Ms. Slater's portrayal of life in the mental health system is fascinating and poingnant. As a counselor myself, I could relate to her struggles with the individual clients. Her candor and self-disclosure, not only about her therapeutic process but her own struggles with mental illness, makes this book not only a good clinical tool, but a great read. I recommend this book to anyone interested in pursuing a career in mental health, or to people who are currently in therapy who want to know what it's like on the other side of the couch.

This book is one of the best books on mental health problems I have ever read. Each chapter introduces and describes a different type of mental illness (depression, personality disorder, etc.) through anecdotes from the author's clients and treatment situations. The author has a beautiful writing style, and the descriptions of the clients and their problems make them understandable not just intellectually but emotionally by the reader in a way that few books about mental health problems ever do, as few authors write this well or can empathize with the patients as Ms. Slater does. One can actually understand and feel what the patient does; this is not just a dry clinical book, which is frequently the case with topics such as this. Aside from understanding and feeling with the patients, it also helps one appreciate life and the human mind and soul better. I wish the author had written more books; I only hope she does in the future, as I will read them all.

A wonderful book of real-life, colorful experiences of a psychologist and the schizophrenic men and other patients with whom she has works. The author shows that her patients are often insightful, not unlike herself, sometimes enviable and sometimes tragic. Her prose is equally engaging One of my favorite books in a long time that I think is a must-read for everyone interested in the mental health profession, and a great read for everyone else

Almost from the instant I started reading AMETHYST, I felt transported back in time. Lauren Royal lists FOREVER AMBER as one of her inspirations, and it shows. The pageantry and superficiality of Charles II's court, as well as the individual tragedies of the Great Fire of London come alive in this novel.

Not only is the historical basis of AMETHYST extremely accurate, but the character development and interaction is superb. Many romance novelists tend to focus solely on the main couple, leaving me to wonder how happy-ever-after they would truly be when the villian is vanquished and the real world intrudes. Not so for Amy and Colin. They interact with the extraordinary and the everyday -- family, fellow disaster victims, and the king. There is a real sense that their story takes place in the world, not separate from it on some utopia-like plane. There is true chemistry and emotion between them, but you see their true character as well -- their unswerving loyalty, Amy's insecurities, Colin's sense of humor...it all has a very 'real' feel to it.

Based on this book alone, I would pick up any Lauren Royal novel, sight unseen. I just know I would not be disappointed.

Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it.

Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty.

The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite.

The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Once you start reading this book, expect to stay up all night. It's a page-turner, with vivid descriptions, emotional depth and characters who touch the heart. I fell in love with Colin Chase and falling in love with the hero of romance is a must for me. Lauren Royal is a talented author--a true rising star. She swept me back in time, to England in the 1600s. Her research was incredible. For 387 pages, I lived with Colin and Amethyst, felt what they felt, saw what they saw, loved what they loved. What more could a romance reader ask for?

Though I see there have been some negative reviews that this, latest edition of the "Fannie Farmer Cookbook," is not as "good" as the original, I have to say that the "original," published in the late nineteenth century as the "Boston Cooking School" cookbook, would hardly be especially useful today (recipes for squirrel anyone?). Fannie Farmer is synonymous with good, old-fashioned practical cooking--no nouvelle cuisine here--and the updated version simply keeps with the times, adding new techniques which take into account modern equipment and food mores (things like fat, cholesterol and sodium are taken into consider, but this isn't a diet cookbook).

All in all, the "Fanny Farmer Cookbook" is a super all-purpose cookbook, offering well-tested, simple recipes for just about any food you can think of. Alongside the classic "Betty Crocker Cookbook," the "Joy of Cooking" and something new from Martha Stewart (I like the "Martha Stewart Living Cookbook," which is a compilation of recipes from her magazine) and/or Cook's Illustrated (either "The Best Recipe" or the "Cook's Bible"), "The Fanny Farmer Cookbook" will create a perfectly balanced recipe collection for the experienced cook or novice baker.

On a final note, I'd recommend the hardcover edition, as the softcover model I saw in a bookstore was not very sturdy. Cookbooks get a lot of use and abuse, so I'd recommend spending a bit extra to get a the hardcover edition.

I'm 25 and my mother has had her 11th Edition Fanny Farmer Cookbook since before I was born. The pages are falling out and the covers are taped to the binding. Holiday after holiday, this is the only cookbook my mother refers to and my mother is famous for her good cooking. Some say the recipes in here are bland. Listen, if you want to learn how to really cook as though you've been cooking all your life, this is the only cookbook that will teach you! There are basic recipes for poultry, meats, breads, deserts, all from scratch. The recipes are all simple, easy, and delicious. The best part is, once you've learned those basics, it's no time before you start adding your own flavor to make your own recipes. It's perfect for those who can't cook and for those who can because you always need the basics. I just brought one for me and one for my mom. Now I finally have my own Fannie Farmer Cookbook and my mother can finally retire her old one.

This book is a must in every kitchen. I consider myself to be a fairly accomplished cook, and I'm not afraid to try new and complicated recipes in the latest cookbooks. Fannie Farmer, however, is my *ANCHOR* cookbook. I always go back to this cookbook when I'm thinking of modifying or combining other recipes, because Fannie is packed with basic tips and procedures for making sauces, roasting, baking, proofing dough, and so on. This book will tell you the best way to bake a potato, roast chestnuts, and roll out pie-crust. It offers lots of variations, substitutions, and so on for 1000's of recipes that constitute the basics of today's American cooking (including the influence of world cuisines). I've given this cookbook to several younger friends as bridal shower gifts. It's the best start to your kitchen library!

All the Heartland books are AWESOME. I am now doing a book report on the first three, maybe four if I can get Taking Chances in time. If you haven't read these books before, they are about a fifteen year old girl, Amy Fleming, who has had a tough life yet has persevered through it. In the first book, Amy brings her mother out in a storm to resuce a horse who was abandoned by his owners. After they get Spartan in the trailer and are heading back, a tree hits their truck, killing her mom. In the rest of the books, you learn how Amy copes with her moms work, healing horses, saving Heartland, putting up with her sister, Lou, and stopping Ty from leaving after so long. So, If you like horses, or even the Chicken Soup books, I would recommend these wonderful books!

This book was so sad! I cry everytime I read it! I can't tell you much, I can just recomend this book to all people who love horses. It's really sad, but it has a happy ending. I've read all the Heartland books, and this was one of the best ever! Lauren Brooke has done it again! If you love horse books,this is the book for you! It gets pretty sad, but it has a really happy ending. You HAVE to read this book!!!!!

In this, the 3rd book in the series, Amy faces more problems. Pegasus, missing Amy's mother, has started to become listless and ill. Plus, when there's a misunderstanding between Ty and Amy, horses are taken away from Heartland and they are losing money. That is, until a reputable Arabian breeder (or half Arabian breeder, it probably should be, since the horse she brings is palomino) brings a mare who rears and freaks out when people try to saddle her. I thought this book was continuing in the great 'tradition' of the first two. Amy, once again, is a very human character. She has flaws; she loses her temper and she cannot always work miracles. I was happy to see that, for once, join-up wasn't the answer to the mare's problems, and for once, Amy didn't know exactly what to do. I mean, certain tactics don't work for every horse. I like the continuing relationship with Ty...Amy gets mad at him in the beginning and, this time, he isn't so quick to make up with her. In the end, it was very sad, but it was very thought provoking and very good.

It's a shame that not very many people have heard of this book or its author. Truly, it is one of my favorite books--it's descriptions of Africa are beautiful! I have tried explaining it to people, and they have often made a face and said: "White guy tries to write about Africa." What they don't understand is that Laurens van der Post knows exactly what he is talking about because he grew up in Africa himself. It took me a while to read this book, not because I had a hard time motivating myself to read, but because I savored each passage and the imagery the book envoked.

This book and its sequel, A Far-Off Place, have it all. It's an adventure story. It's a spiritual quest. It's a coming-of-age story. It's about human relationships. It's about Africa, the land and its people. I've never read anything else like it.

I read this book 10 years ago, and went looking for it here because I have never seen it in a bookstore. I was very surprised to see it recommended for toddlers/children. It is a coming of age story, but it has a good deal of violence, and is also quite detailed about a spiritual search/quest which would be all but incomprehensible to the most mature pre-teen, let alone child. I remember it as one of the most beautiful books I ever read, both for the descriptions of Africa and her people, and also for his Junngian inspired use of strong emotional images.

Another fine Stephanie Laurens read -- not your typical Regency and absolutely fine characters, especially Gabriel (how COULD she "really" name him RUPERT?) The plot twists are deft and well-done, the supporting cast as fine as ever, and my only wish is for a fast release of the next, regarding Lucifer's and (hopefully) Chillingsworth's romances...C. may not be a Cynster but she's done a great job of developing him already. This is much finer in love scenes than Scandal's volume, and while Gabriel may not be as sensitive as Vane (he's making love to Alathea disguised as the Countess and doesn't put two and two together? Oh, puh-leeze!), he's just FINE...as are all the Bar Cynster men! Alathea is a smart, strong, savvy woman, better developed than Patience, certainly, another plus for this volume, and even better than Catriona -- who somehow slipped past me on the pages (still don't quite know why...) My recommendation? READ -- ENJOY -- BUY THEM ALL and WAIT ANXIOUSLY FOR THE NEXT ONE(s)!!!! (And hope she keeps 'em steamy!)

As noted in other reviews, this is the 5th in Laurens' successful "Bar Cynster" series. You'd think I'd get tired of reading about these perfect (even their individual imperfections are really perfections in disguise) men - but no! As with most of the series, Our Man Cynster (in this case, Rubert aka Gabriel) is bored with the life he's been living (lots of money, lots of women, lots of fun) and is just ripe for the picking - in this case, it's a mysterious countess that needs his help to save her family from financial ruin. Although this plot device works on some levels, it doesn't on other levels - thus 4 stars vs. 5. I mean this is a Cynster male! They all have that second sense, can read women, detect danger before it happens, etc, etc. - and I'm supposed to believe Gabriel doesn't figure out who the "countess" is, even when he's making love to her? I don't think so! But the book redeems itself by painting two of the best characters yet, especially Gabriel - he's supposedly the most detached of all of them, in the end he seems the sweetest (so far). Alathea is the usual strong willed, smart, self-reliant herione, but she's not written as too much of a stereotype. For those of you who didn't care for the steamier scenes in "A Rogue's Proposal" (I didn't mind them, but it appears many did), "A Secret Love" is a notch or two tamer than RP (or "Scandal's Bride"). It's fun to have some of the old characters pop up - I understand that Laurens' is planning Chillingsworth's romantic "downfall" in the future. And I'm quite sure we'll find out some day how the twins meet their matches! Final verdict on "A Secret Love" - buy it! And I'm waiting anxiously to find out how Lucifer goes out in glory!

Stephanie Laurens has done it again. This fifth book in the Bar Cynster series continues to prove that she is one of the BEST! Hot and full of adventure, A Secret Love is the story of Gabriel Cynster and a mysterious woman who needs his help, but ends up stealing his heart. Alathea Morwellon has known Gabriel since childhood, but her family is facing certain ruin. Her need for discretion forces her into disguise and raises Gabriel's interest in her to a new level. Packed with a great mystery, hideous villans, really hot love scenes, and a couple that really comes alive, A Secret Love is a must read.

This is an incredible journey into the most humanly rendered exploration of what it means to be surrendered/searching/dancing with the great mystery. Rumi is--what?-- a fully enlightened mystical poet who somehow speaks through Coleman Barks right to our ragged twentieth century hearts; The wonderful art takes it into a realm beyond words. Are there prints available of his work? Should be.

COLEMAN BARKS IS A MODERN RUMI WITH THE SAME ECSTATIC SENSE OF THE SACRED THAT RUMI WAS POSSESSED BY -- AND THE COMBINATION OF BARKS' TRANSLATED TEXT WITH MICHAEL GREEN'S VISUAL CHOICES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF IMAGES TAKES RUMI'S POETRY TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL -- THE ISOLATION OF SINGLE WORDS AND SHORT PHRASES WITHIN THE IMAGES INVIGORATES, ENLIVENS, ILLUMINATES (PERFECT TITLE) AND "DECODES" THE SACRED "LOGOS" ASPECTS OF THE WORDS. I'VE GIVEN ABOUT 20 OF THESE AS GIFTS IN THE LAST YEAR, AND EVERY PERSON WAS TOTALLY ENTRANCED BY THE BOOK!

This translation is better then other translations of Rumi that I have read. I have read this book several times and each time I discover something that I haven't seen befor. I would recomend this book highly.

Sylvester Sebastian "Devil" Cynster is the first of the Bar Cynster to fall into parson's mousetrap and marry Honoria Anstruther-Wetherby in an engrossing tale that will take your breath away. If you want to be swept away by love, romance and pure animalistic lust please RUN ... don't walk... to the nearest bookstore and buy Devil's Bride. This book introduces you to a family of six notorious cousins that are out to captivate your mind, steal your heart and they succeed quite nicely! If that isn't enough to wet your appetite we'll throw in a little intrigue, a touch of murder and a secret that could bring the house down. Gotcha!

Oh, by the way... did I mention that Devil is the Duke of St. Ives? Did I also mention that he has to convince her to marry him??? Honoria is a rare heroine that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know but let's get real: Devil captured me heart and soul! If that doesn't force you to start clicking your mouse I don't know what will!

Do yourself a favor and collect each of Stephanie Laurens Bar Cynster Series.

This was the first book I read in Stephanie Laurens' "Cynster series". Suffice it to say that after reading it I immediately ordered all the others from Amazon.com . I'm almost sure that if you read this book the same will happen to you.
The plot of "Devil's Bride" is quite good: Honoria, a governess, has plans of her own, and has no intention whatsoever of changing them, even when she is found in a seemingly compromising situation with Sylvester Cynster, best known as Devil. He, on the other hand, has decided that he won't let her go, due to the fact that he realises that this stubborn, beautiful and intelligent lady is his perfect match.
One cannot help but fall in love with these characters as the story develops. I considered that this book was money well spent, because it gave me the opportunity of discovering this author. However, one word of advice: in my humble opinion, the other Laurens' books aren't half as good as those included in her Cynster series.

Devil's Bride is the first in Stephanie Laurens' Cynster series. This book focuses on the leader of the Cynster's, Sylvester Sebastian Cynster, better known as Devil to the ton at large.

This is the story of Devil and Honoria, the woman he plans to make his wife, despite her protests, and dealing with a plot against their lives, coming from an unlikely source.

I loved the way the two lead characters interact and the fact that Honoria is determined not to fall beneath Devil's power, and stand's her ground at all times. It's refreshing to see an historical romance, where the heroine isn't 19, stepping into society for the first time, but a fully grown woman who knows what she wants and sets about to get it.

The romance in the story was fantastic, and the love scenes were smoldering. I enjoyed watching love grow between the two, even as they try to fight it.

I believe the Cynster motto is very apt: 'To Have and To Hold'.

This would have to be my all-time favourite book, and I reccommend it to every reader.

For any fan, this is a good collection of shots of these talented cuties. I purchased the book as a gift for my niece and wound up enjoying learning a little bit more about one of the hottest young groups on the planet today! Backstreet Boys will be around a long time! Their looks, their personalities, the way they treat their fans, and most of all, their beautiful voices, add so much to the radio and of course to our stereo systems!

This book is great. It goes in-depth of their childhood years and how Backstreet Boys got started. The pictures are so cute. This is well worth buying...They also have a info fact page on each member and how they started in the music biz...

Backstreet Boys are thee most handsomest guys that ever walked the earth. In this book there are heart-throbing pictures that make a girl/woman just want to show the world, on the other hand there is also lots of info and biographies on the boys. Last there is also the hunk to be Aaron Carter aww how cute. Remember fans keep the Backstreet pride alive and keep the Aaron pride alive.

Now don't get me wrong I really liked this book, but the beginning of it was much better than the ending. Hot, HOt, HOT! Sex scenes! I like the whole Alpha-Male biker, kidnapping story line. It's a lot different from most of the Contemporary romances I've read in the past. When he was Dallas his character was totally sexy and dangerous, but as Grey, he just sort of became another romance novel character. And why oh why does every famale character have to get pregnant? For once I would love the couple just to live together, not get married, and have kids.....

Well, read the book. I guarantee you'll like it. I did.

I was a little disappointed with the book. Based on reviews I had read I was looking forward to a book in the same vain as a Linda Howard, Rachel Gibson or Cherry Adair novel. And while the book was entertaining (sometimes steamy), it didn't live up to my original expectations. Still a good way to pass time though. I'll check out some of her other books before I give up on Lauren Bach as an author.

Tess Marsh is driving on an isolated and deserted Montana highway when she runs out of gas. A biker stops to offer assistance just prior to the arrival of a motorcycle gang, notorious for white slavery and drug trafficking. Dallas forces himself on Tess by pretending she is his alone.

When they enter the gang's hideout, Dallas pleads with Tess to trust him in spite of her current predicament apparently caused by him. Weeks later there is a FBI raid on the compound and Tess learns that Dallas is Federal agent Grey Thomas who has worked undercover for years seeking evidence to incarcerate these nasty criminals. Tess is subpoenaed to testify at the trials, but someone wants her dead before she gives testimony. Grey is determined to keep her safe.

Lauren Bach has written an exciting romantic adventure reminiscent of a Big Sky version of Romancing the Stone. The heroine is feisty and brave while the hero intrepidly will do what it takes to keep the woman he loves unharmed. LONE RIDER is a fantastic reading experience for those fans that enjoy action in their romances.

Harriet Klausner