I just finished this book (my 12th Victoria Holt novel!!) and like always, she can spin a tale of gothic romance like no one else. I wish, God how I wish, this talented woman was still alive and writing, because no one did it better. Her sense of detail, setting, people, is just so lush and vibrant. This novel is set in France and revived my interest in French culture! This is also a fast moving book, full of energy. You will love it! If you have never read Miss Holt, read this, Mistress of Mellyn, and On the Night of the Seventh Moon and just see how quickly you become a huge fan!

This book is good at keeping you in suspense. Dallas Lawson is a painter who goes to a country estate wich belongs to a mysterious and aloof man(the comte)durring the 1800's. Where she is thrown into mystery and adventure. She went there to find a job of restoring paintings only the job of restoring wrong doing has found her. I highly recommend this book. Its the kind of book to read on a dark rainy day or anytime for that matter.

Victoria holt weaves a web of mystery love france dignity and sheer terror that is simply spellbinding . if its the last thing you ever do you must read this book. I'm at a loss for words so just read the book okay

I read this book when it came out many years ago and my copy has been read and re-read many times over the years. It's a great non fiction book about an ivory cross that the former director of the Met found and pursued and finally purchased, after many setbacks and frustrations along the way. It brings you into the world of art, history, museums and museum directors and brings it all to life.
After I read it, I made sure I visited the Cloisters the next time I was in New York City to see the actual cross.
You mustn't miss both book and Cross!

This book is not for everyone, but if you like a good mystery story, where the heroes, villains, and bit players just happen to be real, historic people, this is for you ! Hoving is a great writer, who knows how to take a fairly simple story and lead you through all the twists and turns of byways, blind alleys, false hopes, and triumphs. You are with him every step of the way. A great vacation book, 330 pages on non-stop action.

This book was fabulous! Hoving makes the twists and turns of the research and tracking of a precious antiquity enthralling. The adventurous nature of this story is reminiscent of Indiana Jones movies...except it was real! An engaging and spellbinding tale of art history, research, intrigue and treasure hunting.

This is the fifth book in the Liam Rhenford/Fanuilh (Liam's dragon familiar) series and continues Daniel Hood's fabulous fantastical mystery series. In this tale, we join Liam in Torquay, the nation's capitol. He has been charged with delivering a package for the Duke and rather resents his position of errand boy. But Liam quickly realizes that this is no ordinary package. In short order he is accused of two murders, the disappearance of his friend, attacking the Chief of the Peacemakers (Police), treason and much more! When Liam realizes that he is carrying one of the legendary treasures of the Empire, the King's Cure, and that it may be the only thing standing between the dying King and death's door, he is in a race against time to get the potion delivered to the King. The only problem is - who is his enemy and who can he trust?

This is simply a fabulous book. For those of you who enjoy mysteries, this is a great fantasy to start with. And for those of you who enjoy fantasy, this is a great fantasy and a great mystery. Daniel Hood has a beautiful writing style, very clear and easy to follow, yet full of evocative descriptions and details. Hood's characters are very well developed and the reader can immediately identify with them. Although this book is part of a series, this one can easily stand on its own as all of the characters (except Liam and Rhenford) are new and Hood does an excellent job of giving just enough background information for new readers to understand, but not so much that dedicated fans get bored. Most of Hood's books are out of print, but they are readily available through used books stores and are well worth the little bit of time and effort needed to hunt them down. Buy this book - you won't regret it!

"The King's Cure" is the third in Daniel Hood's series, starring Liam Rhenford and Fanuilh, his dragon familiar. It opens with Liam's arrival at Master Cade's home in the capital city of Torquay, to deliver a package from Liam's employer, Vespasianus, Duke of the Southern Tier. Whatever the package is, Cade inspects it and then promptly asks Liam to carry it one step further. This time Liam is to take the packet to a man named Bairth, and he is warned to avoid notice.

Liam's irritation at running errands vanishes when his visit to Bairth's house puts him in the midst of a murder from which he barely escapes with his own life, helped considerably by Fanuilh's facility with spellcasting. As Liam avoids the Peacekeepers, he discovers that the package is a small vial containing the King's Cure, a remedy specific to those of royal blood. King Nicanor's health has been failing quickly and apparently the Duke had decided to offer aid. Unfortunately, someone else is determined to prevent the vial from reaching the King, and has set up Liam as the scapegoat.

Violent death seems to pursue Liam everywhere as he tries to resolve the crime and deliver the vial. Not only does he face betrayal, but his every move seems to be anticipated by the Pacifex Warden. He and Fanuilh are driven to the most extraordinary measures to avoid capture as they flee from place to place in Torquay. Rarely is there enough time for Rhenford and the dragon to formulate a workable plan of action as they are foiled repeatedly by the brilliant Pacifex.

I wish that Liam's relationship with Fanuilh was a bit better developed. The little dragon has considerable intelligence and many glints of personality. But Liam shifts from affection to master/servant with little rhyme or reason. Given the size of Fanuilh's part, more character development is called for to avoid him becoming a deus ex machina.

King's Cure is not really a true mystery story, but more of a fantasy adventure tale with a bit of a mystery at its inception. This hardly harm's the plot, but the reader should not anticipate another Lord D'Arcy. Instead enjoy it for what it is. Daniel Hood spins an inventive and engaging tale. Liam Rhenford is a character with depth as well as resourcefulness, much enhancing the tale. The reader will also enjoy the vivid scenes of the city of Torquay. The story stands quite well on its own. Recommended.

Dan Hood is one of three authors on my "must buy" fantasy list. The others being Steven Brust and George R.R. Martin (Though I will say that George has the potential of going the way of Robert Jordan and taking far too long to tell his story). His world is skillfully developed and feels both real and fantastic at the same time. His characters are interesting and well defined but remain mysterious - leaving a reader with the desire to learn more about them. (I REALLY want to know more about Liam's past as the scion of a noble house fallen on difficult times...)

Hood's plots, however, are the real reason you should buy his novels. He combines logical mysteries with the fantasy world he created and weaves puzzling and challenging plots which leave a reader always wanting to keep on turning pages. One reviewer of an earlier novel (Fanuilh - Hood's first) said it was predictable. I disagree, there were always several possible murderers until near the end - at which point the focus was more on how Rhenford was going to handle the situation.

These novels are great for fantasy enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike. Those who are both are in for a rare treat.

Unfortunately Mr. Hood has recently noted on his website that his publisher is suspending the series due to lower than expected sales. For this reason I suggest that all lovers of good fantasy get out their wallets and buy King's Cure - it is a great read and maybe we can get Liam Rhenford a second chance.

My reason for this is, of course, purely selfish: I want to read more Daniel Hood novels!

A potentially dreary three-and-a-half hour train ride whizzed by thanks to The King's Sister -- an excellent retelling of one of my all-time favorite stories -- King Arthur and the Roundtable. Seeing the story thru the eyes of King Arthur's sister afforded a different and excellent perspective to view the events unfold. The book moves so smoothly -- thanks to graceful writing and pacing. Bravo. I look forward to the sequel.

Kids (and adults!) will love this book. Schafer knows her stuff--it's a great journey through a historical landscape, with plenty of romance and adventure. A great gift. A gem.

What a wonderful book! Full of adventure and intrigue! I couldn't put it down! I recommend this book to all! Is a sequel in the works?

The one and only King James Version. This Bible has everything that a growing child needs. There is the original text combined with easy to follow descriptions and explanations to help your child understand the ideas that are presented. There are special sections such as "Words to Remember", "Let's Live It", "Life in Bible Times", and trivia in the "Did You Know". This is a must have for yout child if you are concerned about what text your child is reading.

I am a children's pastor and I highly reccommend this book. I use it for my lessons and also in class.

This Bible is great for young readers and will keep them going well in to High School. There are many graphics throughout this Bible and special interest comments that explain why people did things the way they did or why they wore a particular type of clothing. Our church gave this New Adventure Bible to all children graduating into the third grade. The NIV translation is pretty understandable to young readers. Each book has an introduction that is designed towards the young reader. There are also special pages to enhance a childs understanding: for example in addition to the actual text of the ten commandments - is a special page with pretty graphics that re-word the commandments in language for youth. A special page explains "How to pray" - another summarizes Old Testament Prophets, and yet another page called "Getting to know Jesus" helps kids understand what it means to be a Christian. Just like the 'grown up' Bible - this book is a Red Letter edition. My fifteen year old still loves this Bible.

The sermons in A Knock at Midnight are both deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the greatness of Dr. King. This collection should be read and heard by everyone, especially the young of today who have been fed a Dr. King who somehow only delivered one speech ("I Have a Dream"). As a middle school teacher I found the sermons to be an excellent way for my students to move beyond the platitudes about Dr. King to a much deeper understanding of his life and ministry. To read and listen to these great sermons is an absolutely wonderful experience, but at the same time a sad reminder that today we have no great voice of moral authority like his. Fortunately we do have his words and voice preserved for us and our children.

Notice I refer to the cassettes and the companion book as an EXPERIENCE as I both listened to and read the REVEREND King! Although the media focused on the visible part of his ministry, the civil rights movement, his sermons are profound and awesome in their implications for today as well as their in their powerful delivery during the mid-1950's through 1960's. Although I will cherish both the cassette series and the book, it is through hearing the SPEAKING of Dr. King that really made me breathless! Thank you LORD God for sending us your messenger Dr. King to give us a wonderful earthly ministry for a brilliant and brief time (much like Jesus Christ). Simply awesome!

A fabulous collection of soul-stirring preaching by one of this century's finest preachers. Many people know King as a great political leader, fiery orator, and creative organizer. This collection of sermons will convince the world that King was first and foremost an anointed preacher. His sermons ring with authenticity and resound with relevancy. Kings messages speak profoundly to our troubled times and offer both prophetic insight and divine guidance as we attempt to find our way into the next millinium. This collection of sermons, with their superb introductions and commentaries, is perhaps one of the finest efforts of its kind. It will certainly be a source of pleasure and insight for generations to come.

This is a very enjoyable read. The author has a good command of both worlds - management and the Bible - and molds them together well. Especially valuable is the admonition for leaders to trust in a creed, a guiding set of principles, a high calling and purpose for their existence and effort. Troubling however, but did not totally negate the gems of this book, is the author's enthusisam for listening to the sheep and making them the thrust and not the Good Shepherd. Biblically, this is non-existant, but is read into Scripture from a marketing oriented culture.

I'm not normally a big fan of Christian business books, but this one was has had a profound impact on me. It was truly effective in relating to real life management situations while not over "spiritualizing" the historical stories.

I think this is a marvelous book for anyone (whether in business or not), but especially for the manager who has been criticized for being to demanding or authoritative with his staff, spouse or friends.

If you only buy one book on leadership, buy this one

THIS BOOK IS FULL OF ADVENTURE, MYSTERY, AND FUN!!
I RECOMEND THID BOOK TO ANYONE!!!

It has all the princesses. It is fun to read. I like it because it's good.

First I got this book and it got so worn out from me reading it all the time that I had to get another one!!!!!!!!! :) This book is about the princesses working together to get the crown back. If you like fantasy, princesses, adventure, and fun you will love this book. It is my favorite book in the Jewel Kingdom series.

If you like Lord of the Rings thwn you will enjoy this book as well as the others written by William Burt. he is also a friend of mine. These books will keep you reading, full of adventure at each turn of the page!

As a three time teacher of the year I can fully recommend The King of the Trees for fun, adventure reading. The old theme of good vs evil is replayed in a refreshing setting. The plot and characters are believable and enjoyable. While the end is predictable to older readers, children will love this story. Parallels can be drawn between other good vs evil plots including: Lord of the Rings, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, and many Bible stories.

This is wonderful book that you and your children will absolutely love. We read this every night together before going to bed and every night I was begged if we could read just one more chapter. This imaginative book will draw you and your children in and you will love the characters you come to know and the places you will go. I highly recommend this book and we are anxiously awaiting another to follow.

"May your sythan-ar ever flourish!"

..... and may you never run into a "yeg" upon your travels in the forest.

It's easy to mistake good biblical characters for saints - and Eugene Peterson shows, in this book, that we all a lot more that is identifiable with David than we think. It's not impossible to follow God the way David did - and this book shows us how. Fantastic reading and lots to learn from.

Peterson brings a breath of fresh air to a stagnant atmosphere of worn out spiritual cliches. He makes the Bible come alive again,and gives flesh and blood to the names and places that we have heard and read about all of our lives. He forces you out of one dimensional thinking to three dimensional reality. His words get to the real heart of the matter. He words call out to my heart and challenges me to to seek and know God, God who knows me better than I know myself.

This book, detailing and probing the life of King David, has provided many valuable insights into the matter of living in communion with God even as being fully human. Although I was skeptical, I am glad to note that the biblical text was handled with integrity. The author researched the texts that he commented on, and admitted to speculation when doing so. This book is a must-read for anyone who struggles with the matter of living with God even as he or she struggles with being human. Peterson's narrative style also pulls the Davidic story right off the pages! The perspective is refreshing and challenging at the same time.