Roman Empire, fifth century -- murder, suspense, characters whom you can identify with, set in an era that piques ones interest. THE SAINT'S DAY DEATHS is a fun read.

Author Albert Noyer has brought history to life through a novel that has something for everyone - murderous conspiracy, political intrigue, warring sects and religious motivations - in "The Saint's Day Deaths." This evocative, historically accurate fictional mystery provides twists and turns never anticipated by the reader. The story is set in the year 406 CE, and the Rhine River has frozen over, making the city of Mogontium a target of three factions vying for empire. It is the beginning of the fall of the Roman Empire, and barbarian tribes are planning an invasion over the frozen river, while Christians and pagans clash inside the city to acquire religious and political power. In the midst, each month a citizen is murdered on their namsake's Saint's day in the same way the saint was martyred. [With Presbyter Modestus,] husband and wife team Treverius and Blandina, mapmakers, investigate the murders for an ailing governor and must find the culprit, as well as a way to prevent more deaths while they sort through a mingling of politics and religion combined with deception, treachery and greed. Noyer is an obvious passionate savant of Roman history and superbly combines it with many literary elements such as foreshadowing, allusion and dialogue. His first novel is a glorious accomplishment combining historical fact and setting, intriguing fictional characters and mesmerizing events. A glossary of names and places and the addition of three maps create an authenticity rarely found in literature. Review by Shawn Childers, East Mountain Telegraph.

This is a historical novel in the best sense of the word. A good history book makes the past come true, and a good novel breathes life into something that never happened. This book accomplishes both. An amazing feet! The story plays at around 400 AD in the Roman outpost Mogontium at the river Rhine. With the historical finesse that makes this book so enjoyable, the author selected for Mogontium a location that roughly coincides with the modern city of Mainz, thus making the settlement half fictitious, half real. At the time, the Rhine marked the boundary between two cultures: Supposedly civilized Rome west of the river, and barbaric Germanic tribes to the east. It was a time of frequent clashes between the dying paganism of the past and the budding religion of the future. This struggle, which provides the background for the story, becomes plastically alive through the deeds and the dialogues of its finely chiseld characters. The historical setting, in turn, heightens the story's suspense that would be considerable even in a more ordinary environment. The story is a classic whodunit. The stage is set when a worker, acting on behalf of Presbyter Modestus, attempts to erect a Christian cross on a former temple of Jupiter and is struck by lightning. Treverius and Cyril, who witness the incident, are terrified, but for different reasons. Treverius, the map maker, who has adopted the Christian faith, considers the poor man's death an accident, while Cyril, a rich merchant, who still clings to orthodox pantheism, views it a Jupiter's revenge. Many more deaths will follow, Cyril darkly prophesies, while Triverius attends to the daed man and his widow. Cyril's prophesy comes true, or so it seems, when Mogontium is rocked by a series of grisly murders. Triverius, his beautiful wife Blandina, and Presbyter Modestus are faced wirh the challenge to solve the mystery, and they attend to their mission with the bravura of a lay detective of a modern thriller.

Are the murders solved? If so, how? Where they hate crimes of the kind we know today? What was the role of the competing religions in these trgedies? Last, but not least, did Cyril's prophesy have some truth in it? Read it yourself. You will not regret it.

If you can buy only one book about Sedona area hikes, buy this one. Don't give it a second thought. Yes, there are other books but this one is the very best, bar none. That's all that matters. Get your money's worth. Think about this, the authors published their first books in 1992 after researching the hikes for SEVEN YEARS! Then they proceed to put out five MORE revised editions since then. That means they have published six editions in 9 years!! All of that updated knowledge is contained in the 6th edition. Having this book is like having your own personal hiking guide. You get over 250 pages for a mere [amt]!. Their descriptions are the most up-to-date and the best researched. The writing and photography come from a genuine lifelong love for the place, not a desire to make money from a hiking book. We bought their first edition in 1992 and carry it right alongside our 6th edition. We wouldn't leave home for a hike in that area without the 6th edition. It's the Bible, as far as we are concerned. Good luck and happy hiking!

Accurate, informative, easy to use, clear, concise and loaded with hikes -- what else could a person ask for from a hiking guidebook? My wife an I bought this book from adventuroustraveler.com for a short stay we had in Sedona this spring. Not only did this book help us maximize our time there by making recommendations and providing explicit maps and distances for every hike, but it gave us a lot of useful information about the history and geology of the area. Even though we only had the chance to make a handful of hikes, we feel we got the most out of them, and a lot of that had to do with this book. We look forward to going back to Sedona and taking the book with us and recommend it for anyone else who plans to visit, too.

"Sedona Hikes" is an excellent guide for the stunning red rock country. Everything about this book is quality. Boasting 135 hikes this is money well spent. Now in it's fifth edition the book has really come together. As an avid hiker I can say this book hits on several areas in gleaming fashion. Directions to the trailheads are precise and easy to follow. The size of the book is appropriate to carry in a water backpack. Trails covering the entire area are included. At first I thought the vague trail maps could be better. After further consideration I realized the trail descriptions are so good you really don't need a map. Important trail information is included such as distance, effort and features. Time needed to hike the trail helps plan your day. I would categorize the authors as light day hikers. Most just visiting the area would fall into this category so the book is a real hit. If you plan on a longer hike, on some of the trails, you will need to go elsewhere for the information. I've used and carried this book on countless hikes. Since the last printing the Red Rock fee has come into effect on several trails. I'm sure this will be included in the sixth edition. - joe bartels Webmaster of HikeArizona.COM & TrailDEX

This is a book that aims to help you improve your self-discipline by carefully guiding you along a series of mental blocks that stop you from being disciplined.

The author very cleverly uses the typography in order to draw your attention to key points. Although the text seems unassuming at first, an awful lot of trial-and-error must have flown into this book as it almost at every stage seems to know what you're thinking and, based on that, guides you in the right direction.

Personally, I am awed by the spot-on analysis of the way that I'm thinking and how that blocked me from doing the things that I want to do. Although striving for "self-discipline" sounds strict and funless, I actually feel liberated after reading this book and even starting to apply the lessons learned. For me the book worked wonders and I am now getting things done that used to lie around for years.

Very good compilation of the most recent psycological trends (emotional inteligence), but put in plain human language. Fun and practical.

I am now reading the book for the second time. The author does a very good job at getting you to do the exercises. You are very inspired by this book and truely believe that you can become a better worker.

I bought this book to help me stop procrastinating and wasting valuable time worrying about things and just putting other things before my work.

I still have a little trouble applying the last two sections in the book but I am gonna keep reading and going over the information until I got it stuck as a habit.

Self-Discipline is something you can learn. It just takes some work.

This was an amazing, refreshing read. It's so nice to read something that's not just a great story, but great to read. I read that Pamela is also an accomplished poet, and it shows in her writing. I found myselft drawn into her stories by her magnificent characters and amazing prose. This is not just a great book, but a work of art!

This is the best book I've read in a long time! Each story is so interesting that I found myself wishing there were more than 7 days in a week and more than 7 sins, just so I could read more!

Seven Days and Seven Sins is a beautifully written, engaging book. You won't look at your neighbors the same after reading this book! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for high quality, thought provoking fiction.

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY by Fletcher Knebel and Charles Bailey is a frightening look at what most people would consider impossible in the government established by our Constitution. Most Americans take our democratic form of government for granted; but could a military leader manage to engineer a coup to overthrow the Executive Branch of government?

This is the central issue in this novel set sometime around a decade after Kennedy's administration (the book was written in 1962), as an unpopular President Lyman faces unrest in both in the armed forces and the civilian sector over a proposed disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union, labor troubles at home, and a poor economy. Colonel Martin Casey, reporting to the Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, suspects something is up when a series of suspicious events and circumstances occur, which lead him to conclude that JSC Chairman General Scott is readying a coup. With only days before the potential coup, President Lyman, and his trusted allies Colonel Cassey, Secretary of Treasury Todd, Senator Clark from Georgia, the President's Appointment Secretary Girard and Secret Service Agent Corwin, must act quickly to try to corroborate or disprove the theory of a military coup. The investigation includes a kidnapping of one of the President's men at a secret military base, a suspicious death that rattles the President, the use of sexual innuendo for information, and more.

The picture this novel paints is a frightening one. The book is not a difficult one to read or comprehend. In the end, you're left wondering if it could possibly happen today. The book is set up as a chronological account of the actions of the Presidents team over the seven days until the coup; the pressure of time is constantly felt through the novel, which just adds to the suspense. Although over 300 pages, the book starts up quick and never stops. SEVEN DAYS IN MAY is an excellent political thriller that entertains and makes you wonder. Once you pick it up you'll find it difficult to put down. I highly recommend.

A coup d'etat in the United States? A visionary pacifist President gets a disarmament treaty ratified, over the military's opposition, and is about to begin implementing it despite widespread public apprehension and disapproval. Some top military and congressional leaders, led by the charismatic general who chairs the Joint Chiefs of Staff, join forces in taking advantage of the President's political weakness--but what are they planning, and how far will they go? The general's aide begins connecting certain ominous clues, suspects the worst, and shares his fears with the President. Then the battle is joined: the President and a small inner circle must not only figure out whether there is a conspiracy but, if there is one, must neutralize it--all before a blow that might fall at any time, all without provoking the conspirators into premature action, and all without falling prey to a paranoia that will itself furnish the pretext for bringing down the President even if there never was any conspiracy.

The writing is tight and dramatic. "Seven Days in May" was adapted to the big screen in a 1964 film starring Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster, and again thirty years later in a 1994 made-for-television movie starring Forrest Tucker. Both versions do justice to the novel.

If you enjoy "Seven Days in May," you may also enjoy "Night of Camp David," also by Fletcher Knebel. "Night of Camp David" largely follows the same formula as "Seven Days in May," but the issue is presidential incapacity rather than a coup d'etat.

Is an American coup impossible? Maybe. Then again, maybe not. With all these crazies from the militia movement to the Posse Commitatus, it's quite possible. What if it happened? Who'd do it? Probably a power-hungry general. Who'd stop it? A loyal Marine colonel perhaps? That's the plot of the 1962 novel and movie Seven Days in May. James Mattoon Scott, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is the power-hungry general, Colonel "Jiggs" Casey's the loyal Marine who uncovers Scott's plan and warns the President. The attempted coup begins when the President of the United States signs an arms control treaty with the Soviet Union and his popularity sinks like the Titanic and the Lusitania. Casey, an alcoholic, is at a party being thrown by a Washington socialite in suburban Chevy Chase, Maryland, when Scott makes his move against the President. The climatic confrontation comes when the President tells Scott that if he has a disagreement with our policies he should resign his commission and run for President in the next election. He can't be in the military and President at the same time. Casey warns the President and is rewarded. Scott's arrested and charged with treason. This book may be old but it's not dated.

This book basically is for finding something for elementary aged children to do. The games are desribed in ways relating to the show, but many are just actually Simpson related twists of old games. This book faetures many card games, scientific tricks, optical illusions, and many other things that can be done inside the house. This book also features some great puzzles, and a area with children related recipes. Buy this book to keep your children entertained, I'm sure they'll find much of the book useful.

Are you board, raining out side. Well even if it isn't this book will still be fun. it delivers the fun out of the simpsons. If you like the show, you'll love this book.

A great Simpson's book, which you cannot put down. It's full of excellent games and puzzles. One for all Simpson's fans.

I run a website for postpartum mood disorders and am constantly on the lookout for materials to share with the visitors of our site and forum. I was absolutely captured by this book and did not want to put it down. So many things the author describes, from feelings to manifestations of her illness, echo the lives and stories of other mothers who have lived with a postpartum mood disorder. I invite all women who are planning or expecting to have a baby to READ THIS BOOK. Ignorance of the subject will not, unfortunately, make you immune...

I was in my seventh month of pregnancy with my fourth child (in 4 1/2 years) when I came upon this book. I had suffered severe PPD with my first 3 children, and my husband and I had decided not to have any more children. When I found out that I was pregnant again, I was devastated. I was depressed throughout the pregnancy, and was dreading the April delivery and the first year afterwards.

Ms. Resnick's book arrived on my doorstep in mid-February. I read it twice that day, underlining quite a few things the second time through. I found myself nodding in agreement and exclaiming, "Yes, that's exactly how I felt!" It was so reassuring to know that someone else really did understand!

At the back of the book, I found the phone number for Depression After Delivery. I called and within 10 days I was in the office of a wonderful counselor. She worked with me over the next several weeks. I was encouraged by her to seek medicinal help from a psychiatrist, who changed my medication.

All of this came about because I read Ms. Resnick's book. She helped me to recognize the need for professional help, the realization that medicine is supposed to DO something positive, and the understanding that it is OK to limit the size of one's family for the benefit of a healthy, happy mommy.

The ending is happy: Within one week of my medication being switched, I felt like a new person. Three weeks later, my second son (fourth child) was born. I had one brief bout of the blues on Day 3, but the months since then have been the happiest of my life. I am so thankful for Ms. Resnick's book. It gave me direction and encouragement, and I was finally able to enjoy the infancy of one of my children.

I was both horrified and relieved after reading this book. Her postpartum symptoms were different and the same as mine. I never had trouble eating. Except when I starved because I could no longer find the strength to make something for myself. But I wanted food.

I too could not sleep. I blamed everything on the lack of sleep. The family cockatiel kept me up with relentless squeals while the baby slept. I would have exchanged its life for 15 minutes sleep. But it, like my sanity was out of my grasp.

I was delusional. So was she. Her description of her delusions and the way they ran through her mind was so similar to my own that I felt relief. Chemical. It was chemical. Thank God. I knew that but never heard anyone else describe the ugly images--these beyond words images. Thank God somebody had the courage to confess them.

But there was something else in the book. Dysthymic. I mild depression running as a theme through one's life. Postpartum is more common in such people. But she had gone to therapists and I never had. Never would.

But as I read to the end I hear how she gets well. Through therapy and antidepressants. She not only survives postpartum depression but thrives as a result. From the drugs? No way.

I survived postpartum depression. I am convinced it took about three years. The most horrible part ended over many months but there was a lasting weakness in my body and mind for a very long time afterwards.

Had I read this book then I would have gotton help. I was scared to get help. A woman I talked to said the doctors gave her shock treatment.(She is in her 60's.) I felt the doctors did not understand it so I remained silient.

The book is well worth the short read. It is good if you think you are experiencing postpartum or if you had it. Or just to give hope to someone you think may be suffering from it.

The mystery of our lives. The oddity of memory. The things that make us who we are. Frederick Buechner explores all of these topics in the first volume of his autobiographies, "The Sacred Journey."

Slowly--word by word and line by line, Buechner has won my respect as an author. How he unravels the story of his own life, how he makes the past breathe, gives it life...it has all combined to deepen my esteem for him. He is one of the greatest living authors.

Buechner's honest search for something universal in his story has captivated me. We all stand, in one way or another, in the shadows of our own lives. Alone, we cannot even comprehend the whole of our own journeys. The value of Buechner's excavation of his past is that when others view it, it may help them see the importance of their own journey.

In spite of the author's uncertainness about writing them, I have found Buechner's autobiographies to be of great value. I am thankful for the man's openness, courage and skill (they are fun to read).

I give "The Sacred Journey" my wholehearted recommendation.

I have read The Magnificent Defeat, Godric and the meditation book, Listening to Your Life. I've read other books by Richard Rohr that have blown me away in how they've illuminated Christianity for me but I've never read anything quite so beautiful, so rich with humanity as this slim little volume.

It is rare that words fail me but it seems that anything I could say about this work wouldn't do it any justice at all. It's not about Christianity, it's about looking into your life, listening to all the strangeness, horror and wonder and perchance finding what God might be saying.

and still my words fail. Read this and take the journey yourself. You'll see what I mean.

Do not be misled -- this first of Buechner's four autobiographical works is slim, but there is much to be found here -- much that will make the reader connect with the author and reflect on his or her own life.

A feeling of quiet comes over one during the reading. This is intensely personal, intensely honest writing. I was prompted to examine my own life as directly and intently, wondering why I had never done so before. Truthfully, wondering if I could.

Highly recommended, as are the works that follow.

Look, if you happen to come across this book don't let the version of Visual Basic (5) fool you. This book actually kept me from giving up on programming altogether. I first picked up another Sams Teach Yourself Vb in 21 days and wanted to throw it away, someone recommended this one and I truly am thankful to the Gurewich brothers for writing it. Do yourself a favor and begin your journey in Visual Basic with this book.

I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROGRAMMING EXPERIANCE BEFORE THIS BOOK AND WITHIN 2-3 DAYS I COULD WRIGHT MY OWN SMALL PROGRAMMS, THE WAY ITS SET UP YOU CANT GET LOST ITS SO STRAIGHT FORWARD NON OF THIS MUMBO JUMBO THAT YOU NEED A DEGREE JUST TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THERE SAYING NO I RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN VISUAL BASIC AND BELIEVE ME IT IS POSSIBLE TO LEARN A LOT IN 21 DAYS, I HAVE BEEN LEARNING VISUAL BASIC FOR A YEAR NOW AND I STILL GO BACK TO PICK UP THINGS.

I don't know how to program, and I want to know if this book will help me how to program. I have visual basic 5. if anyone can help me, if this book will teach me how to program from the beginning