationhouse with Zack. Both are his best friends, and add to Zack's troubles with their constant ribbing. Josh has an eye for the ladies, and sees Wynn as quite a woman. Zack has personal decisions to make concerning Wynn, but will he lay claim when Josh shows interest in his new neighbor? Will his friend back off when he sees that Zack is falling in love with the girl next door, Even if Zack doesn't yet realize it himself?

Ms. Foster's stories never fail to entertain, and TREAT HER RIGHT is no exception. Her tales of love, and relationships focus on the male point of view more often than not, and is a refreshing perspective. To see the male struggle with desires, and feelings for the heroine gives her stories a twist that is different, and insightful. You'll chuckle at the antics of Wynn's friends and family, and Josh, Mick, and Mick's wife, Del, will make you feel as if you are sitting down and reading about people you know and care about.

A lively, sexy, and charming read, Ms foster sets the standard for time spent with a good book! TREAT HER RIGHT is one of those that make the grade!

Congratulations, Ms. Foster! Another winning story!

A fun, funny, greatly entertaining short book. I didn't buy the Harlequins because I was a literary snob and didn't want to be seen reading something that looked like a kid's book. However, it's the perfect length for a wait in the Dr's office, sure helping with the stress of sitting around when you have tons of other things you need to be doing. They are not unsophisticated or simplistic ... just a perfect little length. Buying authors on the net has been a great way to broaden my reading. This series was a real winner! It got me hooked on Lori Foster.

I Love Bad Boys is one of my favorite erotic anthologies . . . and I couldn't wait to read its follow-up, I Brake for Bad Boys. Lori Foster and Jannelle Denison haven't disappointed me. Their stories are quite provocative, romantic and witty.

Foster's Drive Me Wild is about Erica Lee -- a strong and assertive woman who couldn't be happier with her unattached life. Or is she happy? Her life takes some unexpected turns when she meets Ian Conrad . . .

Denison's Something Wilde is about Jill Richardson -- a woman who never mixes business with pleasure. However, her ordered life turns upside down in ecstatic proportions when she receives an offer she can't refuse . . .

I wasn't very keen with the third story -- Shannon McKenna's Touch Me. It wasn't as exciting as the first two stories. Thus, it is why I have given the book four stars instead of five.

I Brake for Bad Boys is one of the best erotic anthologies out there. I look forward to reading more stories from these talented authors . . .

This anthology is the second one of the 'Bad Boy' series of stories that Brava is releasing which are hot and sensual romance short stories. Like the first one (I LOVE BAD BOYS), this one features Lori Foster and Janelle Denison, and adds rising star Shannon McKenna. Like the first one, this one was hard to put down. It was great from page one to the end.

DRIVE ME WILD is the first one and is by Lori Foster, the hot star of Kensington/Brava Books. It is the last one of a series of stories featuring three girlfriends who had made a pact of asking out the first guy they spotted in the local porn shop shopping for wares that interested them. Ian Conrad had learned about the pact and wanted to be the one that Erica Lee chose. He was attracted to the standoffish and attractive Erica, but she was afraid of letting a man too close, because of situations from the past.
Ian doesn't know this, but is intent on breaking down her barriers. To achieve this, he agrees to be her sex slave and agrees to any demands she may make. Erica can't believe that she is attracted to the company electrician, but man, do the sparks ever fly. The scenes between the two just sizzle and the love scenes are sparkling hot.
What a fitting end to the Girlfriend Stories, as I enjoyed the whole series immensely.

SOMETHING WILDE by Janelle Denison is the first of a series of stories about the Wilde brothers. Eric Wilde is attracted to the comely Jill Richardson, with whom he is currently working on a project with. She is resistant to his advances, but he senses her attraction. He decides to act upon them while he can and embarks on a crusade to woo her. Keep ice close by'this one is hot. Another outstanding story by Janelle Denison.

TOUCH ME by Shannon McKenna is another hot, sensual and enjoyable story. It is about Tess Langley, a massage therapist, who is hired by one of her customers to provide services for a party he is throwing at a remote retreat. She learns upon her arrival that there is no party, that Jonah Markham wanted her alone so he can explore the sensual side of Tess. They both had an unsettled childhood, and must both overcome these before they realize that their attraction is love and not just lust. Of the three stories, this was darker, but still, I found it very good, and yes, very hot too.

If your idea of bliss on cold winter nights is to sit down with a book with sensuality that sizzles and scorches, then pick up I BRAKE FOR BAD BOYS. All three stories shined for me and make me look with great anticipation for the next book in the BAD BOYS series.

Fans of Lori Foster, Janelle Denison and Shannon McKenna won't be disappointed when they pick up this book! I know that some anthologies can have one or two enjoyable stories and the other will be a so-so read. Not true with this one! All three stories are totally hot and I never wanted the stories to end. Readers who haven't read these authors before will be kicking themselves for not finding them sooner!

Lori Foster's novella, Drive Me Wild is a wonderful ending to the three best friend series. Erica Lee and Ian Conrad heat up the pages in this story! I enjoyed the development of the relationship between these two and Ian was the perfect match for Erica. I could not put this one down. Lori Foster is an auto-buy for me and I would have bought this book just for this novella alone.

Janelle Denison's Something Wilde is hot, hot, hot! This is the first story in Janelle's Wilde series and it's not to be missed. Eric Wilde and Jill Richardson are coworkers who end up mixing business and pleasure in a whole new way!

Shannon Mckenna's Touch Me is so hot it will burn your fingers! Make sure you have a fan or a cool drink nearby while reading this one. Tess Langley is a massage therapist who helps Jonah Markham relax in new and enjoyable ways that will make you blush. Shannon McKenna is a newer author and she I've loved everything that she's written.

A friend of mine lent me a copy of this book, and I couldn't put it down. The descriptions of the inhabitants of Prism shows Foster's fabulous imagination. I give it 4 stars for the wonderful descriptive qualities alone. It would be next to impossible for two different people to imagine the same kinds of creatures as set forth in the book. The only downside to the book is that the plot/story development is fairly typical/ametuerish sci-fi. But the monsters: Very imaginative! Worth a read.

One of Foster's trademarks is to take a theme and make a world out of it (such as the forest world of Midworld or the sea world of Cachalot). Sentenced to Prism is Foster at his best--a world full of silicon-based lifeforms that live on solar power (along with nutrients from the soil and other creatures). A great adventure story along with the brilliantly conceived environment, a book you'll stay up late to finish.

It is so disappointing to see this exceptional book out of print. I urge anyone interested in exciting, unpredictable sci-fi action to run to the nearest used book store and hunt it down.

The descriptions of the planet of Prism are innovative and enticing. They prove beyond a doubt that nothing is ever what it seems and there is no possible way to prepare for the unknown.

When Evan Orgell was placed on Prism, he was outfitted with a state-of-the-art, impenetrable survival suit; impenetrable, that is, in predictable conditions, like earth, but on a new and incredibly different world, anything can happen. Be ready to be surprised.