Thirty-eight year old divorcee Gemma Jericho works extremely hard as resident in charge of Bellevue Hospital Trauma Department as there is never a void of customers. She also feels like the sandwich generation struggling between her mom Nonna and her third generation American teen Livvie.

Nonna receives a letter from Bella Piacere, the village she grew up in Italy, but has not been back to in four decades. The priest informs Nonna that she has inherited property. Using guilt as a sharp sword, Nonna persuades her two descendants to come with her to Italy so she can see her home for the last time and to learn what has been bequest to her.

Though they kind of met in Rome, Gemma and Long Islander Ben Raphael formally meet in Tuscany. He claims to own the same villa that the priest insists has been bestowed on Nonna. Though Gemma and Ben are very attracted to one another, the villa more than the past failures in relationships stand in the way of anything permanent.

Fans of relationship dramas will want to read SUMMER IN TUSCANY as the tale contains strong characters representing three generations struggling to connect with one another. The story line is well written though the bias is clearly pointed towards the fresh rural countryside over the smoggy urban areas. However, the key that makes the plot succeed is the rotation of voices, though mostly Gemma, so that the audience understands what each of the protagonists feel and thus can discern why relationships are difficult to form and tougher to maintain.

Harriet Klausner

If you long for the charm of the Italian countryside and revel in quaint shops and romantic cafes with a foreign flavor, pick up a copy of "Summer in Tuscany." Travel with harried New York physician Gemma Jericho, her Italian-born mother Nonna, and her punk but mannerly daughter to the romantic Bella Piacere when they discover Nonna has inherited an Italian villa. When things seem too good to be true they most often are, and the ownership of the villa seems to be in grave dispute. A hunky Long Island artist appears to have purchased it legally and as the mostly predictable plot unfolds you'll feel Gemma's pain as she loses her heart and soul to the artist while mainly behaving as a lovesick teenager. There is so much local color you'll be reaching for juicy olives and sun-dried tomatoes, deciding to have a grappa with your dinner, and maybe even scouring the stores for the latest Italian import. There's also enough steamy romance to satisfy the passionate soul, but it is Gemma's secret past that really warms the reader to this slightly ditzy American in Florence. It may not be great literature, but it is an entertaining read with charm, romance, and a multi-generational bonding experience to savor.

Elizabeth Adler gets right to the heart of her characters, bringing them alive in a hundred quirky details. She takes you to places you've never been and makes you wish you could go there...... I know Bella Piacere is an imaginary village, but it and the Villa Piacere are alive in the pages of this book. Gemma Jericho is a woman with a tough job and a nutty family, but you fall in love with all of them from page l - including Sinbad the fat ginger cat, and not the least, sexy Ben Raphael. I want to meet a man like that!

A great case, but not enough background on the individuals involved. In true-crime I like "details", the who, what, why, where and when answered in creative and interesting ways. In "Summer Wind," all the questions were answered, but it was more like reading a newspaper or magazine article then a book. The Capano family is full of troubled people and yet no reasons other then money and privledge was given as a reason for their selfishness, alcoholism, drug use, and womanizing. I wanted to know more about the childhood of Tom Capano. Mr. Anastasia focused only on his aulthood. I wanted to know more about his wife and daughters and their reaction to this terrible murder. All in all an interesting case but ultimately disappointing account of it.

The Summer Wind is one of the most fascinating murder stories I have ever read! Although I'm not usually a fan of "true crime" novels, I was instantly engrossed by Anastasia's in-depth account of the Fahey/Capano case. Anastasia takes you inside the minds of both Anne Marie Fahey and Thomas Capano, revealing how their relationship progressed from an innocent flirtation, to a dangerous obsession, and finally to murder. Like the prosecutors involved, Anastasia weaves together all of the evidence until the complete and shocking picture of Capano's betrayal becomes clear. It was not only a heartwrenching and suspenseful story, but also an important examination of human nature and the corrupting force of power. I'd highly recommend it to any reader.

This book ranks right up there with HELTER SKELTER in my favorite true-crime books. I live in Philadelphia, just a stone's throw from Delaware, the locale of the story, and I heard plenty about the Anne Marie Fahey case at the time it happened.

TSW is the story of gubernatorial secretary Anne Marie Fahey and Tom Capano, a high-powered attorney with political aspirations and connections. This is a story of appearances. To all observations, Anne Marie was vivacious and fun-loving; what wasn't readily apparent was the fact that she was a troubled young woman with eating and emotional disorders that stemmed from a dysfunctional upbringing. Tom was Delaware royalty, the scion of a wealthy Italian-American family who had the brains to take the Capanos to new levels both politically and socially. To all who knew him, he was the biggest mover and shaker in the state. What wasn't readily apparent was the fact that he was a manipulative, obsessive lothario who preyed upon helpless, insecure women.

You will be glued to this book as you read how Capano literally tried to get away with murder and the anguish the Fahey family experienced as all attempts to locate their sister were in vain. The culmination came with the incriminating discovery of the cooler and the decree of the death penalty, which Capano appeals to this very day.

"Memories of Summer" by Ruth White is a story about two young girls that had to move from their hometown in Virginia to a big industrial city in flint, Michigan. Along the way the girls have to find a way to fit in and adjust to the move. Summer happens to find herself losing control and not wanting to do the things she used to love.
After a few days in their new town Summer starts talking to imaginary people and having frightening episodes of paranoia. She drops out of school and devotes all of her time to sitting around at home and watching her life slip away from her. After many long days at home she slips into schizophrenia and her sister Lyric has to try and take care of her.
Summer continuously gets worse, leaving her family no choice but to try and get her some professional help. They take her to the doctor and are told they need to put Summer in a facility where the doctors could focus entirely on her. Lyric and her father didn't like that choice, so they made sacrifices in order to stay home and help Summer get well. Things got out of control and they both felt like they couldn't handle her any longer. They fought through long periods of trouble and ......
Read this exciting, fun filled book to see what happens and how everything turns out. This book will be sure to keep you on your toes and at the edge of your seat. You won't ever want to put the book down. Be sure to read Memories of Summer by Ruth White.

Lyric, a thirteen year old girl, re-tells the story of her move with her family from rural Virginia to the city of Flint, Michigan. Just as Lyric is discovering herself as a young teen, she is disappointed to find that her sister is lapsing into a deep struggle with mental illnes. Seen through the eyes of Lyric, this story is both heartwarming and sad. The descriptive writing of Ruth White and the voice of Kate Forbes, invites the listener to imagine what life was really like for a teen that has been uprooted from the peacfulness of a rural community only to take on the struggles of city life at school and at home. This book would be an excellent book for any young reader. (This review is based on the audio version).

I think the book Memories Of Summer by Ruth White is a great book! It is about a girl named Summer that is schizophrenic. Her sister, Lyric, cares a lot about her and tries to do everything she can, but just can't do it. Summer does not listen to anything her
sister says. She refuses to go to school, get dressed, take a bath and eat. Summer's sister and her father have only one choice. Read the book to find out about there difficult decision.

I've read Grimes before and find her non-Jury books have many of the qualities of fantasy. It seems most evident in this one. First, we have a precocious & engaging twelve year old girl - Emma - with a very active imagination. She constantly builds a colorful & active daydream world - and she's well aware that these are day dreams - a world she constructs as she would have her real world if she had a choice. As the book progresses, it's as though the it IS her daydream. Consider - a twelve year old girl who is left alone, in charge of the day to day operation of a country hotel, who takes taxis & trains as most twelve year olds ride a bike, who 'interviews' adults in a most mature way and is awarded the attention and respect normally reserved by adults FOR adults.

There is an unreal, dreamy quality to the described background scenes though the characters peopling these scenes are well realized - it's almost as though they move against a surreal background. The climactic scenes read like a young girl's fantasy - triumphantly unbelievable. Trust me - I WAS Emma, with that same active imagination at that age and the ability to construct elaborate, ongoing adventures for myself while well aware that they were indeed my own construction.

I agree with [those] who comment that the story line is slight - it's the way it's told that holds your interest. It's an unusual book. I'd like to hear what the author has to say about it.

I have a love/not quite hate-more like an ambivlent(sic) feeling about both this book and Hotel Paradise. First of all,I love the Emma character. What a great kid,she's smart,funny,and VERY imaginative. Like pretending she's on vacation in Florida along with her mom,the mom's business partner and annoying teen-age daughter. Great stuff and handled in a non-cutesy way. Also,how the sheriff & etc in town treat her wtih respect and don't talk down to her. Ms.Grimes ability to get into a 12 year old's mind is terrific. Ok,the bad part,the main mystery she's trying to solve just sits there like a lump of cold mashed potatos(yes,the food descriptions are yummmy as well)I'm referring to The Queen Family one. I wished she could've just focused on uncovering Mary-Evelyn's drowning instead. I got confused with the two overlapping mysteries. Ok,I'm not a big mystery reader so maybe it's just me. Read it for it's young heroine and the sharp writing if mysteries aren't your "thing" either.

For Fans of Martha Grimes Inspector Jury, and Melrose Plant-This isnt a part of that series.
But don't miss it. It is definitely preferable to read Hotel Paradise first, this is a sequel, and assumes knowledge from the prior book. You could read it alone, but I think it would become frustrating. The best is to read them together.
***This is not a classic who-dun-it*****
In fact, we're barely sure of the details of the crime itself, or the long ago events that caused it. This is the story of a (lonely-though I doubt she'd describe herself that way)-12 year old girl's mission to decipher the meaning of a recent crime, and to discover its connection to crimes or sins commited long ago. It builds on the mystery she (mostly) deciphered in "Hotel Paradise".
This book is wonderful. Not only are the old and new mysteries hauntingly engaging, but Emma's journey to decipher them made me laugh and cry at how well it describes what it's like to be 12. Not yet accepted as an adult, but old enough to have the persistence and ingenuity to get help from the adults who can help her investigate, while pretending to be nonchalantly wandering, just like a child. Emma made me remember what it was like to almost believe, that if you didn't stare at someone, they wouldn't notice you. She is precocious, but very realistic and likeable. Sheriff Sam DeGheyn,even seen through her critical eyes, is obviously wonderfully kind, caring and intelligent man.
she finds help from unlikely allies, finally coming to a resolution, that is wonderful, solving unanswered questions from "Hotel Paradise" as well.
Again: don't expect a "Jury and Plant" story-
but you'll get something rare and precious.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a baseball park review book. It is so much more than mere statistics and data, as it gives a fresh personal perspective to each park. I am now more enthused than ever about taking such a trip to all of the baseball parks - but no way in just 38 days like these two enthusiasts did! You will not want to put this book down! Well written and peppered with humor, too.

In addition to homeruns, the World Series, player statistics and salaries, the national pastime of baseball is also about the stadiums, hotdogs, beer, mascots, and the team identification and loyalties of the fans themselves. In The Summer That Saved Baseball, Brad Null and Dave Kaval effectively collaborate to evaluate baseball stadiums, food, fans, and hospitality associated with professional baseball. Included are details about each stadium, the likes and dislikes involved, and even some very funny stories and anecdotes arising from their cross-country trip and the close quarter living they endured during their thirty-eight day survey. Of particular interest for dedicated baseball buffs will be the information revealed about the expenses, freebies, and general background data about each stadium, as well as the lists ranking everything from the stadium to the beer! The Summer That Saved Baseball is a "must" for everyone who has ever bought a ticket and sat in the bleachers to cheer or jeer the guys on the field.

Null and Kaval's Summer that Saved Baseball is an entertaining and informative read. It stacks up against Bob Wood's Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks as one of the best ballpark narratives out there. Not only does the book tell you everything you might want to know about the ballparks, but it really gives you a feeling of being there. The book goes on to make some interesting points about ballparks and the state of the game, particularly concerning the proliferation of new state-of-the-art ballparks and how they might be detrimental to the game. It carries with it a unique perspective of a couple of regular guys going on an outlandish journey and often getting swept away by the unexpected attention lavished upon them and the unanticipated rigours of the task that they have created for themselves. All in all, I wish I could have joined them.

Nearly 30 years later, the 1975 World Series remains perhaps the greatest ever played. Consequently, several books have been written about the Series, mostly focusing on Fisk, what happened to the Sox in the aftermath, etc. But Adelman takes a different approach, choosing to look at the entire season in the context of the history of baseball -- and the massive change just around the corner. With the DH, Astroturf and free agency all either in place or looming, Adelman hints of things to come and the events that lead to these overhauls of the game. He also gets into the players' lives, and what's going on off the field (Bench and his marital troubles, Tiant's longing for home and his parents finally seeing him pitch). Perhaps the best part about the book is that it's not driven by statistics -- these are stories, interwoven from all parts of baseball, including the death of Casey Stengel and subsequent passing of an era, to the tight-fisted Charlie O. and the harbinger of things to come. Written in the present tense, this book puts the reader within the time frame -- a time frame that signaled perhaps the end of the last pure unsullied season in baseball history. If you are really concerned about how much time a batter has to swing at a fastball (which is, in fact, closer to a half second -- because batters routinely take the first steps of their swing before the pitcher even releases the ball, just watch the next time Unit or Schilling pitch. No one can decide to swing, swing, and make contact with a ball in .15 seconds, but I digress), read Robert Adair's "The Physics of Baseball." But if you want an enjoyable read of a great season and even greater characters, pick this book up right away.

This book could have been overlooked on the shelf for the simple reason that the title states: The Greatest World Series Ever Played. As such, the '75 series has been written about several times, with varying interest and success. But anyone who passes over this book will miss an enjoyable, and enlightening, read. With this effort, Adelman goes beyond the playing field and gives the readers a look into private lives of the ballplayers. Johnny Bench's marriage is disintegrating, yet he seemingly doesn't care because he wants to win. Luis Tiant's parents have never seen him pitch in the majors until the World Series. This is stuff that you can't get out of stat books or reference manuals. These are stories, of the players, of the game, of the times. Adelman provides hints throughout of how Casey Stengel, Astroturf, the DH and Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally are all intertwined. Part history book, part narrative and part comedy, this book belongs on all baseball fans' shelf at home, especially fans of the Sox and Reds. And if you really want to know how long a batter has to decide to swing (which actually IS closer to 1/2 second than .15 seconds -- think about it, no one can decide to swing, swing and make contact, all within .15 second -- watch the next time Randy Johnson is on the hill -- the batter starts moving toward a swing before the pitch is even released, but I digress), go read Robert Adair's "Physics of Baseball." But if you want an entertaining look at baseball in one of the last pure years, pre-steroid inflated numbers, pre-record induced egos, don't miss Adelman's brilliant book.

It has become popular during the last several years to have books published which are devoted to certain years during a baseball season. Some of them have been good while others have been found wanting. The Long Ball by Tom Adelman fits into the former category especially if you are old enough to remember the memorable 1975 season. There is a heavy emphasis on that year's World Series as it should, but it also includes a number of incidents and individuals that made headlines during that year such as the advent of free agency looming ominously on the horizon, and anecdotes on Casey Stengel, Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, Bill Lee, Catfish Hunter, and Carl Yastrzemski, and many others. Half of the book is devoted to the post season playoffs and World Series. I like the author's use of humor in telling stories such as Bill Lee describing Bernie Carbo as "pure oxygen looking for a flame." The relationship between Sparky Anderson and Bernie Carbo is built up prior to that fantastic 6th game of the Series, and I thought Anderson's reaction to the ending of that game was precious as he felt betrayed by Carbo's 8th inning three run homer. I notice that this book has received mixed reviews, but I found the book to be enjoyable and it was fun to relive the '75 season through this book and be reunited with those individuals who were in the game during that time. Whether you were old enough to be a fan during this season or not, I think you will find this to be a very enjoyable book. It is worth the space on your bookcase.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Hilderbrand's style of writing. She captures you immediately and makes you laugh and cry throughout the story. The story line is good, but complicated and maybe too many story lines going on at once. However, the ending was a kick and it screams sequel. I loved most of the characters, although she left you hanging with one character, Vance, who seemed incomplete and not well defined, in comparison to her other characters. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to other books by Ms. Hilderbrand. She is a great author.

After reading two fairly "heavy" novels, "Beach Club" was just what I need to relax a bit.

The location was intriguing--next summer I plan to visit Nantucket and look forward to identifying the places the author mentions. I can do without meeting some of the characters, though. Although those who peopled this book were well described, some of them were less than likeable.

I liked the relationship between Mack and Lacey--that was really special. The descriptions of some of the guests was also very much on-target...I live at a beach resort in the summer and some visitors actually do blame the resort if the weather is bad! Imagine that! You sure do see all types in a place like this, not all of them good.

This was easy reading, a fast-paced story that read like a TV soap opera. I finished it quickly and did not have to think too much about what I was reading.

I do believe the the author's love for her island home showed in her writing about it, and I welcomed that.

This book was great! I finished reading it in 2 days--I just couldn't put it down. I was so disappointed when I finished the book because I just didn't want the story to end! The author made the characters seem completely real and I can't wait to visit Nantucket!! Buy this book--you'll love it!

The film was much better than the screenplay in my opinion. I did enjoy the movie, in fact I plan on buying it when it comes out on video. I am a huge horror buff. I know what you did last summer, was great because, Kevin Williamson wrote it. He in no way did or helped with this movie. To all of you, who think this "book" is the novelization of the movie, you're sadly mistaken. Lois Duncan wrote the first and original. This is only a screenplay of I still know what you did last summer. I can't believe how many of you readers actually thought this script was a book. Just think about it for a minute, how many books have you read that came in a screenplay format? None. Once again, this is only the SCREENPLAY and nothing more. Just to clear up everything. If you liked the movies, read this screenplay because, there isn't one published for the first film, only the novel by Lois Duncan.

I read this book in one day. It was that good. It is written in screenplay form and has been edited for bad language. The violence is all in there though (some more grusome than the movie). The book contains about 8 pages of photos from the movie inside. It is an easy read and any age could read it. I have not seen this book in librarys, but it is on the internet and in stores. It is a great, scary book!

Well The Moovie was aswon so I thought I should read the book. You would have though that Julie and Ray would have confessed after all this time but I gess not they though they should still keep it a secret. Well the other thought that the other did atleast. i would recomend this book to a lolt of pepole and would love to read it again.

I made a point of reading "How I Survived My Summer Vacation, Volume 1" after watching the first season again of "Buffy the Vampire Season" in chronological order, so I could appreciate the attempt of this collection of short stories to answer the eternal question "What REALLY happened that summer after sophomore year?" But it soon became clear that what is involved here is less filling in the giant gap and more foreshadowing what is to come in season two and beyond. Certainly it is impossible to read about Giles and Jenny without thinking she is half a year way from having her neck broken by Angelus. The six stories here begin with some notion of continuity, as a demon mage named Absalom has shown up to help the Anointed One after the death of the Master. But that only holds up for half the book. The first story, "Dust" by Michelle West, is definitely the best of the bunch, focusing on Buffy, who is suddenly having visions of the death of everybody she touches, which makes going to live with her father for the summer even more difficult than she expected. Nancy Holder's "Absalom Rising" tells of how the Master's minions and Giles, Angel and the Scoobys fought over the Master's bones. Cameron Dokey gets two bites of the apple: "Looks Can Kill" is the second best story in the bunch, focusing on Giles and Angel trying to get along with each other without Buffy to mediate. "No Place Like..." takes us back to Buffy in L.A., where she becomes involved in a nice little ghost story. The last pair of stories try to go for the comedy a bit too much and are hardly worth the effort. "Uncle Dead and the Fourth of July" by Yvonne Navarro finds Jenny dragging Giles to the 4th of July picnic where a group of zombie soldiers show up to have some fun. Then in "The Show Must Go One" by Paul Ruditis has Giles and Jenny going to see a production of "MacBeth" because five of the stage crew are vampires and the other two are Willow and Xander. At the end of this there is but one burning question: Where's Cordelia? Time always stands still between seasons on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," so I am sure we can look forward to future collections of short stories detailing what happened each summer, from the summer Buffy ran away to L.A. to the one she spent in her grave. I am also sure we can look forward to equally mixed bags of good and not so good short stories to download in the future.

I made of point of finally reading "How I Survived My Summer Vacation, Volume 1" after watching the first season from of "Buffy the Vampire Season" in chronological order, so I could appreciate the attempt of this collection of short stories to answer the question "What REALLY happened that summer after sophomore year?" But it soon became clear that what is involved her is less filling in the gap and more foreshadowing what is to come. It is impossible to read about Giles and Jenny without thinking she is half a year way from having her neck broken by Angelus. The six stories here begin with some notion of continuity, as a demon mage named Absalom has shown up to help the Anointed One after the death of the Master. But that only holds up for half the book. The first story, "Dust" by Michelle West, is the best of the bunch, focusing on Buffy, who is suddenly having visions of the death of everybody she touches, which makes going to live with her father for the summer more difficult than she expected. Nancy Holder's "Absalom Rising" tells of how the Master's minions and Giles, Angel and the Scoobys fought over the Master's bones. Cameron Dokey gets two bites of the apple: "Looks Can Kill" is the second best story in the bunch, focusing on Giles and Angel trying to get along with each other without Buffy to mediate. "No Place Like..." takes us back to Buffy in L.A., where she becomes involved in a nice little ghost story. The last pair of stories try to go for the comedy a bit too much and are hardly worth the effort. "Uncle Dead and the Fourth of July" by Yvonne Navarro finds Jenny dragging Giles to the 4th of July picnic where a group of zombie soldiers show up to have some fun. Then in "The Show Must Go One" by Paul Ruditis has Giles and Jenny going to see a production of "MacBeth" because five of the stage crew are vampires and the other two are Willow and Xander. At the end of this there is but one burning question: Where's Cordelia? Time always stands still between seasons on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," so I am sure we can look forward to future collections of short stories detailing what happened each summer, from the summer Buffy ran away to L.A. to the one she spent in her grave. I am also sure we can look forward to equally mixed bags of good and not so good short stories.

This book is a collection of 6 short stories set during the summer following Buffy's sophmore year.Buffy has just killed the master and gone to LA to stay with her father. 'Dust' by Michelle West follows Buffy to LA where she has to battle internal visions and demons. As she gets up close and personal with the future deaths of her friends and relatives her death at the master's hands becomes more real. This is the darkest and most distrubing story. In 'Absalom Rising' by Nancy Holder Vampires steal the master's bones from Giles. Jenny, Xander and Willow come to his assistance. Angel offers his help but Giles has trouble trusting a vampire. 'Looks Can Kill' by Cameron Dokey is my favorite story. A shapshifter bent on the slayer's destruction targets her friends in her absence. Angel, Giles and Jenny track the beast but who do you kill when the beast can look like anyone. "No Place Like..." By Cameron Dokey is a sweet story of redemption and love. Buffy sets out to kill a witch and ends up righting an old wrong. 'Uncle Dead and the Fourth of July' by Yvonne Navarro is a silly adventure for Jenny,Giles and Angel once again. Giles attempt at American history are amusing. The last story 'The Show Must Go On'by Paul Ruditis is a hoot if a bit bloody. Theatre buffs will particularly love it.

All in all a good collection that is true to the mood at the end of the first season and the beginning of the second. The stories are enjoyable whether you know the history or not. But for the true fan the references are very will placed. Angel it would seem is staying close to Xander, Willow,and Giles because they represent a way to keep close to Buffy. In the last story he asks Giles to get a message to her since he hasn't heard from her all summer. Giles is trying to distance Xander and Willow from any danger. And Jenny Calender is falling in love with the stuffy watcher.

I recomend you spend part of your summer vacation reading these stories and I hope since this says volume one that another collection for Buffy's junior summer will follow.

I DIDN'T THINK THAT PARTY SUMMER WAS A GOOD BOOK. IT WASN'T EVEN SCARY OR SUSPENSEFUL! I LIKED THE BEGINNING AND IT HAS KIND OF A COOL ENDING, BUT STILL IT IS A VERY DISAPOINTING BOOK FROM R.L. STINE.

I totally recommend everyone reading this book. In my opinion, it is one of R. L. Stine's best books. At the beginning, a girl named Cari and three friends go for a job at an old hotel. When they get there, someone tells them to leave immediately. They don't listen and start working. Everything was okay until they see a ghost, until Simon Fear dies, until they try to escape the island and notice they're TRAPPED!

four teenagers trapped in a summer resort island with Simon Fear The Third....TOTALLY COOL! it was suspenseful. i really liked it. It was one of RL. Stine's best Fear Street book....if you haven't read it, RRREEAADDDD ITTTTT NOOWWWW!!!!!