The recipes make soup a "souper" meal, a gourmet delight as well as comfort food.The author's notes are particularly helpful for menu planning.

I LOVE this cookbook. I'm a huge soup fan and I collect soup cookbooks. This is the best one I have ever seen. My favorite recipe is the marinated steak soup. An amazing combination of flavors you just have to experience to believe.

Every soup I have made from this book has been wonderful. The combinations of flavors is incredible. I particular liked finding some of my favorite restaurant soups presented here. I attended a soup cooking class by Ray Overton and decided that I needed this book! It has been a great purchase.

I have always wondered why life seemed so difficult, with one lesson, one problem, one crises after another. And I wondered, too, and why good, fruitful decisions were so hard to make. Then I came across this book, and I realized what had been missing! I had been trying to do it all on my own, without ever once realizing or knowing that there was help available to me, in the form of God's Divine Guidance, that could help me make my important life decisions in such a way as to avoid most of life's difficulities. This book gave me not only the information I needed, but also the tools to make use of it. Now, thanks to Dr. Overton's wise words, my life is free, easy, and happy!!

Divine Guidance is an inpiring and enlightening book reminding us that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. The author, Dr. Jerry Overton, skillfully outlines the various ways we receive divine guidance and how we can more fully accept and trust in this gift to achieve greater abundance and effortlessness in our own lives. The stories of how divine guidance has helped people overcome tremendous challenges are heartwarming and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a more abundant, meaningful and joyful life.

I have felt pretty successful in my life. But like most humans on this planet I have had intervals of extreme struggle and grief, including the death of a parent, turbulent relationships, divorce, personal financial issues and everyday disappointments and loss. I have always believed that there were forces at play in my life that were both beyond my control and out of my reach of understanding. I believed that the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned were purposeful--and the purpose was my growth, my personal work to accomplish in this lifetime.

I have also incorporated different elements into my spiritual practice such as mediations, readings and prayer, and I have believed that getting in touch with my "greater good" would enhance my peace of mind. But I could never quite put my finger on why I was facing over and over what seemed to be the same life lessons. Why was I having the same outcomes? It seemed as if in some way I was like a student who keeps retaking the test she flunked the first time. Can I never seem to get certain things right and move on to bigger and more fun challenges? I sought out ways to find my path, including therapy and self-help seminars, and yet some of the same messages and lessons just kept reappearing. And though those lessons often reappeared in different forms, the content always seemed to be the same.

Then I come across Dr. Overton's book. This is a man trained in a traditional theological seminary (Perkins School of Divinity at Southern Methodist University) but who has anything but a traditional Christian view of life. Here was finally a book that laid wide open the meanings of those nudges, inklings, and messages I'd been glimpsing for years in mediation and prayer--the ones that I often disregarded as my personal "paranoia" or my fears of failure. Overton gives context and meaning to why the lessons keep repeating. In fact, he provides very simple and easily implemented strategies for "getting the message" and moving on.

This is a small book with a BIG message. It provides a context for me as a human being to understand the greater forces at play in my life. It gives me a basis to understand the meaning of those seemingly "small voices" within that urge me to take certain actions, or not. Overton writes in a style that makes you feel you are sure he is sitting next to you on a park bench or talking to you over a cup of tea. The book is subtle, sweet, and has so much depth of content that it invites a revisit--to reacquaint yourself at every new life change with the insights that will inform your journey.

It is one of those books that I will give to both my sons; Overton's practices and principles are so important that I would want both my chidren to have this information in their "toolbox" of life. In these turbulent times this book is a major contribution to the expansion of my spiritual life. It has and will continue to be a significant contribution to my "work." I 'm likely to buy 10 copies of this book and give to all my friends. Formost, this book has been a gift to myself.

This book made me laugh and it made me cry! The childhood stories are so funny! And at the same time, the story is heartfelt and touching. My husband may read 1, perhaps 2 books a year, as English isn't his first language. It usually takes him a couple of months to get through a book. He couldn't put this book down and read it within a few days. We both highly recommend "Secrets Under the Bridge"!

Secrets Under the Bridge was given to me as a gift and has turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. I now give it as a gift and get rave reviews. This book is a real jewel!

I loved the book. Really good story telling. Character development is solid. You get to know the characters. The oldest brother is a hoot! A real family terrorist! I'm surprised the author lived to tell about it. This book is for all age groups. Especially those who lived through that era or those who want to learn what childhood during the war years was like. You can't go wrong buying Secrets Under the Bridge!

An Unbelievable book! Having biked parts of this trail myself, The attention to detail that Ms. Lankford has supplied is astouding! I have read many guidebooks covering many topics, and this is one of the best, from the mileage markers, to the detailed maps, to the great photos. Additionally, the book doubles as a great adventure story of two slightly crazy, but totally ambitious girls! I reccomend this book without hesitation.

I just got Andrea Lankford's guide and getting my hands on it is bittersweet: I love the book... but really could have used this guide a couple of months ago. In November and December of 2002 I became the first solo thru biker of the Arizona Trail (AZT) and the third thru biker ever. During my journey I relied on photocopied maps, second hand advice, and a crumpled road map-certainly not the thorough guidebook that is available today. Lankford supplies us long distance adventurers with a guide complete with accurate trail descriptions, exact mileage, humor, an easily readable text, maps, and photos. Lankford is truly adept at writing a guide after thru biking the AZT, thru hiking the 2160-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and serving as a National Park Service EMT/Forest Ranger. They said Andrea Lankford and her partner Beth Overton could'nt hack this 800-mile mountain, canyon, plateau, and desert route, but they were wrong. And if anyone ever said that a great guide could not come out of their expedition, they were clearly incorrect as well. As being the only other person to bike this gorgeous and challenging trail besides Andrea Lankford's friend Beth, I can tell ya one thing for sure: this baby gets 5 stars.

Nothing is ever what it appears to be when the Devil is in the details.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS is the first novel in a new series of mysteries by Ariana Overton. Overton's previous credits include the paranormal Glass House trilogy (GLASS HOUSE, A GLASS DARKLY, LOOKING GLASS) and time-travel novel TAPESTRY. THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS introduces FBI agent Jake Daniels and his "dream team" of scruffy but savvy investigators: psychologist and Daniel's childhood friend Dr. Martine "Marti" Joyner, former San Francisco policeman M.M. "Sam" Quigley, and strip club owner and computer whiz "Tigger" Tiggs.

When we meet Daniels he is well on his way to drinking himself out of a pension, the agent haunted by the murders of his wife and partner, both victims of serial killers during the past two years. His career in a nosedive, the FBI assign Daniels to the northern California community of Santa Rosa to stop a maniac who has butchered five women since Valentine's Day. The FBI claim apprehending "The Holiday Killer" is Daniels' last chance to rescue his career...or so it appears. Daniels knows one agent has already been dismissed in disgrace from the case for failing to stop the Santa Rosa murders; he is not too blitzed to realize the FBI expect him to fail to justify their finally firing him.

What neither Daniels or the FBI could have counted on was his uncovering evidence suggesting The Holiday Killer may have had a hand in his wife's murder.

Daniels' efforts to discover the truth are complicated by Santa Rosa Police Chief Hartigan and the local coroner, Dr. Russell, who resent the FBI agent...or so it appears. Neither will help him any more than is necessary, and Daniels suspects they may even be trying to sabotage his investigation. If it weren't for his own team of investigators and two token Santa Rosa policemen assigned to help them, Brian Denton and Cameron Parker, Daniels' task would be hopeless. Meanwhile an aggressive television journalist, Connie Braxton, is determined to get the scoop on The Holiday Killer's identity...or so it appears. Her commitment sometimes seems to border on the pathological. She will do anything to uncover The Holiday Killer's identity, including jeopardizing the career of one of Daniels' team by seducing him.

Overton has created an intriguing cast of characters for THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS, as well as weaves an intricate plot in a fashion that is entertaining and easy to follow. She will not lose you or bore you, though the book does start off slowly, much in the manner of Tom Clancy novel. Like Clancy, though, once Overton's characters and situations have all been properly introduced and set in motion, her novel will carry you away.

Be warned, this is a rough book that deals with sexual perversion and mutilation. To her credit Overton does not dwell on every seamy or gory detail, as other authors are wont to do; however, she does not shy away from them. Daniels' team is pursuing a clever and elusive homicidal maniac, after all. But Overton, a mature authoress, makes certain that her novel's suspense and tragedy are as real as its blood. She is to be complimented for that, as well as her gift for juggling suspects and plot twists with the adroitness of a street busker. At one point or another almost every character in THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS falls under suspicion of being The Holiday Killer. Even Daniels! That is one neat trick, as is Overton's ability to create reader sympathy for Daniels in her novel's early pages. It is not easy to feel sorry for a drunken protagonist who has lost confidence in himself, but Overton succeeds. What's more, when Daniels does defeat the demons that haunt him, awakes from his melancholy, and dedicates himself to stopping the maniac, he establishes himself as a hero worthy of challenging the devilish and daring Holiday Killer.

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS is a thrilling launch to a new series of mysteries. Ariana Overton is going to win over a lot of new fans and please a lot of old ones with this novel.

Buried in the myriad pile of details lies the answer to Sonoma County's serial killer. But when those sworn to uphold the law impeded its enforcement, even FBI agents find their path blocked. As each holiday brings another gristly murder, the citizens clamor for an arrest. Yet the Bureau doesn't believe that they have serial killer, despite three victims, with the same signature on the kills, in the past three months.

The Holiday killer almost ruined a good field agent's career because he couldn't solve the case. The Behavioral Science Unit profiler says he can't help any more without new information. Yet the FBI is no closer to solver these gristly crimes than a year ago when the case came to their attention. Now agent Jake Daniels, whose career is already spiraling downward, has been assigned to the case.

Jake also carries the baggage of his past. His partner was killed by a serial killer. His wife was tortured and murdered while he watched, unable to come to her assistance. Now the FBI has taken him from a desk job to the field, assigning him to a difficult case just to keep the investigation going, not because they faith that it will be solved.

Author Ariana Overton presents a gristly, brutal serial killer with the clarity and insight that has become a trademark in her work. With eerie attention to detail, Overton creates the clues and the red herrings that keep the pages turning. Even as the surprise conclusion seems to leap out from the novel, the reader will be on the edge of the seat. Further, her meticulous attention to detail also creates vividly realized characters. Very highly recommended.

Evil creepy crawlers are lurking in the dark and crossing into reality in this latest paranormal action/thriller from Ariana Overton. As the veil between the worlds thins, threatening to allow an influx of danger, Overton weaves a deft web of the fantastic and the paranormal to create A GLASS DARKLY. Although it is part two of a series that began with GLASS HOUSE, it also a fascinating and vivid tale that can stand alone.

While GLASS HOUSE was set in the Glass House Mountains of Australia, this second novel is set in the Glass Mountain area of northern California where Morgan Steele has assembled some of the most brilliant minds in engineering and physics. Andi, Andromeda Jones, left the Glass House Mountains once, fleeing Morgan, but with her sister missing, returning seems her only link to find Sam and her husband James.

Vox Dei, which translates as The Voice of God, a machine ostensibly created to end war, actually holds a much more diabolical truth. The military wants it for a weapon, the mysterious group "The Nine" want it for their own brand of power, and others seem to also have likewise dangerous motives for gaining control of this doomsday machine. As Andi brings the machine closer to completion, she ignores the warning signs, finding herself plunged into danger with her own work as the possible means to the end of the world as we know it.

Many favorite characters make a return with Glass Darkly, including Sam, James, the blues, the greys, and Yowies. New characters will make an equally vivid appearance, particularly Moon Wolf, this reviewer's favorite. With a deft touch, Overton has created a remarkable novel of passion, war, and the quest for power. While reaching a full and satisfying conclusion, A GLASS DARKLY conversely whets the appetite leaving the reader ready to read more.

Volcanos, native American myths, Australian myths, intrigue, murder and mayhem...all these and more will be found in this second book of the Glass House trilogy. I couldn't put it down.

I thought this book was fast paced, original, and intriguing. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves to read. I literally could not put it down.

I liked this book because while it seems like a fantasy, there are parts of it that seem very real. The characters, wild as they are, seem as if they could be real.

Excerpt from book review section of the Monterey County Post: Overton, a retired art teacher and interior designer, exposes a nineteen year old college drop out named Alice to the illicit pleasures available at Casa Danada, the mountain-top retreat of Pirrone Rivelli. A mysterious figure whose lifstyle includes fast cars, numerous women, and ties to the underworld. Rivelli holds a dagerous, nearly fatal attraction for the novel's young heroine.
Alice enters into an exotic world in which there are no rules. Life in this untamed milieu is lived on the edge. Alice nearly tumbles into the "abyss" as the romance of her new bohemialn life turns ugly and threatens to destroy the innocent young woman.

This salad book by Ray Overton lived up to my every expectation. I have Ray's Main-Course Soups and am thrilled to know this is now a series. Can't wait to get Main-Course Sandwiches.

The recipes in the salad book are so creative and different. Some of our favorites are the Fiery Thai Beef Salad, Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese Salad, and the Southwestern (Layered) Black Bean Salad. The dressings are easy and can be made ahead (they're even better when allowed to sit in the fridge overnight). Can't wait to try more!

I met Ray at a demo/signing in NYC last month. He is a delight. Why haven't we seen him on the TV Food Network? He'd give Emeril some sleepless nights worrying about this creative guy taking over his Live show. With the books he's written and his vast culinary knowledge, humor, style, and personality, it's time for a change!

This is the best book available on quick, easy and wonderfully inventive salads. I have used several recipes and the results were awesome. I have ordered several copies to give as gifts. The recipes are easy the presentation sublime. Atlanta Chef's are the best!!!!

This book is like a special gift to those of us transplanted Southerners. I now live on Long Island and miss the summers spent on my grandparents farm in rural Tennessee. This book brought back so many fond food memories (with updated twists inspired by the creative author, Ray Overton). It is a beautifully photographed book (in fact I bought 2, one for my kitchen, and one to display on my coffeetable). For anyone who loves comfort food at it's best, and those longing for a bit of nostalgia at the table, this is the book to buy. So, loosen your belt and have another helping .............

As a native of Athens, GA., i was delighted to find this book. The recipes are mostly familiar, but updated and photographed so as to inspire...Beginners will not have any difficulty w/ the recipes, which are very accessible. The book has interesting mini-articles, about Winter-wheat (White lily flour, the secret to flaky biscuits) and tabasco sauce, are but two of the examples. All in all, this book makes you want to get in the kitchen and start whippin' up some Sally lunn, collards and red velvet cake! i look forward to the entire series.

I came to Amazon searching for this book, which I read every Christmas season as a child and want to read to my kids now. It is a romantic story set in England, maybe around the 16th century, and wonderfully evokes the spirit of Christmasses long past. The characters are immediately accessible to modern readers, and it manages to be fuuny, charming and immensely informative at the same time. But beware - once you've read it, you may find yourself wanting to celebrate Dancing Day, Holy Innocents Day and a host of other long-forgotten festivals, to the consternation of your friends and relatives.

This is a delightful and very amusing love story based on the popular song, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me .." Annaple Kitson is a hopeless romantic who has resisted Francis Vere's attentions because he is not creative enough in his courtship. This year he gets the idea and sends her gifts based on the fairy tales and rhymes she loves - more and more each day (just like the song!)

We have read this book aloud to our children on the twelve days of Christmas for four years now and it is one of the highlights of the season for us. Everyone looks forward to the next day's story (The "kids" in our family are 4,6,10,12,43, and 45). Highly recommended!